Preparations for Recovery

• If you work weekdays, schedule your operation on a Friday to give you an extra weekend of recovery before returning to your job.
• Expect to have blood drawn at a hospital or lab prior to surgery.
  A mammogram is usually obtained before breast surgery. If you are over 40 or have medical problems, you may also
  need an EKG or chest x-ray. The preoperative testing process usually requires a separate visit and will take 30 minutes to two hours.
• Purchase two weeks of groceries and household supplies.
  Prepare single-serving meals and freeze them.
• Anticipate the need to reduce swelling following facial surgery by applying ice and elevating your head. Crushed ice can be placed in a plastic bag, wrapped in a small towel, and freshened regularly. Alternatively, frozen peas are tidy, reusable, and maintain their cold temperature. For elevation of your head, stacked pillows are prone to failure, but a dependable backrest can be purchased in department stores for less than $25. A recliner is a reliable way to elevate your head but may be uncomfortable for sleeping.
• If you are uncomfortable telling your friends and coworkers you are having cosmetic surgery, then you may wish to tell them you are taking vacation at home, you are having reconstructive surgery, or you are having “female surgery.” Each of these explanations may be true, given your situation.
• Arrange transportation for the day of surgery and for your follow-up appointments. Anticipate that you will not be able to drive on the day of surgery or while you are taking pain medication.
• Ask a friend or family member to stay with you during your first night at home. This person should be willing and able to refresh your ice packs, prepare your food, check on you through the night, recognize problems, and call your doctor. If no one is available, consider hiring a private duty nurse. Your plastic surgeon can direct you to a reputable nursing agency. Anticipate paying $300-$500 per day for this service.
• Fill prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication prior to the day of surgery. You may pick up the prescriptions from your doctor’s office before surgery and have them filled when you stock up on groceries.

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