Congratulations! You’ve decided to get cosmetic surgery. We know it was a tough decision. But all the doubts are gone, and you are ready for the procedure. Or are you?

Cosmetic surgery requires a special approach to the preparations for everything to go smoothly. If you want to achieve the best possible results, it’s highly important to make a list of steps to be taken.

We’ve made the job easier for you by creating this quick and easy-to-read guide. It can help make sure you don’t forget anything when preparing for cosmetic surgery. In the end, we’ll share a checklist for you to print out.

1. Find the Right Surgeon

The toughest part of preparing for cosmetic surgery is finding the right surgeon and the right clinic. The results of the procedure depend on the professionalism of the surgeon and assistants.

The first thing to do is ask around. Cosmetic surgery is so popular these days that one of your acquaintances is likely to have gone through a similar procedure. If none is forthcoming, opt for the search arranged by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or simply Google “Best plastic surgeons near me”.

Once you have a list of candidates ready, find out if they are board-certified. Top surgeons are always certified by one of the following boards

• American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• American Academy of Dermatology
• American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

Don’t hesitate to ask the surgeon to show certification documents.

The next step is to look around the facility and listen to what your intuition tells you. You have to feel comfortable around the surgeon and the staff in the clinic. Otherwise, you are unlikely to be satisfied with the result. The right mental state of the patient is the key to the surgery’s success.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Before you go in for surgery, you’ll have several appointments with your surgeon. The more times you talk to this expert, the better. Make sure to ask the surgeon any questions that bother you, even if you feel uneasy blurting them out.

Remember, there are no stupid questions when it comes to making changes to your body. It’s better to ask than to regret something afterward.

The surgeon will also be asking you numerous questions about your medical history, preferences, reasons for getting surgery, etc. Be crystal clear an entirely honest with your answers. According to cosmetic surgeons at LabelleVie, your health may depend on them.

The most important questions are:

• How much experience do you have doing such procedures? (ask for before and after pictures of previous patients)
• What are counter-indications to my procedure?
• How long will the recovery take?
• How much does the surgery cost?
• What type of anesthesia will you use? 

3. Prepare Financially

Cosmetic surgery isn’t covered by insurance, so you have to be ready to pay for it out of your own pocket. After discussing the cost of the procedure with your surgeon, consider your options.

• Medical or regular credit cards
• Bank loans
• Home equity loan
• Unsecured medical loans
• Payment plan confirmed the doctor
• Loans from family and friends

All of the above methods come with their own pros and cons and require serious consideration on your part.

In case you can’t collect the amount necessary for the surgery, you may want to consider other clinics. Sometimes, surgeons may offer deals on some procedures so you can monitor special offers in your area.

Important: If a surgeon is offering a price, which is lower than the average cost of the procedure in your area, it should raise a red flag. Most likely, you’ll be getting less-than-stellar services.  

4. Ask for Help During the Recovery Period

Even the simplest cosmetic surgery is still surgery. It means that it comes with a certain recovery period. During the first several days, you will need help from a friend, a family member or a hired nurse.

Most likely, in the first few hours after you are released from the clinics, you will experience headaches and nausea. Even though such side effects are normal, they may interfere with your everyday activities. That’s why it’s important to have someone by your side.

Ask your surgeon about the recovery period. How long will you need someone’s help for? Arrange for assistance beforehand. The availability of such a person may dictate the date you schedule your surgery.

Meanwhile, you should prepare your home for the recovery period. Make sure everything you need is easy to access. I.e. you don’t have to climb the stairs or stretch high to reach items you need.

Remember, for a few weeks, the weight you can lift is likely to be limited.

5. Review Your Medications

If you are taking prescription medications, you have to have an extensive discussion with your surgeon about them. Some medications, such as ibuprofen, are anticoagulants. Which means taking them before the surgery could lead to excessive bleeding (since they won’t allow the blood to clot properly).

If some of the medications you are taking can’t be canceled, your surgeon is likely to recommend an alternative. Make sure you are 100% honest and straightforward about your medication schedule. It could affect the outcome of the surgery.

Your surgeon may prescribe additional medications before the surgery, such as vitamins. They should help prep your immune system for the procedure.

6. Say Goodbye to Bad Habits

If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking three weeks before the surgery. You should also avoid drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before the surgery.

Smoking interferes with the proper work of your lungs and heart. Both these organs are under stress during the surgery and should be in top shape. Alcohol puts stress on other organs as well.

Remember, to avoid complications during and after the surgery, you should ensure the proper functioning of your organs and keep your immune system in a stellar condition.

It’s up to you to take care of your bad habits. Your doctor isn’t responsible for making you quit. But he or she may refuse to perform surgery if you don’t stop smoking and drinking in advance.

Always schedule surgery when your health is in top shape.

7. Adjust Your Diet

About a month before the surgery, you should consider adjusting your diet for the same reason as quitting smoking and drinking.

Unlike emergency surgeries, cosmetic procedures are planned in advance so you have the time to prepare your body for the stress.

Make sure it receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals so it’s as ready for the surgery as possible.

Cosmetic Surgery Preparation Checklist

Take this list with you and check off the completed points. 

1. Find the Right Surgeon ( use American Society of Plastic Surgeons search, employ search engines, or ask around)
2. Talk to the surgeon several times to get extensive answers to all of your questions.
3. Find money to pay for the surgery (Medical or regular credit card, bank loan, home equity loan, unsecured medical loan, payment plan confirmed the doctor, loans from family or friends)
4. Ask for help and prepare your home for the recovery period. Remember, you may not be able to perform household tasks for several days.
5. Review your medications (ask the doctor which meds should be canceled and which should be introduced)
6. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol three weeks before the surgery.
7. Start eating healthy a month before the surgery

 Final Thoughts

It’s vital to take the most careful approach in preparing for cosmetic surgery. Thankfully, you usually have plenty of time for the preparations. Make sure to talk to your surgeon about the necessary steps, the procedure, and the recovery time in detail. Good luck!