Going Under the Knife? Know What to Avoid Before Surgery

Whether you’re considering going under the knife or uncertain if it’s a good idea, remember that there’s nothing wrong with enhancing some of your physical assets or improving your overall physical appearance to achieve the ideal features you’ve always desired. After all, it’s your body, money, and life.
In today’s world, you can have nearly any change done to you. May that be internal or physical. Some aim to have better skin, a curvaceous body, bigger eyes, and fuller lips. Meanwhile, others require corrective and remedial surgery to address life-threatening conditions such as nasal blockage, ptosis, and reconstructive surgery for severely burned skin.
Physical attractiveness is constantly linked to having good self-esteem. When people trust their looks, they can stroll through the streets with greater self-confidence. The constant desire for people to see or surround themselves with beauty is apparent with the things we surround us with, from objects, artists to even your favorite song. Thus, the number of people who want to undergo this procedure is also on the rise.
However, many don’t anticipate the preparation needed when you decide to do such surgeries. Here are the things you need to consider before going under the knife.
- Avoid Assuming You Know Everything
Although most kinds of cosmetic surgery are now less traumatic, it is still an operation. This means there’s still a significant chance of feeling anxious and contemplative before the procedure. Thus, you should conduct your research ahead of time and supplement yourself with relevant and credible information.
Doing it on the day itself or even the night before will only leave you anxious, stressed, and scared, obsessing about every little thing that ‘might go wrong.’ Remember that surgical preparation goes beyond having to finance your operation smoothly. Consult with your doctor, friends, and family who have undergone the same procedure to know what to expect before, during, and after.
- Avoid Specific Medications, Food, and Drinks
Although it could be satisfying to consume alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages before bed or take sleeping pills to relax your nerves the night before the operation, this could only harm your healing and surgery.
Green tea, for example, is known for its antioxidant properties but can also cause bleeding problems, which may then raise blood pressure, and results in rapid heart rates. This goes the same with alcohol, as it tends to cause blood thinning, resulting in heavy bleeding during or after the surgery. It’s best to avoid it for at least five to ten days before surgery or check in with your doctor to see when it’s okay to resume.
While eating certain fruits and vegetables is usually the foundation of a well-balanced diet, they won’t serve you well while you’re getting ready for surgery. Thus, it’s essential to note important reasons why you can’t eat or drink before the procedure.
It’s advisable to avoid high-fiber meals for 24 hours leading up to the process. This is because it takes longer for the body to break them down, causing further implications. Again, if you’re uncertain, or have other medical issues such as food allergies, don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor.
- Avoid Not Getting Adequate Sleep
Sleeping sufficiently before the operation helps clear your mind and relaxes your body. Thus, you’ll have a greater chance to respond well to medications that may be necessary. Make it a point to go to bed earlier than your usual bedtime so you can have ample time to set your mind and body to sleep.
Avoid any distractions such as games, TV, and scrolling down your phone. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night; any less will leave you exhausted, irritated, and easily triggered, while any more will leave you sluggish.
- Avoid Smoking
Smoking elevates your chances of complications, risks, and health concerns both during and after your procedure. People who smoke have a substantially higher risk of developing a problem and wound healing issues and consequent adverse scarring following the treatment. Nicotine lowers blood circulation and the quantity of oxygen in the blood and skin, making surgical incisions more difficult to recuperate.
Thus, abstinence from smoking for at least a month before your surgery can help regulate your blood oxygen levels and your body’s capacity to fight germs and illness. Therefore, if you are a smoker and wish to get facelifts, stomach tucks, or even breast augmentation, you should consider ways to quit before the procedure.
Cosmetic surgery provides patients with various positive, life-changing effects, including enhanced confidence, improved physical mobility, and a better outlook on life. While the long-term advantages are tremendous, it is still an extensive life choice typically fraught with worry and stress. Thus, you should deal with caution and avoid being impulsive when preparing for the operation.
Meta title: Things You Should Avoid Doing Before Undergoing Surgery
meta desc: Although having surgery is now less risky, your body might still react to it negatively. Thus, knowing the basics and preparing for them is vital. Learn more.