Essential Preparations Before Your Plastic Surgery: A Comprehensive Checklist

Arrange for a Dedicated Caregiver

You must organise someone to be your caregiver during the initial stages of your post-surgery period. This person should be able to collect you from the clinic after your operation and remain with you for the entire day and night that follows. They should also be available to accompany you to your follow-up appointment the day after your surgery. While you could technically take a taxi to this appointment by yourself if necessary, it’s preferable to have someone with you.

Your caregiver needs to be solely focused on you for the 24 hours immediately following your operation. This means they shouldn’t be working or caring for children during this time. Although many of our patients find the recovery process to be relatively straightforward and not too demanding, we want to ensure that if you do require extra assistance, you have someone who is completely available to help you. We even have an informative blog specifically aimed at caregivers to guide them through the responsibilities they may need to assume.

Plan a Week-Long Break from Work

You must schedule a week off work to focus solely on your recovery. Think of this as your perfect excuse to finally catch up on all those shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime that you’ve been meaning to watch. If you’ve ever had the ambition to read a classic like War and Peace, now could be the moment—although tackling dense Russian literature might not be the best idea, given that you should aim for minimal stress.

The point is, this week should be all about relaxation and giving your body the time it needs to heal. That means no cleaning, no strenuous cooking, and absolutely no stress. Even if you start feeling fantastic a day or two after surgery, you must continue to take it easy. Your surgical results are likely to be significantly better if your body is given the proper time to recover. Resisting the urge to jump back into your normal routine will pay off in the long run, ensuring a smoother and more effective healing process.

Pause Your Gym Membership for a Month

Taking a break from strenuous physical activities for a full month following your surgery is recommended. This means no high-intensity workouts or heavy lifting for at least four weeks post-operation. While it might be tempting to get back into your regular exercise routine as soon as you’re feeling better, doing so could jeopardise your recovery and the success of your surgical procedure.

However, it’s not all about complete inactivity; you can gradually reintroduce light exercises like walking and biking about one or two weeks after your surgery. The aim is to strike a balance between giving your body the time it needs to heal properly and maintaining some level of physical activity. By pausing your gym membership for a month, you commit to this important period of rest and recuperation, ensuring that you get the best possible outcomes from your surgery.

RELATED: Exercising After Cosmetic Surgery

Organise Childcare Support

Taking care of children is a demanding task and counts as work, so you’ll need to arrange for someone else to step in during your initial week of recovery. Especially if you have young children, it’s important to note that you may be unable to lift them for a period of time following your surgery.

Having a trusted family member or friend to handle childcare responsibilities can make a world of difference in your recovery journey. This will allow you to focus exclusively on your own healing, without the distractions and physical demands that come with childcare. It’s advisable to set this up well in advance of your surgery date to ensure a smooth transition and to give you peace of mind, knowing that your children are in safe hands while you recover.

Pre-Arrange Your Prescriptions

You’ll be prescribed several medications to assist you after surgery. Some of these, such as antibiotics, are compulsory to take as they help prevent infections. Others, like painkillers, are to be taken as and when you need them. To make the process easier for you, we’ll fill these prescriptions in advance and have them ready for you to pick up at the clinic. That’s one less errand for you to run before your procedure.

It’s a good idea to designate a convenient spot at home where you can set out all your medications ahead of the big day. This ensures that they are easily accessible when you need them, which is particularly useful when you’re in the initial stages of recovery and may not be as mobile. Having your medications organised in advance contributes to a smoother post-operative experience, making it easier for you to manage pain and reduce the risk of complications.

Prepare Your Bed for Optimal Comfort

This is a crucial but frequently neglected aspect of post-surgery preparation. When you return home after your operation, it’s very likely that you’ll feel extremely tired due to the anaesthetic. Chances are, you’ll want to head straight to bed to rest and recuperate. Depending on the type of surgery you’ve undergone, specific sleeping positions may be recommended for optimal recovery. For example, you may need to sleep propped up for surgeries affecting the upper half of your body, or only on your stomach if you’ve had a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). Your dedicated patient coordinator will provide detailed guidance on this matter.

RELATED: How to Sleep After Cosmetic Surgery

To ease your transition back home, it’s wise to prepare your bed in advance. Set it up with comfortable pillows, fresh linens, and anything else that might help you rest more comfortably. This means that as soon as you get home, you can go directly to your pre-arranged, inviting bed, making the initial period of your recovery as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Prepare Meals in Advance

In the first few days following your surgery, cooking is likely to be the last thing on your mind. Therefore, it’s smart to prepare some meals ahead of time. By doing so, you can make sure you’re well-nourished without having to exert too much effort in the kitchen.

RELATED: Diet Before and After a Tummy Tuck

Consider making a selection of balanced, easy-to-reheat meals that you can store in the freezer or refrigerator. Go for dishes that are rich in nutrients and protein to aid in your recovery. This will allow you to focus solely on your healing, without the added stress of meal planning and preparation during a period when you should be minimising physical exertion.

Thoroughly Review Guidelines from Our Clinical Support Team

You’ve probably been given some documents to review before your surgery. You must read these carefully, as they contain important information that will help you prepare for your procedure and the recovery period that follows.

These documents often include details about what to expect before, during, and after your surgery, as well as specific care instructions tailored to your procedure. Make sure to familiarise yourself with all the guidelines and protocols outlined, and perhaps even jot down any questions or concerns you may have. This will not only help you feel more informed but will also enable you to get the most out of any pre-surgery consultations you may have with your clinical team.

Embrace Calmness and Serenity

The emotional rollercoaster leading up to your surgery is perfectly understandable; after all, it’s a significant event. You might be experiencing a blend of excitement, anxiety, and perhaps even a little fear. It’s all perfectly normal. What’s important is to allocate some time every day to unwind and engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being. Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or simply going for a leisurely walk, taking these moments for yourself can make a big difference in your overall outlook.

Rest assured, you’re in excellent hands and we’ll take exceptional care of you throughout the entire process. The end result will be worth it, and before you know it, you’ll be out and about, enjoying your new appearance with confidence.