Tips to help ensure best plastic surgery results

Believe it or not, you play just as big a role in the overall success of your cosmetic surgery as your surgeon. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory A. Buford recently published a comprehensive list of tips to help ensure the best results, no matter what procedure you're preparing for:

Follow your doctor's instructions! Once you schedule your procedure, your surgeon will provide you with pre-op and post-op instructions. These aren't suggestions; they are rules to follow if you want the best possible outcome.

Maintain a healthy weight. Make sure you're in good general health and at an appropriate weight for your height. If you're too heavy or too thin, you add extra and unnecessary risks during surgery.

Eat right. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet while waiting for the date of your surgery. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Get at least 20-25 percent of your daily calories from protein each day to ensure proper cell development and healing.

Drink lots of water. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to sustain your blood and tissue health. Ideally, you should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. It's a good habit to develop.

Stop smoking. If you smoke, you should stop at least three weeks before your surgery. Smoking impedes your blood circulation, damages your skin, and slows healing. Some surgeons won't even operate on smokers.

Come clean. Tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you're taking. Some can interfere with surgery. For example, vitamin E and medications like ibuprofen can cause excessive bleeding.

Get your head together. Prepare yourself psychologically for the responses you may receive from others -- both positive and negative. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, especially during your recuperation period. And allow them to help while you heal.

Prepare your healing space in advance. Set up an area in your home -- whether in your bedroom or living room -- so you'll be comfortable after surgery. Gather everything you might need, from pain medication to a telephone (with your doctor's number) to the TV remote. Keep magazines and books nearby to keep you occupied.

Of course, all these tips assume you've spent sufficient time and attention choosing your plastic surgeon in Denver or wherever you happen to be. You should feel confident after your consultation. For your safety, only talk to surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Also, make sure the doctor's facilities have been properly accredited. Meet the staff so you're completely comfortable with the professionals who will be at your side during the procedure.

Once you've found a board certified plastic surgeon who understands your needs, desires, and expectations, you'll be more willing to follow his instructions carefully so you're fully prepared for the big day. Then do everything on this list to assure your investment in yourself isn't spoiled.