Upon deciding with your doctor that surgery is the next step for you, learning what to expect from the procedure and deciding on an aftercare plan will give you the best results. Being physically and mentally prepared for the surgery is one of the most crucial steps to successful results. Understanding the steps taken before, during, and after surgery and your part in the process will benefit you. You will have less problems and you will recover quicker.
Working with Your Doctor
- Prior to surgery, a complete physical examination is performed by your doctor to ensure you don’t have any conditions that could conflict with the procedure or the final result. Blood testing and x-rays are routine tests that will usually be performed a week prior to any major surgery.
- If you are taking any medications prescribed by a family physician, be sure to discuss them with your doctor to determine if any should be discontinued prior to surgery.
- Weight loss prior to surgery can greatly improve your results and decrease your chances of complications.
- To reduce bleeding during surgery, any anti-inflammatory medication such as warfarin, aspirin, or any drug that increases the risk of bleeding will need to be stopped one week prior to your surgery.
- Smoking can cause serious complications following surgery, including failure of the wound to heal and infection. Your physician may post pone or cancel your surgery if you fail to stop smoking prior to surgery.
- Having bladder, gum, bowel, and tooth problems treated prior to surgery can minimize risks of infection.
- Eat a healthy diet, and add-on a daily multivitamin with iron.
- If you have any infections, let your doctor know. Until the infection has cleared up, surgery cannot proceed.