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“Guidelines before Plastic Surgery” by Dr. Karol Gutowski

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by Plastic Surgeon Karol Gutowski

There is always a 50/50 possibility of getting either unsatisfactory or excellent results after a plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is such a meticulous process. Cosmetic surgeons must not only be knowledgeable and adept at their field but they also have to be artists who know what kind of alteration will suit their patients’ face and body. Just like a typical medical surgery, there are preoperative guidelines that patients have to follow before undergoing plastic surgery, like a breast augmentation (see some patient pictures). It is crucial that these guidelines be followed to avoid mishaps during and after surgery.

pre plastic surgery guidelines

  1. Discontinue medications that enhance blood flow. An increased blood flow means more bleeding during surgery. Stop taking ibuprofen, aspirin, vitamin E, blood thinners and all kinds of herbal supplements ideally around 1 to 2 weeks before the surgery. If you’re on contraceptive pills, let your doctor know.
  2. Stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior to cosmetic surgery. Smoking slows down the rate of wound healing, making recovery longer and more prone to infection.
  3. It is recommended to stop eating or drinking anything after midnight of the night before the surgery. If your surgery is due tomorrow, don’t drink or eat anything after midnight tonight. This, however, can be an exception as some patients get dizzy and nauseous if they skipped more than 2 meals. Consult your doctor and the surgeon first.
  4. Have a responsible adult accommodate you to the clinic and take care of you for a week after the surgery. Each person has varying pain thresholds. After the surgery, it is normal to experience moodiness, swelling, bloating, bruising and fogginess or forgetfulness. You may not be advised to drive or commute by yourself.
  5. Before the surgery, the doctor in charge will prescribe a few narcotic pain medications. Stock these prescriptions before undergoing surgery. After surgery, always write down your intake to track your progress. Narcotic medication causes forgetfulness for up to 3 days so write every medication you take and have a responsible and trusted adult to accommodate you always.
  6. If you have a young child, hire a baby sitter. It will be difficult to watch over children, especially infants, for up to 2 weeks after the surgery.
  7. Let your physician and surgeon know of any special medical conditions you have. Are you prone to nausea? Are you anemic, diabetic or a few weeks pregnant? Do not hold back or hide anything from your medical history from them.

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Dr. Karol Gutowski

Dr. Karol Gutowski is a board-certified plastic surgeon of the Chicago Breast Augmentation Specialty Clinic, with a national reputation of excellence. In addition to being recipient of the prestigious Castle Connolly “Top Doctor” Award for Excellence in Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gutowski was also named Top Doctor by US News and World Report. Dr. Gutowski received his medical degree from Michigan State University. Dr. Gutowski has authored over 60 academic articles and book chapters in the field of plastic surgery.

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