Before & After - Preparing for Your Cosmetic Surgery

The decision to have cosmetic surgery is an important one that requires a great deal of thought. Once you have decided this is what you want to do, it is important to prepare beforehand to ensure a safe and uneventful surgery and recovery period. With a little extra attention to detail and careful pre-planning, you'll soon be waking up to a brand new you!

Taking time off

It is unwise to rush your recovery, so being able to take time off from work, make adequate child care arrangements and ensure your family and household are cared for is of prime concern. The amount of time you will need to rest and recuperate is different with each type of cosmetic surgery. However, discussing these arrangements well in advance of the day of surgery with your cosmetic surgeon and your family or friends will go a long way toward making sure you've got all the bases covered and can be ready for your procedure with peace of mind.

Financing

Have you thought about how you will pay for your cosmetic surgery procedure? You may need more time to save the funds, or you may be applying for financing or planning to use a credit card. Knowing if you will qualify for financing or making sure you have available credit with your credit card company can help you avoid disappointment. And don't forget that you'll be missing time from work as well, which may mean your paycheck is going to be on the light side. Again, procedure costs vary widely, but it wouldn't hurt to make sure you not only have enough to pay for the surgery, but enough in reserves to cover your regular expenses just in case.

Personal needs

Do you need to fill any prescriptions? Are there bills that must be paid before you begin your procedure? Perhaps you have pets that must be boarded or otherwise arranged for. If you receive regular deliveries of newspapers, magazines and so forth, you may want to have them temporarily suspended. This applies to your daily mail as well. You will also want to speak to your cosmetic surgeon to find out what personal items such as clothing and toiletries you will be permitted to bring with you to the hospital and recovery facility. You might be surprised to know how comforting it can be to have your own clothing and things around you post-surgery.

Preparing socially

Are you considering keeping your surgery a secret from friends, family and co-workers? This is a personal decision. But consider telling at least one trusted individual so you will have someone to rely on who can not only handle your affairs if necessary, but can also be a shoulder to lean on. You might want to talk about your fears, frustration and excitement.

The results of cosmetic surgery change lives, but the surgical procedure can be a physically and emotionally challenging experience. Thinking about the positive changes you'll enjoy after your surgery is very exciting! With judicious planning and a little help from your friends, you'll really be able to revel in the new you.