So you’ve done your research, went to a consultation or two at some reputable surgery practices and decided to make the investment – CONGRATULATIONS!

Along with the excitement and anticipation for your new and improved figure, you are also probably experiencing some pre-operative nervousness. Don’t worry! That’s completely normal and understandable. In this article, we will explain a bit about what the time leading up to the day of surgery to give you an idea of what you can expect.

 During your initial consultation, depending on your unique circumstances, you may receive some specific instructions regarding any health/lifestyle changes, directions for current medication use, requests for medical clearance letters from your current physicians etc..

 Heading into your surgery day, you will receive a series of calls, likely from a nurse at the practice, that will be considered part of the Pre-Op process. During these calls you will be asked questions relating to your health and medical history and you will receive some instructions for the days and weeks leading up to your surgery. If there were any specific requests that were made during your consultation, (like those mentioned above), you will be reminded of those requirements and the timeline in which they need to be completed. It is imperative that you answer all of these questions honestly and thoroughly and adhere to the instructions provided. This will prevent any potential issues related to your medical history or overall candidacy the day of surgery.

 Some of the instructions may include:

• What you should and should not eat prior to your surgery

• What to wear

• Directions for current medication use and dosage

• Lifestyle Changes (no smoking, when to discontinue alcohol, supplements you should or should not take)

• What prescriptions and products you will need to pick up and have on hand

• Verifying the information of the person who will be responsible for transporting you

• Reminding you about post-op care and what to expect during your healing process

During the 24 hour pre-op call, you will also receive your arrival time and estimated surgery time. Please note that it is common, when scheduling your date of surgery, not to be given a specific time until 24 hours before. This practice is in place for scheduling optimization in an effort to be efficient with your time as well as the time of the surgeon.

One other thing to keep in mind: because cosmetic surgery is typically considered an elective procedure, you will need to make sure that you have made the financial arrangements necessary to proceed. Most practices will require that you are paid in full two weeks prior to your surgery day. The administrative staff will assist you in this process, whether you choose to pay in cash, credit card or financing (if available).

 A day or two before your surgery, you will want to make sure your recovery space is ready for you when you return. The last thing you should be worried about are household chores or responsibilities when you get home. Your focus should be on making sure you have a clean and comfortable place to rest and recover and some healthy food on hand that will require little preparation or effort. Don’t forget plenty of water!