At Elanic, we know what a huge decision it is to have cosmetic surgery and our dedicated staff are here to support you every step of the way from your very first phone call with us to your three-month review. Our aim is to equip you with the information required to make an informed decision which is right for you and will give you the best possible outcome. Cosmetic Surgery is a decision which should be made for you and no one else there is a huge emotional as well as physical aspect to this journey and time should be taken to consider and then move forward with the procedure which best suits you. For the purposes of this article, we are going to give you some tips and areas to consider prior to your cosmetic surgery. This article was inspired by a recent post by Harpers Bazaar. 

Allergies

You must be upfront and honest from the very start is you suffer from allergies; it is imperative that we have this information beforehand. For instance, do you have sensitive skin? Do you have any know allergies to certain dressings, gloves, silicone or latex? Even if, in the past, you have suffered from a sensitivity to nickel, this provides your surgeon with clear information that could alert them to any potential other allergies. 

Most allergies, if they come to anything, will be relatively minor, but it is important to cover this with your surgeon at the very start. 

Your BMI

We know that body weight is a sensitive topic and one which is almost always easier said than done. You are most likely to get the best outcome from your cosmetic surgery if your BMI is under 30. If you are not sure what yours is here'a handy calculator from the NHS. 

If your BMI is over 30 you run the risk that you may not be accepted for surgery as the excess weight could put you at a bigger risk from the procedure and the sedation.  If you have found your BMI is over 30 and you were planning to enquire about surgery; it is advisable to consider losing some weight with a sensible diet and exercise plan before you come for a consultation. This helps to ensure you get the very best result from your procedure and most importantly that you are safe and your health is in no way compromised. 

Cigarettes & Alcohol 

Quitting smoking before any kind of surgery is absolutely paramount to your safety and overall result. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing them in size and restricting blood supply to the organs which can hinder the wounds healing process. A recent study also found that smokers can require up to 33% more anaesthesia during surgery and 23% more pain medication afterwards both of these can increase your risk of a complication arising. 

The recommendation is that you cease with ALL nicotine products for six weeks before and up to six weeks after your procedure. It is also a recommendation that you cut out alcohol one to two weeks prior to surgery. 

Pre-Existing Conditions 

Everyone is an individual and all pre-existing health conditions should be disclosed with your patient coordinator and the surgeon prior to the consultation.  Certain conditions such as asthma and diabetes can still be operated on as long as they have been very well controlled and you have recently been check over by your GP. 

Emotions

Any surgery no matter how small the procedure can bring with it emotional considerations that you should be prepared for prior to surgery. It is a big thing for your body to go through both physically and emotionally especially if this is something you have been waiting for for a long time. At Elanic our staff are specially trained to support you through your journey and to make sure you have the most positive experience possible. Of course, there are the nerves in the run-up to surgery, your patient coordinator is there for you any time you need any assurance or have any questions. 

If you have experienced any mental health problems this can be discussed in the utmost confidence with your surgeon and our very own psychologist Dr Mary Ross can spend some more time with you if need be prior to surgery.  

Post-Surgery Care 

The post-surgery period is one of the most important in your whole journey. You need to give yourself adequate time off from work or your normal daily responsibilities to properly recuperate and to let your wounds heal successfully.  Remember to have someone to stay with you and care for you up to 48 hours after your surgery; Elanic provides 24-hour on-call care and will provide adequate pain relief to ensure you are as comfortable as possible post-surgery.