How can I choose the best surgeon for my needs?
Choosing the right Seattle plastic surgeon for your treatment can be daunting, as there are so many options and so many parameters to consider. While cost may be the first factor that springs to mind, it’s important to base your choice on more important considerations, such as expertise, skill, specialization and the ability to listen.
Your plastic surgeon should be board certified, and should be able to easily and professionally offer their credentials. You can read online reviews of their work to see how other patients fared, and you can also review their online gallery of before and after photos to see if the results speak to you. If you don’t see any patients who look like you, you can always speak with the surgeon and ask them if they have additional photos that might better relate to your personal cosmetic issues.
It’s also a good idea to come prepared with your own images. A picture of your ideal nose or chin can speak a thousand words to a plastic surgeon and help them get on the same page as far as your expectations.
How can I prepare for surgery?
Schedule your procedure when you’re in good health: The better your health prior to surgery, the easier time you will have in recovery, so try to schedule your treatment during a period of excellent health when are getting enough sleep and exercise and you are eating right.
Make sure your diet is on point before surgery: It’s important to boost the immune system before surgery, so make sure you’re eating enough fruits and vegetables and getting the good fats and lean proteins in as well. You will have to make sure you don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery, so if you’re eating in a sensible manner, your blood sugar will be more stable on the actual day of surgery.
Discontinue certain medications: Be sure to check with your doctor regarding which medications are allowed prior to surgery. Being transparent will ensure that there are no negative side effects or surprises.
Stay hydrated: You should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to help cleanse the body prior to surgery. Surgery can be dehydrating, so if you’re drinking ample water prior to your treatment, you will experience less constipation and dry skin.
Take Arinica: Taking the homeopathic medication Arnica in advance of your surgery can help reduce swelling, bruising and pain.
Take a stool softener: Surgery tends to result in constipation for many patients, so taking a stool softener can help offset this trend.
Take probiotics: Probiotics can help to offset the negative effects of antibiotics, which drain the body of healthy bacteria. They can also aid in digestion.
Abstain from alcohol for 72 hours before surgery: Alcohol can suppress the immune system, compromising your recovery from surgery, so you should stop drinking prior to your treatment.
Abstain from smoking for at least 2 weeks before surgery: Smoking can seriously inhibit the healing process because the body is getting a reduced supply of oxygen. You will need to quit both before and after your surgery to ensure safety.
Engage in relaxation techniques: Gather your relaxation materials, whether it be relaxing music, yoga videos, aromatherapy or meditation tapes. You will need these as you navigate your recovery from surgery.
Gather your support network: Undergoing surgery can be stressful, so you will need all your friend and family around you cheering you on. You may need people to drive you home or help with childcare once you undergo surgery, so it’s important to make these arrangements in advance.
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