5 Things I Say to Every Plastic Surgery Patient
Every patient who comes through my door for surgery—whether it is a tummy tuck, a breast lift, or a smaller procedure—hears the same five things from me before their procedure. Over the years, I have found that patients who understand these points tend to recover more smoothly and feel more confident heading into surgery. I am sharing them here so you can come prepared.
1. Now Is Not the Time to Diet
Good nutrition before and after surgery is one of the most important things you can do to support a healthy recovery. This is not the time to restrict calories, try a new yo-yo diet, or cut back on food.
Your body needs fuel to heal. That means drinking enough water and eating protein at every meal, starting well before your procedure and continuing throughout recovery. Protein in particular supports tissue repair and helps your body rebuild after surgery.
For a detailed look at what to eat before and after surgery, I have put together a full guide with a meal plan:The Cosmetic Surgery Diet: What to Eat Before and After Plastic Surgery.
Speaking of pre-surgery diet and nutrition, if you are currently taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, there are specific anesthesia guidelines that must be followed before surgery. We will review these together at your pre-operative appointment.
2. Every Surgery Carries the Same Core Risks
I believe that informed patients are better prepared patients, so I review the risks that apply to every plastic surgery at every pre-operative appointment, regardless of the procedure.
The most common risks are scarring, bleeding, and infection. For procedures performed on both sides of the body, such as breast surgery or liposuction, asymmetry is also a possibility. I go over additional risks based on your individual medical and surgical history, so this conversation is always personalized to you.
Scarring is another inevitable part of any surgical procedure. Scar care is something I address proactively, not as an afterthought. It begins four weeks after surgery. I will review exactly what to use and how to use it so you feel prepared well before you reach that milestone.
3. Getting Off Narcotics Sooner Is Better
Narcotic pain medication can be helpful for managing discomfort in the first day or two after surgery. After that, transitioning to non-narcotic options, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, is beneficial for most patients and supports a faster return to normal activity.
I use local anesthetic on every patient to help reduce pain in the early recovery period. This is one of the ways I work to make the first hours after surgery more comfortable and to help you need less narcotic medication overall.
4. Driving Depends on More Than Just Feeling Better
Patients are often eager to get back behind the wheel, and I want to give you a clear picture of what it actually takes to drive safely after surgery.
Returning to driving is not simply about feeling okay in general. You need to be fully off narcotic pain medication and physically able to slam the brakes, look over your shoulder, and tolerate a seatbelt across your surgical area comfortably. For significant procedures such as breast reduction or body contouring, this typically means waiting about one week. For less extensive surgeries, you may be ready in two to three days.
5. Walking Is Always the First Step
Every patient wants to know when they can get back to exercise. The answer depends on your specific procedure, but one thing is consistent across the board: walking is always encouraged, starting as soon as the day after surgery.
Light walking supports circulation, reduces the risk of blood clots, and helps your body begin healing. I encourage every patient to move as much as they comfortably can from the very beginning. More vigorous activity, including gym workouts and cardio, will follow on a timeline specific to your procedure and how your recovery progresses. I’ll let you know during your follow-up visits when you can expect to resume more strenuous activities.
Questions Before Your Surgery?
I want every patient to feel informed and ready before their procedure. If you have questions about preparing for surgery or want to learn more about a specific procedure, I welcome the conversation.
To schedule a consultation at my Richmond office, call (804) 355-3410 or contact us online.
Dr. Sharline Aboutanos is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Richmond, Virginia, specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. She has been recognized as a Richmond Magazine Top Doc several years running. Learn more »