Many people ask preoperatively what they can do to minimize the chances of problems after surgery. Although the possibility of complications always exists, there are very things that you can do to minimize complications and to speed up the recovery process.
First, it is very important to stop using tobacco. Many clinical studies have shown that tobacco usage significantly impairs wound healing and can lead to healing complications. Stopping all tobacco use at least 4-6 weeks before surgery will lessen the chances of wound healing complication and infection. Although quitting tobacco is not easy, it is incredibly import to optimize the safety of surgery.
Second, it is important to eat well. A diet high in protein improves the ability of the body to heal large surgical incisions. The interval of time just before surgery is not the time to diet and to become malnourished, as it will increase your risk of complications. In addition to adequate protein intake, a well-balanced diet supplemented with a multivitamin can be helpful.
Third, it is important to be in a good overall state of health. What does this mean exactly? It means that, if you have diabetes, make sure your blood sugars are well controlled. If have heart disease, make sure your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are optimizes preoperatively. This may seem self evident, but having a major medical complication after elective surgery can not only be harmful to your health, but it could also lead to significant complications with healing after surgery.
Fourth, it is important that you have a support structure intact that allows you to recover after surgery. What I mean by this is that patients who do not have help after surgery are oftentimes forced to do too much. Straining and excessive movement can lead to increased swelling and to other potential complications after surgery. In addition, if you do not give yourself enough time to recover from surgery and have to return to work prematurely, you can increase the risks of complications as well.
Should you have more questions about cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures at Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, please contact Dr. Jejurikar’s office at 214-827-2814.