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How Healthy Do I Need to Be to Get Plastic Surgery?

Published on June 21, 2022
By Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery of Acadiana

Plastic surgery is a surgical procedure like any other. It entails anesthesia, incisions, and pain medication. With plastic surgery, you risk experiencing complications just as you can with other surgeries. Thus, it is essential to understand how healthy you need to be before plastic surgery.

 

What Is Plastic Surgery?


 

Plastic surgery is any procedure done to change the appearance of any part of the body for cosmetic reasons. It can redesign the shape or contour of your body and smooth out wrinkles.

 

There are various plastic surgery procedures that you can choose to change or modify your appearance, such as:

 

  • Butt lift

  • Breast lift

  • Breast augmentation

  • Eyelid lift

  • Forehead lift

  • Lower body lift

  • Thigh lift

  • Nose reshaping

  • Botox injections

  • Tummy tuck

     

The Risks of Plastic Surgery


 

Like any other surgical procedure, plastic surgery has potential risks. Some patients have had surgical procedures that result in disfigurement, scars, or even worse outcomes. While getting the worst results is rare, exposing yourself to such risks is a reality.

 

While each surgery has its risks, some are common in all procedures, such as:

 

  • Infection

  • Blood clots

  • Delayed healing

  • Unexpected or excessive healing

  • Anesthesia risks

  • Nerve damage

  • Need for another surgery to correct your results

  • Change or loss of sensation

     

How Healthy You Need to Be Before the Procedure


 

Being healthy is essential before going for any surgical procedure. So before getting plastic surgery, you need to be physically fit. Know your medical history and that of your family to ensure you have no increased risk for complications. You can also have a physical examination from your regular doctor before the surgery.

 

You need to talk to your doctor about any illnesses or conditions you have had in the past. Talk about any injury, allergic reaction, or sickness you have. They can increase your risk of complications during the procedure. You also need to eat healthily and rest up to stay healthy before your procedure.

 

Tips to Remain Healthy Before the Procedure


 

It is essential to talk to your doctor and the plastic surgery team before adopting new habits. Various things can impact whether the surgery will or will not be successful. Consider drinking plenty of water in the weeks before the procedure. Hydration helps your body heal during the recovery process.

 

Avoid drinking alcohol in excess before your procedure because it can thin your blood. Also, avoid smoking as nicotine slows healing and restricts the flow of blood.

 

Keep up with exercising to stay in shape before your procedure. Your plastic surgeon can advise you on the best exercises to help you before surgery. Plan for your recovery and rest by clearing your tasks so you can tackle them once you heal.

 

Benefits of Being Healthy


 

The main benefit of being healthy before plastic surgery is it increases your healing capability. Healthy individuals heal faster and better because they do not have compromised immune systems. Eating healthy, exercising, and listening to what your doctor recommends will benefit you.

 

You can also benefit from losing weight before some cosmetic procedures. For example, for a tummy tuck and liposuction, your outcome is better if you are at your goal weight before the surgery.



 

For more information on how healthy you should be to get plastic surgery, call Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery of Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana at (337) 504-3640.