How important is it to be healthy before surgery?

How important is it to be healthy before surgery?

Before a candidate is allowed to undergo cosmetic surgery, they have to satisfy a list of conditions – and health plays a major part of that. It is vital that you share your medical history and your current medical conditions with your doctor, because without that knowledge, they may not be able to accurately assess the safety risks for your procedure. Many women who decide to undertake cosmetic surgery decide to go on a pre-surgery exercise regimen to make sure that they are fit and healthy to go under anaesthetic. After all, using anaesthetic for any surgical procedure, whether cosmetic or not, carries risks – and that is especially true, for example, for those patients who are considered obese, for whom anaesthesia poses an even greater risk of complications. To make sure that your operation is as safe as possible, you would normally be asked to fill in a medical record (which you should always fill in as honestly as possible), have some medical tests or even present a note from your GP back at home certifying your health. Deciding to undergo surgery if you’re feeling under the weather is also not a great plan – you risk complications during the surgery because of your hidden illness and your doctor can’t be held responsible. To simplify things, we suggest that as you start considering cosmetic surgery at the same time you try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay fit. The fitter the patient, usually the quicker their recovery after surgery – and you want to be able to show off your beautiful body afterwards as soon as possible, don’t you? That is why we will be sharing five expert tips on getting healthy, especially if you are contemplating having a cosmetic procedure.

5) Eat properly

“Take moderation in all things” It is paramount to take in just the right amount of balanced nutrients such as fruits and vegetables, whole grain, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, and lean protein. You should also make a point to reduce your consumption of fats and sugars, refined grains, sodium, dietary cholesterol, and alcohol. But be easy on yourself – if you slip up on your diet because a chocolate bar “accidentally” fell in your mouth, don’t punish yourself by only eating lettuce leaves for a week!

4) Get sufficient sleep

An average adult needs about 8 hours of sleep each night. Whether you think you need it or not, sleep is actually one of the greatest cures of all ills. While you’re asleep, your body uses the time to recover from a hectic day and improves your immune system.

3) Work Your Sass Out!

There are two types of exercises: anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Anaerobic – also known as weight or strength training – helps you burn calories faster as it forms bone density and builds muscles in your body. Aerobic – continuous exercise such as swimming or running – burns calories by increasing your endurance and improving your heart and lung capacity. You need to slowly increase how often you exercise, or you’ll quickly grow tired and decide that you’ll just wait until after surgery… and then probably never get started. With tons of resources out there, it’s hard to know where to begin – Women’s Health mag has a great guide.

2) Increase your water consumption

By drinking more water (at least 8 glasses a day), you can lose weight, and at the same time build up muscle. In case you needed an extra incentive, drinking water can also make you smarter (by at least 30%!). How, you may ask? Well, as your oxygen levels increase, your brain functions increase too. Thus, by drinking plenty of water – your brain is getting all the oxygen it needs.

1) Stay POSITIVE

It has been proven that if a person stays positive, they have a healthier immune system, which then boosts your overall health. So what better excuse than sickening everyone with a chirpy ‘Good morning!’ on the walk to work? Do you have any questions you’d like to ask our doctors about being fit for surgery? Ask here.