*Disclaimer – There is no guarantee of specific results and results can vary from patient to patient. Our team of consultant plastic surgeons will ensure you are in safe hands and discuss your results at your consultation.

The weeks and days before a cosmetic surgery procedure are a heady mix of excitement, nerves and preparation. In the midst of all this, it’s easy to forget some of the surgeon’s advice.

Here are some tips on preparing for the big day.

Note your surgeon’s instructions

The specific pre-surgery instructions your surgeon gives you will be based on your procedure, your body and your medical history. It will differ between patients, so don’t ever follow the instructions a friend or colleague got without checking with your surgeon.

A surgical consultation involves tons of information sharing on both sides. You want this to be the most effective communication ever, so we encourage you to take notes and ask questions.

There are a few lists you can bring too. Which brings us to…

Make lists

Everyone knows they’ll need to tell the surgeon plenty of info, including what medications they’re on and medical history. But in the moment, it’s easy to leave out things. It’s the packing equivalent of bringing the camera on holiday but leaving the camera charger at home.

Before your consultation, make a list of all the medications you’re on including any vitamin supplements and herbal remedies. Your surgeon might ask you to take stopping some of them as Vitamin C, for example, can thin the blood.

Prepare a post-op den

Now is the time to have all your ducks in a row for after the surgery. The length of your recovery period will vary depending on your procedure and how long you were under general anaesthetic. No matter how long you’ll be recuperating for, there are preparations to do before the surgery which will help you along your way.

Clear your schedule for at least a week of any to-do tasks and anything remotely admin. Pay bills, write cheques, wash towels, wash the dog etc. all before surgery.

Prepare a cosy recovery space. Stock it with towels, magazines, telephone/mobile phone charger, water, snacks and any pain relief your doctor has prescribed. Ideally, this should be close to a bathroom and have a doting attendant in the form of a supportive friend or partner. They will probably be the one picking you up from the clinic after surgery too.

The Avoca Clinic has a nurse on call 24/7. Have her number and the instructions from your nurse stuck on the wall.

Avoid the obvious

Naturally, alcohol and smoking are off the cards just before and for weeks after surgery. Smoking will slow down the healing process.

Relax!

Yes, there will be swelling and bruising. These are temporary. Do not judge the results of the procedure on the first few post-op days. The best thing you can do for your body is to stay in bed, watch Ireland AM, and mind yourself! If you have real concerns, call your nurse.

The swelling and bruising will disappear, the scars will fade, and soon you will be like the vast majority of cosmetic surgery patients: very happy with your decision.

Want to know more or have any questions?

If you have a query or question on any of our procedures, our Patient Advisors would be happy to answer them. You can get in touch with us by phone on 01 201 4563, email info@avocaclinic.ie or use the online contact form. All queries are treated with the utmost confidence and discretion.