Plastic surgery involves enhancing the appearance or function of specific body parts, such as the nose, chest, arms, and abdomen. An experienced plastic surgeon at Somerset Plastic Surgery is able to perform cosmetic or reconstructive procedures. Here are the plastic surgery steps from consultation to recovery:
1. Receive a Consultation
To see if you are a good candidate for plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Come to the consultation with your medical history information. Our intake forms at Somerset Plastic Surgery ask for your medical history. The doctor will talk to you about any previous conditions you have experienced, allergies or medication, family history, and your lifestyle. Conditions such as diabetes impact your candidacy for some procedures. Your surgeon can discuss possible alternatives with you.
The surgeon will perform an assessment of the potential area of the body or face for plastic surgery. This includes taking photos and measurements as needed. This allows them to check whether the procedure would be functional with your anatomy, and it also helps them see if there are underlying health issues.
During the consultation, you will be able to discuss any aesthetic goals and potential procedures with the surgeon. The surgeon can discuss your questions about the available surgeries and help you find procedures that fulfill your objectives. There is also the possibility of combining procedures to help you achieve more of your goals with fewer surgeries. The doctor will provide details about the procedure and go over potential issues.
2. Prepare for Surgery
The surgeon will give you pre-surgery instructions to follow to help you get ready for the procedure and prevent complications. These may include lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking. If there are medications you are taking that increase bleeding risk, you may be asked to stop taking them. Arrange for a ride home from the surgery, and pack clothes that you will be able to move in easily after the procedure. If you are undergoing breast surgery, choose a button-up shirt that will not require you to move your arms over your head. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day prior.
On the day of the surgery, you will need to arrive early. During this time, the medical staff will review whether you followed the instructions, and they will conduct blood work to verify that your health is stable. They may also mark the areas for surgery. An anesthesiologist will go over the anesthesia process with you.
3. Undergo the Procedure
The team will move you to the operating room. Before surgery, you may receive local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical areas. With general anesthesia, you will be able to sleep through the surgery. Our experienced surgeons at Somerset Plastic Surgery adhere to high safety standards during procedures, including continuous monitoring of our patients’ vital signs. After the procedure is complete, we will send you to the recovery room.
4. Follow Recovery Instructions
Medical staff will watch you as you wake up from anesthesia to make sure there are no adverse effects. The amount of time you will need to stay will vary depending on the procedure. You may be required to stay overnight or up to several days for observation purposes. After leaving the hospital, additional downtime may be necessary for recovery. Make arrangements with work and your personal life as needed to allow you time to rest.
Before you leave, the medical staff will provide you with post-care instructions to follow. You will receive information on how to discharge and change your dressings. There will be a list of activities to avoid as you recover, including strenuous exercise. We will also prescribe medications and antibiotics as needed to prevent infections.
Follow all instructions to prevent complications and allow for healing. Elevating the area, taking prescribed medication, and applying ice packs help decrease discomfort. For exercise, you can go on walks. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol can also help with the recovery process.
5. Attend Follow-Up Appointments
After surgery, our staff will give you instructions on when to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. These appointments allow the surgeon to monitor your recovery. The first appointment may happen the week after surgery. During check-ups, the surgeon will assess the surgical area and remove dressings and stitches. They will also discuss your recovery progress and provide additional instructions as needed. The number of appointments will depend on your recovery progress and your procedure.
Meet With a Plastic Surgeon
We offer before-and-after photos to allow you to see the results of our previous surgeries. The procedures our plastic surgeons perform at Somerset Plastic Surgery include facelifts, arm and body lifts, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. We also provide BOTOX® and Juvéderm. New and established patient forms are available on our website for patient convenience. To schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon, we invite you to fill out our online form today.