Gaining the most from a plastic surgery procedure begins well before the procedure itself. Choosing to undergo cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery is a big deal, and one that begins with a specialist plastic surgeon. A qualified surgeon who provides trusted and individually tailored advice, and a focus on a pre-surgery and post-surgery self-care and wellness to ensure best possible outcomes. So, what are some of the key considerations, limitations and expectations around diet, medication, body and fitness, to engage with pre-surgery and post-surgery?
The body’s BMI . . .
A Body Mass Index (BMI) within a healthy range aids surgical outcomes, minimises the risk of complications during surgery and post-surgery, and can boost healing on the road to recovery. There is no one-size-fits-all BMI number for every cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery procedure. A surgeon will evaluate your suitability for surgery and determine where your BMI should be depending on the surgical procedure you are wanting to undergo. For example, if you were opting for weight loss surgery, a surgeon might accept a BMI above 35, for breast surgery they may want your BMI sitting below 35, and for abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck) ideally below 30. BMI assessment does not sit in isolation alongside other health and body factors.
If your BMI isn’t within an acceptable range, and you undergo surgery, you are at risk of complications during and after surgery, including anaesthesia issues (such as sleep apnoea), delayed healing and wound infections, deep vein thrombosis and the accumulation of fluid at the surgical site (seroma).
Medication, supplements and food . . .
What you are putting into your body matters when it comes cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. There are certain types of medications and supplements that can interfere with anaesthetic and heighten your risk of complications during a procedure.
Your surgeon may advise you to stop taking key medications at least two or three weeks prior to surgery. These can include blood pressure and heart failure medications, blood thinners, blood clotting medications, Type2 diabetes mediations and weight loss drugs.
Weight loss drugs, or semaglutides, don’t pair well with anaesthesia. Why? Because weight loss drugs slow digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer, so when you are put to sleep during surgery there’s a risk of aspiration – where stomach contents travels up to your lungs. Aspiration can have serious implications such as lung damage and may cause pneumonia.
A month before and after surgery, you may also be required to stop taking anti-inflammatory medication, alcohol, aspirin and fish oil, as these can cause you to bleed or bruise more easily. Herbs and vitamins, like Echinacea, can also interact with anaesthetics. St John’s Wort and Gingko Biloba may cause post-operative sedation, Vitamin E might prolong wound healing, and Garlic (stop eating at least one week prior to surgery) may cause bleeding.
Nicotine consumption also constricts blood vessels, stemming blood flow to the surgical area. Additionally, carcinogens in cigarettes can inflame the airways so you have a higher chance of developing bronchitis and coughing fits when you awake from surgery.
Gaining the most from your surgery doesn’t begin and end with what happens on the day, it starts with trusted guidance, a qualified hand and an individual approach.
