Botched plastic surgery procedures can be a nightmare. They leave the patient dissatisfied and often also require a revision procedure to undo the initial work. Due to the increasing number of these cases, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently released a “Do Your Homework” warning for patients. To make sure that you get the desired outcome from your procedure, you have a responsibility to find (and work with) a highly qualified Baton Rouge Louisiana plastic surgeon, as well as ensure the procedure is performed in an accredited, safe, health facility.
In this article, we look at a few homework preparation items you can focus on for a successful plastic surgery.
Thoroughly vet your plastic surgeon
Not all plastic surgeons are the same. Many botched cases emanate from patients working with surgeons who are not adequately skilled. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can use the following criteria to validate your doctor’s qualifications:
- Are you certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
Keep in mind that the surgeon should be particularly certified in “plastic surgery”. This is a great way to ensure that they have been examined and found to be competent enough to perform plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, and breast reconstruction.
- When you visit the surgeon’s office for a consultation, look for a certificate that includes the seal of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Do Your Homework The American Board of Plastic Surgeons is the one only true board that insures your plastic surgeon has been through rigorous training and residency.
- If you have doubts about whether the surgeon is certified even after asking them, simply go to https://find.plasticsurgery.org and enter the surgeon’s name and town. If indeed they are certified, their name should show up in the search results.
- Be sure to ask where your procedure will take place. If your plastic surgeon has an in-house OR, ask about its accreditation.
Note: Dr. Taylor Theunissen is a highly qualified plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Theunissen has over 11 years of experience performing a wide range of plastic surgery procedures not just in Baton Rouge (LA) but across the stage and the country. Dr. Theunissen has an in-house operating room that is AAAASF accredited (highest standard in outpatient accreditation) with a full-time anesthesiologist that oversees all cases.
Know what foods to eat or avoid
Even if you work with a great surgeon, not taking good care of your body by eating the right food can have a negative impact on the outcome of the surgery. Salicylate – a chemical found in many foods and also in aspirin – can thin blood and impair the healing process after your plastic surgery.
Here are a few examples of foods to avoid before plastic surgery:
- Foods that can cause constipation such as cheese, red meat, milk and dairy products, processed foods, and sweets.
- Carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, etc.
- Some vegetables such as canned mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes
Foods to eat before plastic surgery
- High fiber foods such as cereal and whole grains
- Fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber and nutrients
- Lean meats that are high in protein such as chicken, turkey, and seafood
Things to stop doing before the surgery
- Smoking – smoking has negative effects on almost every part of the body. If you are having plastic surgery, smoking can compromise the healing process by inhibiting blood flow. It is important that you stop smoking at least two weeks before your procedure.
- Blood thinners- It is crucial to stop all medications that will thin your blood such as NSAIDS, Aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, naproxen, Motrin, etc. Tylenol is safe to keep taking prior to your procedure. Along with certain medications, any alcohol can as well thin the blood and should be avoided in excess consumption.
- Vitamin E – vitamin E is associated with increased bleeding and thus should be avoided before plastic surgery. Make sure to stop taking Vitamin E supplements well before the surgery. Because other supplements can have the same effect, make sure to let your surgeon know if you are taking them.
Take care of your schedule
Your body will need enough time to rest and recover from plastic surgery. Set up a comfortable resting place where you can give yourself space to recover after the treatment. Make sure to equip with all necessary supplies, including pain medication, ice packs, magazines, and anything that can help you relax while you recover. Your surgeon should help you come up with a comprehensive list of supplies before the plastic surgery. Although most of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, you will still need someone to drive you home and help out with chores over the first few days. Make arrangements to stay away from work through the recovery duration (which can vary from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on the specific procedure you received). Anything that increases emotional or physical discomfort as you recover can negatively impact the result of your surgery.
Conclusion
Finding a great (not just good) surgeon is the first step for plastic surgery preparation before undergoing a procedure! However, you also have a large part to play to ensure that everything turns out great – and that you are happy with the outcome of the procedure. Take time to learn about the different types of surgical options available for your type of procedure and the pros and cons of each as well as making sure you have realistic expectations. For instance, if you are planning to have a breast reconstruction, learn about the difference between autologous (tissue flap) and implant reconstruction. This can help you make choices that will pay off. Your surgeon will be at your disposal to answer all technical questions regarding the surgery. Also, make sure to bring along all the supplies and create space in your life so you can recover without disruptions.
