According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (www.surgery.org), the success and safety of your plastic surgery procedure depends very much on our complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:
- why you want the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcome
- medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- previous surgeries
Your surgeon may also:
- evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- discuss the options available to you for your procedure and rejuvenation
- examine and measure your face
- take photographs for your medical record
- discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
- discuss likely outcomes of the procedure and any risks or potential complications
- discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Special instructions you receive will cover:
- what to do on the night before and morning of surgery
- the use of anesthesia during your procedure
- post-operative care and follow-up
Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Your procedure may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.
If your plastic surgery procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
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Dr. Greg Liebscher is Mayo Clinic-trained, ASPS Member and ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial
