You’ve finally set the date for that tummy tuck, liposuction or facelift you’ve been wanting for years. You know you’re in good hands at Southern Surgical Arts and you can’t wait to see the results of their expertise in time for your vacation this summer. But did you know that alongside your trusted medical specialist, you also play an important role in how flat or firm you become? Committing to your physical health and educating yourself before you go under the knife (or laser) will help give you the body you want and make the most of the money you’re spending to get it. “Your surgical outcome will always be the best when you’re in the best shape,” says Pamala Thompson, RN, DNP. Preparing for surgery is more than an investment of your time and money – it’s an investment in your mind and body, too.
Cosmetic enhancements such as tummy tucks, breast lifts and liposuction are most successful for patients who have the optimal Body Mass Index (BMI) based on their body type. BMI is the ratio of muscle mass to body fat, according to your height and weight. Make a quick online search or click here to find out where you stand on the BMI scale. Thompson says a high BMI where you’re carrying extra fat in the areas you want to tighten and tuck won’t help you make the most of your surgery. Basically, the better your BMI, the better you’ll look later. And there’s a surgical and post-op recovery benefit as well, because more fat means more time on the operating table and most likely, longer recovery time, too. “You’re going to do better not only in the way you will look, but from a cardiovascular standpoint you’re going to have a normal blood pressure, a normal blood sugar level, which is important to your healing if you’re at your optimal weight, you’re going to do better health wise, which is important to healing,” advises Thompson, who has 25 years of experience assisting surgical patients.
Let’s say you’ve determined a face lift is for you. If you’ve never been a cigarette smoker or nicotine user, you’re already ahead of the game. But if you have a history of lighting up, it’s time to set down the smokes. Besides saving your lungs you’ll also increase your chances of becoming a solid surgical candidate. “Because it’s elective surgery, some procedures should not be done if you’re a smoker. Not only a face lift but also breast lifts and breast augmentation,” Thompson advises. The SSA staff routinely run lab tests for all patients to check for nicotine and other problematic chemicals in your system. Older patients can expect to have an EKG test and all breast lift and breast augmentation patients receive a mammogram test to check for any signs of breast cancer. Additionally, patients are advised which medications they should shelve several weeks before surgery to lessen their risk for complications. Even seemingly innocuous supplements - such as fish oil that causes thinning of the blood – can pose a threat.
Get busy and do some homework, so you know just what your procedure entails and what you can expect during it, immediately afterward, and beyond. Thompson stresses the importance of educating yourself with the most information you can get your hands on. Not only will you discover a better body after surgery but you’ll have more peace of mind going in, and help minimize the anxiety your loved ones may be experiencing, too. “I always tell patients to do their research and come in to their consultation with a list of questions, as many as they can, for the medical staff before,” says Thompson.
Suggested surgery prep steps:
- Adopt a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Pick up your meds in advance from your pharmacy
- Set up a support system for your recovery phase
- Prepare your loved ones to be patient advocates and caregivers
Finally, remember the surgical and nursing staff will be with you every step of the way. Your safety is everyone’s first priority along with your comfort and care, “The heart of any practicing nurse is taking care of your patient – really healthcare for a nurse is the art of caring - it’s the touch, the reassuring of the patient that matters most to all of us here,” assures Thompson.
Preparing yourself with a positive attitude, an educated mind and a healthy body will set you up for the most successful outcome possible and the body of your dreams.
If you feel ready to schedule your first consult don't hesitate to call us today!