When planning for plastic surgery, you should take a few critical steps starting six weeks before your operation, whether body contouring or facial enhancement. These steps will help your surgeon perform the surgery safely and improve your ability to recover from your cosmetic procedure.
The most important step you can take when preparing for any surgery is to stop smoking. Patients who have smoked (even once) leading up to their operation have significantly higher risks during and after their procedure.
Nicotine restricts blood flow and prevents oxygen from getting to cells, which can cause serious complications.
Therefore, patients should stop smoking before surgery and stay away from cigarettes until their recovery is complete. Some side effects associated with smoking before surgery include:
Heart attack
Stroke
Tissue necrosis and gangrene
Poor wound healing
Increased risk of complications related to anesthesia
Increased risk of extensive scarring
If patients refrain from smoking within six weeks of their operation, these risks and more can be significantly reduced.
2. Stop Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol is not as dangerous as nicotine but can still contribute to several complications if consumed within two weeks of an operation. Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, increasing the risk of excess bleeding during surgery. It can also inhibit the body’s ability to heal. Patients should stop drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before surgery.
3. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is one of the most commonly consumed drugs in America today, and a large part of that is because it is not seen as a drug. However, regardless of the wide acceptance of coffee and energy drinks, caffeine is still a substance that can significantly affect the body.
Caffeine can cause complications during surgery if a patient has high levels in their bloodstream. This is because caffeine can raise the heart rate and blood pressure.
Small amounts of caffeine may assist patients with recovery. However, large amounts (more than two cups per day in the week leading up to the surgery) can increase your risk of complications.
We suggest that if your daily caffeine intake is high, lower it over time. Our general guideline is a maximum of two cups of coffee per day by a week before your surgery. We also recommend maintaining that level of caffeine consumption for at least a week or two following surgery.
These guidelines may change depending on your physical condition and your chosen procedure.
4. Check Your Vitamins and Supplements
One of the greatest risk factors during surgery is an unexpected and adverse reaction between medication used for the surgery and medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements a patient has in their system.
These complications can range from minor annoyances up to potentially deadly complications.
To avoid these risks, patients planning for cosmetic surgery should get all of their medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements cleared by their surgeon at least two weeks before surgery.
Some patients may need to stop taking certain medications before surgery. If this is the case, you should consult your primary care physician to ensure that stopping an existing medication regime is safe for you.
5. Make a Recovery Plan
It is best to prepare ahead of time for your recovery. This will change depending on the type of surgical procedure you are undergoing. If you are planning for breast augmentation with implants, you can find more information on planning for breast augmentation on our blog.
If you are planning for tummy tuck surgery, consider a plan for an extended recovery period. If you are planning for liposuction, consider the areas you are targeting when preparing for your recovery. It is usually a good idea to recover in a way that reduces stress and tension on your incision locations.
Interested in Learning More?
Are you interested in learning more about how to prepare for plastic surgery? Contact us at 909-291-4900 or fill our online form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Andreasen or another member of our surgical practice.
3 Minute Read:
With the holidays around the corner, everyone is getting ready to wrap up the year and looking toward their future plans. However, the year isn’t over yet, and there’s still plenty of time to get a few more errands done this year. Many people may not realize it, but getting plastic surgery during the holiday season can be beneficial for patients interested in enhancing their overall appearance.
1. More Comfortable Recovery
Firstly, colder weather makes for a more comfortable recovery compared to warmer months. Many surgeries require the patient to stay indoors and recover for several days to weeks post-procedure. During the hot summer days, this can feel incredibly difficult, especially for individuals who are used to being very active.
Many of us have an allotted amount of vacation days we get per year. Many workplaces don’t allow for these days to be carried over to the next year, so it’s a use-them-or-lose-them situation. You can book your surgery while you still have some vacation days to use before the end of the year. This allows you to make the most out of those vacation days while you still can.
Also, some employers give more days off during the holiday season, so why take additional days at another time when you may already have some days given to you?
3. Summer Prep
It’s inevitable: the holiday season ends, January begins, and people start to worry about their summer bodies. You can get a head start on everyone else and be ahead of the game. By getting your plastic surgery in the winter, you will be ready to show off your new beach body once summer comes around.
4. Gift Giving Season
Lastly, if you know someone unhappy with their appearance, consider giving them the gift of plastic surgery. Note that this shouldn’t be a total surprise and works best if the person has expressed a desire to get the procedure done. You can surprise them with a prepaid appointment with a local, qualified plastic surgeon.
Popular Procedures for the Holidays
Some of the most popular procedures during the holidays include:
Liposuction
Liposuction is an excellent procedure to get rid of excess fat and loose skin on the body. It also requires up to one to two weeks of recovery time, making it perfect for the holiday season.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery can help to reshape and define the abdomen area. This procedure takes at least one to two weeks (if not more) of recovery as well.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation will also require several days off for recovery, so the holidays are a perfect time to book the procedure.
Plastic surgery is something many people look forward to as an opportunity to improve their self-image in ways that may not have been possible for them without surgery. However, surgery is a huge commitment and can be quite scary for some people.
The surgeon you choose plays a significant role in whether or not you feel comfortable and safe, as well as confident that you will get the best possible results. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you are making this huge decision:
1. Is Your Surgeon Board Certified?
Not all surgeons are the same.
The very best plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). To become a board-certified plastic surgeon, a doctor must complete six years of surgical training with at least three of those years specializing in plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
It is important to note that ABPS is the only board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Alternatively, some cosmetic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). While this is still a certification, it is not the same and does not hold the same weight. This board only requires a two-year fellowship (opposed to six) following medical school where their specialty may or may not be plastic surgery. Additionally, cosmetic surgeons do not have the same background or training in reconstructive surgery.
While there is no denying that a cosmetic surgeon may be talented, it may be the best choice to narrow your search to doctors that are board-certified in plastic surgery. The length and rigor of training can help to ensure expertise, safety, and high-quality results.
2. What Is Your Surgeon’s Expertise?
Try to find a surgeon who specializes in precisely what you need. A surgeon can be trained to do a variety of procedures, but many specialize in one or two in which they have had exceptional training, practice, and passion.
It can also be helpful to determine which kind of surgeon you need.
Many people do not realize that there is a difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery—since these terms are so often used interchangeably. Cosmetic surgeries are procedures that can improve a person’s aesthetics, such as breast augmentation surgery or facelift surgery.
While plastic surgery still involves and focuses on aesthetic procedures, it also includes reconstructive work. Reconstructive surgeries correct deformities and improve function after trauma, birth defects, or disease.
3. Do You Love Their Before and After Photos?
Before and after photos can tell you a great deal about a surgeon’s technique while giving you visual proof of their expertise.
Plastic surgery is an art form—it requires a keen eye for detail and an artistic vision for what the body is capable of becoming.
You can see the culmination of this vision in a surgeon’s before and after photos. Take a look and pay attention to the patient’s contours. Do the changes made enhance their body’s contours and symmetry? Has the procedure improved the harmony of their body?
Are the results you see in the photos the results you want for yourself.
Want to Learn More?
If you are considering plastic surgery and looking for an experienced plastic surgeon, please contact Dr. Andreasen at 909-287-3045 or fill out this contact form.
2 Minute Read:
Also called “chemexfoliation” or “derma peeling,” the unique design of facial peels diminish signs of aging in the face, such as lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin colors. Even if you do not have any wrinkles, chemical peels are a great way to get rid of troublesome acne or minimize large pores.
These non-surgical treatments produce phenomenal results for a variety of skin obstacles.
How Do Facial Peels Work?
Regardless of the type of peel you choose, a chemical solution will be applied to the surface of your skin. Once applied, the chemicals will interact with the epidermis (and sometimes dermis) to exfoliate the skin.
Different chemicals have different acidities designed for multiple depths of contact. With our variety of peels, patients can receive superficial, medium, or deep peels. The most appropriate facial peel concentration type will be chosen by your provider, easing any worries of side effects and complications.
Who Can Benefit From Facial Peels?
Facial peels are the perfect tool for anyone looking to maintain a healthy complexion. Facial peels used to improve acne, discoloration, wrinkles, textural concerns, clogged pores, and more.
Depending on the pigment of your skin, patients with pale skin may experience the best results. That being said, patients with darker skin may also experience great results.
What Are the Different Types of Facial Peels?
As technology advances in the dermatology world, the options for each patient expand and become more comprehensive. If you feel overwhelmed by the different types of facial peels, you are in good company.
Here are some of the ways each facial peel differs:
Gynecomastia, a condition where excess tissue and fat on the chest gives the appearance of breasts, can ruin a man’s self-esteem and their masculinity.
During your gynecomastia surgery preparation, Dr. Andreasen will mark your body to serve as a guideline for the procedure.
Years ago, men were hesitant to turn to plastic or cosmetic surgery because of the feminine stigma it held.
But today, plastic surgeries in men are on the rise, and gynecomastia is one of the most targeted male-specific conditions.
If gynecomastia is ruining your confidence, gynecomastia surgery at Inland Empire Breast and Body has the solution for you. Call our office at (909) 291-4900 to schedule a consultation.
Am I a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Good candidates for gynecomastia surgery include:
Nonsmokers and non-drug users
Physically healthy men
Men whose breast development has stabilized
Men who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can hinder the healing process
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is the surgical correction of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men.
During the procedure, the removal of excess fat and glandular tissue restores a flatter, firmer, and more masculine contour to the chest.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by a decrease in the amount of the hormone testosterone compared with estrogen.
The testosterone decrease can be caused by drugs, alcohol, and/or various health conditions like:
Hypogonadism––Conditions that interfere with normal testosterone production
Aging––Hormone changes that occur with normal aging
Tumors––Testes, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland can produce hormones that alter the male-female hormone balance
Kidney failure––Half of the people being treated with dialysis experience gynecomastia
What Is the Recovery Process for Gynecomastia Surgery?
While you recover, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour.
Typically, patients are ready to return to work after one week.
What Is the General Cost for Gynecomastia Surgery?
This price can include anesthesia fees, surgical facility costs, medical tests, and post-surgery garments.
Have More Questions?
If you would like to know more about our gynecomastia surgery services in the Inland Empire, contact our office at (909) 291-4900 or schedule a consultation online today.
You will be confronted with a number of options and choices throughout your breast augmentation process. From implant material to implant placement, each choice will impact the look and feel of your breasts. However, one question we hear more than any other is, “What size implant should I choose?”
Size certainly plays an important role in your breast appearance, and it is not an easy decision to make without a consultation. These are a few factors we will evaluate to determine which implant size is likely best for you.
Personal Preference
Your consultation will include a detailed discussion about your personal preferences. Two women with the same body type may choose vastly different implant sizes because they are trying to achieve different looks. Bring in photos of breast and body shapes you wish to achieve with your augmentation. Dr. Andreasen will combine your aesthetic desires with your natural body shape to provide a suggested implant size.
Chest Width
The natural shape of your body can impact the size of implant that would be best for your augmentation. Moderately sized implants can look larger on women with small or more narrow chest widths. When we choose an implant, we want to ensure that it complements and looks natural with your frame size.
Implant Placement
Where your implant is placed can impact the size of implant chosen for your surgery. Larger implants may be necessary when implants are placed under the muscle in order to achieve the overall look and shape you desire.
Scheduling a Consultation
Dr. Andreasen performs all physical evaluations to help determine the best implant size for you. During your consultation, we may use simulation implants placed in a bra to help you determine if your suggested size is creating the breast look you want. The consultation is the most important step of your breast augmentation process, and no final implant decisions can be made without a consultation.
To schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Troy Andreasen, call our Inland Empire office at 909-291-4900 or contact us online.
3 Minute Read: When planning for plastic surgery, you should take a few critical steps starting six weeks before your operation, whether body contouring or facial enhancement. These steps will help your surgeon perform the surgery safely and improve your ability to recover from your cosmetic procedure. Stop Smoking Stop Drinking Alcohol Reduce Caffeine Intake […]
3 Minute Read: With the holidays around the corner, everyone is getting ready to wrap up the year and looking toward their future plans. However, the year isn’t over yet, and there’s still plenty of time to get a few more errands done this year. Many people may not realize it, but getting plastic surgery […]
3 Minute Read: Plastic surgery is something many people look forward to as an opportunity to improve their self-image in ways that may not have been possible for them without surgery. However, surgery is a huge commitment and can be quite scary for some people. The surgeon you choose plays a significant role in whether […]
2 Minute Read: Also called “chemexfoliation” or “derma peeling,” the unique design of facial peels diminish signs of aging in the face, such as lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin colors. Even if you do not have any wrinkles, chemical peels are a great way to get rid of troublesome acne or minimize large pores. These […]
2 Minute Read Gynecomastia, a condition where excess tissue and fat on the chest gives the appearance of breasts, can ruin a man’s self-esteem and their masculinity. Years ago, men were hesitant to turn to plastic or cosmetic surgery because of the feminine stigma it held. But today, plastic surgeries in men are on the […]
You will be confronted with a number of options and choices throughout your breast augmentation process. From implant material to implant placement, each choice will impact the look and feel of your breasts. However, one question we hear more than any other is, “What size implant should I choose?” Size certainly plays an important role […]
“Thank you so much for all your help in making this very important decision. Your staff was very welcoming and so sweet. Your honesty is very refreshing and I look forward to soon scheduling my surgery!”
"I have had a few people tell me to check out other doctors with cheaper costs but am not interested at all. I am very insecure when it comes to certain parts of my body and i felt very comfortable and sure that I wanted you to do this surgery."
"I had gone too 2 diffrent locations , this place made me automatically made my mind up I had two recommendations from this place and I love the work they did on them , staff is very nice as well as the surgeon I love this place very pleased with my procedure."
Plastic surgery is something many people look forward to as an opportunity to improve their self-image in ways that may not have been possible for them without surgery. However, surgery is a huge commitment and can be quite scary for some people. 
Also called “chemexfoliation” or “derma peeling,” the unique design of facial peels diminish signs of aging in the face, such as lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin colors. Even if you do not have any wrinkles, chemical peels are a great way to get rid of troublesome acne or minimize large pores. 
