Preparing for recovery begins well before the day of surgery. Dr. Bogue uses the consultation and preoperative process to explain what each patient should expect based on the procedure, medical history, home responsibilities, and anticipated recovery.
Although instructions vary by operation, these five steps can make the early recovery period safer and more manageable.
1. Complete Your Medical Clearance and Review Your Medications
Every surgical patient must receive appropriate medical clearance. Complete any requested testing early enough for the results to be reviewed before surgery.
Give the office a complete list of your prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and injectable weight-loss medications. Certain medications and supplements may need to be stopped before surgery because they can affect anesthesia or increase bleeding risk.
GLP-1 medications must be stopped for a minimum of one week before anesthesia. Follow the specific instructions provided for your medication and surgical plan. Do not stop a prescribed medication unless you have been instructed to do so.
2. Prepare Your Home Before Surgery
Set up a comfortable recovery area with easy access to a bathroom, water, medications, a telephone, and anything else you expect to need. Depending on the procedure, support pillows may make sleeping and resting more comfortable.
Prepare simple meals, complete errands in advance, and place frequently used items where they can be reached without bending or stretching. Fill prescribed medications before surgery, but avoid purchasing special medical supplies unless the office recommends them.
When a compression garment is required, the garment is included in Dr. Bogue’s surgical fee and is usually placed before the patient awakens.
3. Arrange Transportation and Help at Home
A responsible adult must drive you home after outpatient surgery and stay with you during the initial recovery period. Arrange help with children, pets, meals, household work, and other responsibilities before the procedure.
Some patients go home the same day, while others may spend a night after a longer or more involved operation. Dr. Bogue will discuss this in advance. You can also review the facilities where Dr. Bogue performs surgery.
4. Understand Your Activity Restrictions
Light walking is generally encouraged early in recovery to promote circulation, but exercise, lifting, and strenuous activity must wait until Dr. Bogue clears you. Restrictions vary substantially among procedures.
For example, recovery after breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a smaller liposuction procedure is generally more straightforward than recovery after a full tummy tuck with extensive skin removal and muscle repair. Follow the instructions for your specific operation, rather than advice intended for another patient or procedure.
5. Allow Time for Healing and Follow-Up
Swelling, bruising, tightness, soreness, and fatigue are common after surgery. Improvement occurs gradually, and the final result may take several months to become apparent.
Dr. Bogue schedules early and frequent follow-up visits so that healing can be monitored and questions can be addressed promptly. Contact the office if something does not seem consistent with the instructions you received rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
Prepare for Surgery With Clear Expectations
Thoughtful preparation can reduce avoidable stress and help patients focus on healing. During your consultation, Dr. Bogue will explain the procedure, expected recovery, activity restrictions, and assistance you may need at home.
To schedule a consultation, contact David Bogue Plastic Surgery or call 561-886-1000.