How do you Prepare for Plastic Surgery?

Regardless of why you’ve decided on plastic surgery, it’s normal to have questions before any procedure. At O’Neill Plastic surgery, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art technology and board-certified surgeons to ensure you achieve the best results out of your procedure. While you can rest assured that you’re in good hands during your surgery, there are certain ways you can answer the question of how to prepare for plastic surgery as well as how to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

Make sure you’ve communicated all of your questions, concerns, and expectations.

At O’Neill Plastic Surgery, we prioritize your safety and satisfaction. In order to meet your expectations, we encourage you to communicate with us as you prepare for plastic surgery! There are no “bad” questions to ask, and we want to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible.

Medications and Supplements

When you prepare for plastic surgery it is pertinent that your surgeon knows of any and all medications and supplements prior to your surgery. This includes any changes in dosages for prescribed medications. While we will review these at the time of your consultation and pre-operative appointment, it is important to have this information readily available so we can accurately coordinate your care.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is very important, especially during the pre-and post-operative period! You should be eating a well-balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, a good balance of carbohydrates, and protein. When you prepare for plastic surgery and are in recovery it is not a time to be on a calorie or nutrient-deficient diet!

Nicotine

We require all patients to be nicotine free SIX weeks prior to surgery. Smoking slows down the healing process and increases surgical risk. We want you to have the safest recovery and best results following your surgery! Do not smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes, pipes, or cigars when you prepare for plastic surgery. Do not vape any substance. Do not use nicotine patches or gum. Do not chew tobacco. All of these will cause the nicotine test to be positive. We provide patients with up to three nicotine tests prior to surgery to help ensure that you are negative before your procedure. We will test for nicotine on the day of your pre-operative appointment, as well as on the day of surgery.

Arrange for Someone to Pick you up and Stay with you After Surgery

Just as you would for any other surgery, you will need to coordinate a ride home from a friend or family member and have someone available that can stay with you for at least 24 hours. In addition, it is always a good idea to have someone prepared to help you with small, everyday tasks should you need them. Having a support system lined up is a step we recommend taking as you prepare for plastic surgery. O’Neill Plastic Surgery can assist you with contact information if an overnight nurse is needed!

On the Night Before your Surgery

Take a shower the night before surgery and the morning of surgery. Please use the germ-inhibiting soap (chlorhexidine gluconate) from the neck down. Do not apply any lotions or creams after your shower. You can wash your hair either the night before surgery or the morning of surgery.

If you are having surgery at the hospital, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to surgery.

If you are having surgery in the O’Neill Plastic Surgery Surgical Suite, follow the directions given to you by the anesthesiologist that will call you the evening prior to surgery.

On the Morning of Surgery

As you continue to prepare for plastic surgery on the morning of surgery, you will need to take another shower with the same germ-inhibiting soap from the neck down. Do not wear nail polish or artificial nails. Do not apply any of the following: makeup, lotions, creams, perfumes, deodorant/antiperspirant, or powders. Do not wear contacts to your surgery, instead wear glasses. Wear a very large zip-up hoodie or button-down shirt and comfortable pajama bottoms or joggers—the bigger the better! Remove all jewelry, including all body piercings. If there are piercings that cannot be removed, please inform the staff before the surgery!

Contact O’Neill Plastic Surgery

Whatever you are looking for, the team at O’Neill Plastic Surgery is here to help you with all of your plastic surgery and aesthetic needs. For questions regarding procedures or how to prepare for plastic surgery, feel free to contact us online or to call us at 843-881-2130.

A picture of Patrick J. O’Neill, MD wearing his doctor attire.

About the Author

Upon completing medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Dr. O’Neill completed nine years of residency training. These nine years included a full general surgery and a plastic surgery residency, both at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. Dr. O’Neill has extensive certifications, training, skills, and knowledge that make him a successful physician who can carry out your next plastic surgery procedure. His expertise and technique will result in the beautiful and natural look you desire post surgery.

Board Certified:
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Sub-Certification in Hand and Microsurgery

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