When you invest in cosmetic surgery, you’re investing in your future self. Being well prepared for your surgical procedure is an important part of setting yourself up to enjoy your results down the road. We’ve prepared this 3 part blog series as a thoughtful surgery user guide; with everything you need to know about preparing for surgery, the day of surgery, through to aftercare and enjoying your outcome. 

Welcome to part 2! This time we’ll explore the nuances of our consultation process, and the do’s and don’ts of preparation and day of surgery in more detail.

Next month, look for Part 3 where we’ll explore in depth the best ways to recover from surgery, minimize scarring and support the healing process so you can celebrate your results.

What to expect from your surgical consultation.

Your initial surgical consultation is essential to laying a foundation for a successful surgery. We operate on a patient-centric model, where your goals and concerns are integral to the surgical strategy we shape. Dr. de Kleer and our skilled surgical team bring their decades of experience to your initial consultation, to build a plan to maximize the results for your well-being and quality of life. All of our consultations are complimentary and are necessary to establish your candidacy for surgery.

Some questions to explore as you explore the possibilities of cosmetic surgery:

• What is your dream outcome? For example: How would you like your results to look, how do you imagine they’d improve your quality of life, and what is motivating this change for you?
• What concerns, discomfort, or pain points led you to invest in this change for yourself? For example: perhaps you’re considering a Mommy Makeover to restore your body to a shape that’s closer to your pre-pregnancy body.
• What are visual examples of the outcome you’d like? For example: are there public figures or photos that represent how you’d like your results to look? Using examples where the person is a similar height or has a similar body type can be helpful in establishing realistic expectations.
• What is your lifestyle like, what matters most to you, and how would these results play into your everyday life? For example: if you’re having breast implants and you love running, you may want to consider a size of implant that still lets you enjoy your daily job comfortably. If you’re looking to target multiple areas at once, you may want to consider a combination surgery.

Envisioning your results: realistic expectations for cosmetic surgery

Part of professionally supporting your surgical journey is guiding you towards the solutions that match your body type, lifestyle, and desired outcomes. We welcome you to bring us a sense of your desired results; whether that’s through images of people who have the results you’re looking for, photos from magazines, inspiration from Dr. de Kleer’s Before and After galleries of real patient results, or photos that show how your breasts looked a decade ago for a breast lift or augmentation. Any visual cues help us understand what your desired outcome is, and are helpful in shaping a plan tailored to you. Dr. de Kleer understands the nuances of bodily symmetry and proportions, so she may talk you through the reality of your projected results. Some body types may better suit a specific cup size, or we may recommend a combination surgery to target multiple concerns in one surgical recovery time. We’re proud to offer transparent advice and expertise based on our legacy of great surgical results — so you can choose the right surgical journey for your most confident self. 

Preparing for your surgical journey

As you prepare for surgery, equipping yourself with the necessary information lets you lay a foundation for optimal healing and a beautiful outcome. Here’s how we help equip you for surgery before the day of your procedure.

Comprehensive testing and assessment

Medical testing allows us to fully understand your comprehensive health before your surgery. This may include bloodwork, medical background, an initial consultation to establish eligibility, and an ECG (electrocardiogram) to get a clear reading on your heart health if necessary.

Understanding your medical history and patient profile

Our whole team is fully aware of your medical history when we head into each surgical procedure, so that we can optimize your comfort, safety and outcomes at every step. As part of this, you’ll ask your Family Doctor to fax  for your CPP (Cumulative Patient Profile) so we understand any health conditions and can prepare you properly for your procedure.

Resources to equip you with everything you’ll need to know 

We’ll provide you with a comprehensive OR package when you book your surgery, complete with everything you need to know for the day of your surgery. This includes detailed instructions for pre and post-operation, including instructions on preparation and what medications or actions to stop before surgery. You’ll want to re-read this entire OR package 1–2 days before your surgery so the information is fresh in your mind and you can ensure you’ve followed all the instructions.

Arrange transportation to and from your surgery

You won’t be able to drive home after surgery, so you’ll want to pre-arrange a support person for the day of your surgery with a set up ride to and from the clinic. It’s great to have a supportive friend or family member to settle you into your place after surgery and set you up for optimal healing.

Actions to take: 1-6 weeks before cosmetic surgery

These preparatory changes are essential to a successful surgical result. This window before surgery sets your body up so it can optimally heal and recover.

• • Smoking significantly impacts your body’s ability to heal or recover from surgery and can increase complications. When you book your surgery, you’ll ideally want to stop smoking immediately, but at least 6 weeks before surgery. You’ll need to continue abstaining for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Alcohol can interfere with healing and blood clotting so it’s wise to abstain from alcohol consumption leading up to surgery. No red wine for 1 week prior to surgery, and you’ll want to limit alcohol and marijuana use for 1 week before surgery.

• Discontinue all over-the-counter blood thinners:
• • Aspirin
  • NSAIDs (e.g., Advil, Motrin, Aleve)
  • Vitamin E
• Discontinue herbal supplements: especially Omega-3, turmeric, ginger, ginseng, garlic pills, St. John’s Wort, and green tea.

Actions to take: the day of your cosmetic surgery

These are important indications for 24 hours before, and on the day of your surgery:

• • Tell a selected close friend(s) and/or family members who you trust that you’ll be having this surgery. It’s great to have friends check in on you during recovery for encouragement and company when you’re ready for it.
  • Do not eat or drink after midnight, except 1 carbohydrate drink.

• Do not chew gum or eat candy.

• • Take a shower using antibacterial wash (your information sheet will have further information).
  • Bring inhalers in their original containers, if applicable.
  • Bring your CPAP machine, if applicable.

• If diabetic:

• • • Record your morning blood sugar.
    • Bring your glucometer.

• Wear non-slip footwear.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing:

• • • Preferably button-down or front-zip tops (no pullovers).

• Leave all valuables at home.

• Do not wear or use:

• • • Jewelry or piercings
    • Lotion, deodorant, makeup, lipstick, perfume/cologne
    • Hairpins, nail polish, tampons

• Brush your teeth, but do not swallow water.

Begin your cosmetic journey today and step into new confidence this summer

Whether you’re investing in a surgical solution, picking up a transformative skincare product, or getting started with one of our non-surgical solutions, we are uniquely qualified to offer you results-driven treatments in a comfortable clinical setting. Book your initial consultation and let’s explore the possibilities for you.