dranupdhir@hotmail.com 
Deciding to have plastic surgery is a big deal and thrilling. This is something you’ve probably spent months, if not years, considering. You’ve probably spent time researching different procedures you've looked at before-and-after galleries, and you've thought about how you'd look after plastic & cosmetic surgery . But when you have your date booked, you are entering a new phase: preparation.
Preparation for your cosmetic surgery is as important as the procedure. A well-prepared patient not only keeps the procedure safe but also makes the recovery process smoother, faster, and more comfortable. Think of this preparation as a base camp for the beautiful results you want.
This guide is your real 'Do and Do Not' checklist to feel more confident as you get ready for your upcoming experience.
The "Do's": Your Proactive Preparation Checklist
This is your proactive plan for setting yourself up for success.
DO: Your Research on Your Surgeon
This is the most important "Do" on the list. Depending on which major hub of Plastic Surgery you choose in Delhi, you will have various options. Don't base your decision on price alone. Make sure that you:
- Check Qualifications: Confirm that your surgeon is board-certified specifically in plastic surgery.
- Consider Experience: Ask how many patients they have performed your exact procedure on.
- Examine Galleries: Look at before and after pictures of patients who are similar to you in body type or elsewhere. Do their after pictures look natural and achieve your same goals?
- Feel Comfortable: A good surgeon is going to be an open and honest communicator who will listen, be interested in your goals, and be realistic in establishing your expectations.
DO: Be Completely Honest and Open
Your surgeon wants to keep you safe. They can't do this without all of the necessary details. When you meet with them for your consultation, it is critical that you be honest about:
- Your Medical History: Every past surgery, every allergy you know about, and anything that you have been diagnosed with medically (even if you feel it doesn't apply).
- Your Medications: Everything you take gets documented, including prescriptions, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, and herbal/diet pills. Many of these medications (like fish oil or Vitamin E) are blood thinners and must be stopped.
- Your Habits: Be truthful about smoking, vaping, recreational drug use, and alcohol. This isn't judgement based. This is safety. Nicotine, for one, can severely compromise your healing.
DO: Create a "Recovery Nest"
For the next few days after your surgery, your priority is to rest. Imagine what a pleasant area that you will spend most of your time in. Try to set it before you leave the hospital.
- Your bedside table can have items such as water bottles, tissues, lip balm, your phone with a long charger, and the TV remote.
- Make your bed with clean sheets and will have plenty of pillows so that you can prop yourself up as the surgeon said.
- Make sure everything you may need for recovery can be reached with ease, put snacks or other items on a low table which you can reach without stretching or bending.
DO: Arrange Your "Care Team"
Your agreement to this is not optional. It is a requirement of nearly every cosmetic surgical procedure.
- Organize a Driven: You need to have a responsible adult to drive you to the surgical facility, receive you after the surgery, and drive you home.
- Organize a Helper for 24 Hour Care: More importantly, you will need someone to stay with you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours, who will assist you using the bathroom, assist with meals, manage your medications, and be present to watch out for any problems.
DO: Prepare for Your Body's Needs
- Nutrition: In the weeks leading up to your surgery, aim for high quality nutrition. Your body needs protein and vitamins in order to heal. Don't worry about crash dieting; focus on nutrition.
- Hydration: Stay well hydrated in the days before your surgery. Good hydration is helpful for recovery.
- Fill Prescriptions: Fill your post-operative prescriptions before your surgery day (like antibiotics or pain medication). You will not want to stop at a pharmacy on the way home.
The "Don'ts": What to Avoid for a Safe Surgery
This guide is entirely focused on complication prevention. You must adhere to this list fully.
Step #1: DO NOT smoke, vape, or use ANY type of nicotine.
This is non-negotiable. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, vapes, patches, gums) is a vasoconstrictor. This means it tightens the blood vessels and chokes off blood supply to your skin while it is healing. This can cause:
- Poor wound healing
- Lousy scars
- Wound infections
- Tissue death (necrosis)
- Anesthesia complications
All nicotine must be stopped for 4-6 weeks before and after your procedure.
DON'T: Take Blood-Thinning Medications or Supplements
Your surgeon will provide you with a specific list of items to refrain from, but essentially will ask you to stop the following:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and other NSAIDs
- Vitamin E
- Fish Oil
- Many herbal supplements (Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John's Wort)
These items can cause excess bleeding during and after surgery, which can lead to a concern called a hematoma, or a dangerous complication.
DON'T: Eat or Drink After the Cut-Off Time
Your doctor will indicate a time frame for you to stop eating and drinking (even water). This is referred to as 'NPO.' This instruction is ABSOLUTE. It means if you eat or drink, your surgery will be canceled. It is done to prevent severe risks to life and health if food or liquid goes into your lungs when you are under general anesthesia (pulmonary aspiration).
DON'T: Shave or Use Lotions Day of Surgery
Refrain from shaving the surgical site for at least 24 hours prior to your procedure, as the skin may have small cuts that can contain bacteria. On the day of your surgery, shower as directed (usually with some type of antibacterial soap), but do not use any make-up, deodorant, lotions or perfume.
DON'T: Be Afraid to Call Your Surgeon
If you are experiencing a cold, fever, or any illness in the days leading up to your plastic surgery, please phone the office of your surgeon. Don't try to hide it. It is always safer to reschedule your procedure instead of undergoing surgery when your body is already trying to fight an infection. Additionally, if you have any questions or worries at the last minute, don't hesitate to call.
Your Final Step
Getting ready for plastic surgery requires you and your surgical team to work collaboratively. By accepting these “Do’s” and "Don’ts", you are accepting an engaged and empowered role in your own safety and success. A prepared patient is a patient who heals quicker, more comfortably, and with better results.
If you are considering your choices for a Plastic Surgery in Delhi and are looking for a team devoted to your safety and results from start to finish, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Anup Dhir.
