Atlanta plastic surgery results

While every plastic surgery patient is different, there is one consistent truth: each patient wants to get the best surgical results possible. While it’s certainly important to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced and skillful in your procedure, not many patients realize how much they can do to improve their cosmetic results and healthy recovery, and even fewer realize that this process starts long before the procedure itself. Below are a few steps you can take to make the most of your cosmetic surgery.

1. Reach or maintain a healthy, steady weight.

Generally, the better a patient’s health is before a cosmetic procedure, the more quickly and smoothly they’ll heal and the less risk they’ll have for complications. But for procedures of the body, such as a Band Aid Tummy Tuck or liposuction, reaching a maintainable and healthy weight before surgery is especially important. Gaining or losing weight in the future can affect the appearance of your results, so rather than using a cosmetic procedure to kick off your weight loss efforts, it’s better to reach your goal weight first and use plastic surgery to contour areas of stubborn fat or excess skin.

2. Stop smoking.

Any doctor will tell patients that quitting smoking is imperative for their health, but this is especially true when it comes to plastic surgery. Smoking (or the use of any form of nicotine) strongly increases your risk of complications and of more pronounced scarring, which is why I require every patient to refrain from any use of nicotine for 2-4 weeks before their procedure, as well as 2-4 weeks after the procedure. But to help my patients be healthy enough to enjoy their results for years to come, I encourage all my patients who are smokers to permanently quit before their procedure.

3. Develop realistic expectations.

For every patient, my goal is to achieve results that make them feel like their most confident and beautiful self. With that in mind, the only way to be happy with your surgical results is to have a realistic understanding of the potential outcome. For example, for someone who wants to lose weight, losing 10 pounds in a month is an accomplishment to be proud of, but if they had set an unrealistic goal of losing 30 pounds in a month, they will still be unsatisfied. To set realistic expectations for your plastic surgery results, start by checking out before-and-after photos for patients who have had similar procedures, and do some research about the procedure you’re considering. By scheduling a consultation appointment with me, we can also discuss what results you can expect based specifically on your physiology and goals.

4. Make a list of all medications you’re taking, and follow instructions on when to take or not take them.

One question you’ll be asked in your consultation is what medications you’re taking, and this isn’t just limited to your prescriptions—you should also tell the surgeon about any over-the-counter medications, including herbs and vitamins. Many patients find it difficult to remember all this at once, so it may be helpful to give yourself several days to complete your list. Write down everything you can remember, then carry your list with you for a few days, keeping it accessible so you can jot down any additions you think of. It can also be helpful to actually go through your medicine cabinet to jog your memory. You’ll be given specific instructions regarding whether/when to discontinue using your medication before the procedure, and when you can resume taking them afterward. To minimize your risk of complications, be sure to follow these instructions precisely.

5. Stock up on everything you’ll need during your recovery.

You’ll probably be prescribed pain medication and/or an antibiotic to use after your procedure, and it’s best to get these prescriptions filled before your surgery. It’s also helpful to stock up on everything else you’ll need for the first few days of your recovery, like soft foods, basic toiletries, and anything you’ll need to care for your dressings. This will allow you to get the rest you need during your recovery without straining yourself and risking injuries or complications by making a trip to the store when you should be resting.

 

At your pre-operative consultation, you’ll receive more specific instructions pertaining to your surgery and the days before and after your procedure, but the suggestions above can help you improve your chances for optimal results and a smooth recovery. The only way to meet your aesthetic goals is to view your procedure as a partnership between you and your plastic surgeon—each of you must do your part in order to achieve the best results possible. For more helpful tips about maximizing or maintaining your surgical results, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.