Pre and Postoperative Care Guide

The success of a plastic surgery is not only done during the operation. There are many cautions that can help increase the chances of a successful procedure and prevent further complications. Learn all about the necessary care before and after surgery. Although basic, they are valid for almost every plastic surgery.

Preoperative

Preoperatively it is important to avoid factors that increase the risk of surgery:


Good nutrition

It is essential for the patient to be well nourished, as anemia and a lack of vitamins and trace elements such as vitamins A, B, C, zinc, copper, iron, vitamin K can hinder healing and even facilitate bleeding.

Eating meat, dark green vegetables help as a source of iron. However, a balanced, vegetable-rich diet is ideal for good nutrition. This only works if done months earlier.


Stop smoking 30 days before

Cigarette gets in most of the way. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and worsens circulation. By irritating the lung, more than 4,000 toxins impair the oxygenation of the blood. In addition, poor oxygenation and circulation greatly increase the risk of necrosis (tissue death due to lack of oxygen) and worsen healing. Another aggravating factor is the increased risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Do not use anticoagulants


Acetyl salicylic acid drugs, such as aspirin and all contraindicated cases of suspected dengue, impair coagulation, which increases the risk of bruising. Other vasodilator drugs, such as ginco biloba, should also be avoided as they increase bleeding.

Stop use and hormonal contraceptives

In surgeries with epidural, spinal or general anesthesia. The hormonal contraceptive (pill, injection, patch) increases the risk of thrombosis, which is blood clotting within the veins and pulmonary embolism, when the clot goes to the lung.

Moisturize the skin well

The skin needs to be very well hydrated twice a day, especially in the area to be operated, to be more elastic and minimize risk and stretch marks (especially for prosthetics).

Postoperative

Postoperatively, it is important to avoid factors that lead to a complication. Therefore, you need:

Avoid smoking for at least 30 days

The risk of necrosis and thrombosis is higher in the first 14 days, but healing needs oxygen especially in the early stages.

Avoid anticoagulants for at least 21 days

The risk of bleeding exists until the small vessels heal.

Do not resume contraceptive use

Ideally, do not use the contraceptive again until 14 days after surgery, because of the risk of thrombosis.

Avoid hot environments

As seen, until at least 21 days there is a risk of bleeding again, and heat from being a vasodilator increases the risk of bleeding. Therefore, the baths should be warm and quick.

Avoid sun exposure

The sun can increase swelling, ease bleeding, and stain the skin where there is a purple or yellow spot. It is best to avoid the sun for at least 45 days.

Do lymphatic drainage and ultrasound

Many surgeries, such as liposuction, tummy tuck, facelift, where there is a large detachment of the skin, generate greater swelling. The swelling should be combated because maintaining it can lead to fibrosis, nodulation and irregularities. Having lymphatic drainage sessions can soften.

Use compressive meshes

In detached surgeries, the compressive mesh in addition to minimizing swelling, helps the skin to "stick". more quickly.

Avoid exercises and movements that force the scar

A scar takes time to get strong. Every recent scar can widen if subjected to strain. The scar takes at least 45 days to be of reasonable strength.

Comply with all surgeon guidelines

It seems obvious, but unfortunately this is not always followed. Sure to be well, the thought of? My healing is good? It can be a trap. Scarring takes time to gain strength, vessels take a long time to heal, and a curl can hinder surgery.

I always joke that "a patient who is very well is a dangerous patient." Lose fear and become brave. The feeling of being very well should be alert.

Pre and Post - Operative Care (April 2024)


  • Plastic surgery, Prevention and Treatment
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