the preparation phase

Smoking Cessation

Why: Smoking, vaping, and nicotine use impairs healing by reducing blood flow in the skin and tissues by constricting blood vessels. Decreased circulation reduces oxygen and nutrients delivery to the healing surgical site(s) during healing.

How: Through seeking support, using smoking cessation programs, nicotine replacement, or counseling.

When: Smoking use should cease 2 to 4 weeks prior to top surgery, or as directed by your plastic surgeon.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Why: Being in good shape physically can improve the overall outcome and recovery process.

How: Find a workout regimen that works with your lifestyle. For some, this is three to five days of working out in the gym or at home, while others do yoga, rock climb, playing team sports, running, or any other physical activities that gets your body moving.

When: Engaging in regular exercise six to eight weeks in advance of your top surgery can help build strength, lower BMI, increase muscle composition, and improves cardiovascular health.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Why: Living a healthy lifestyle can improve your body’s ability to heal and reduce complications associated with major surgeries.

How: Eating a healthy diet, reducing/eliminating alcohol consumption, getting adequate sleep, maintaining healthy relationships, and reducing stress and anxiety are all healthy habits.

When: Start adopting or maintaining healthy habits a minimum of four to six weeks prior to top surgery.

Medication Management

Why: Some medications are known to interfere with surgery and the recovery process.

How: Let your plastic surgeon know about all medications, and supplements, that you are on during your consultation appointment.

When: As guided by your plastic surgeon, stop or adjust certain medications and supplements about two to three weeks prior to your top surgery.

Dietary Adjustments

Why: Proper nutrition and diet can impact your healing and recovery process.

How: Ingest a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. If you already eat well, maintain it and ask your plastic surgeon if there is anything you can add in preparation. If you are looking to adjust to eating better, consider reaching out to a nutritionist on how to optimize your diet in preparation.

When: Maintain or adjust your diet at least four to six weeks prior to your top surgery.

Support System

Why: Emotion and physical support are essential for a smooth recovery.

How: First, let your trusted friends, family members, and/or support people know when you plan to get top surgery before, or as soon as, you have a procedure date set. Speak with and designate an individual as your recovery advocate. They will aid in your transport to and from your top surgery procedure. It is a requirement of undergoing general anesthesia that someone stay with you overnight to keep any eye on you. You will need additional support in doing tasks as simple as sitting up.

When: Someone of you are planners, while others might struggle to plan in advance. It is imperative that build a support system for post-op recovery at least two to three weeks in advance. Fill out the Post-op Essentials Checklist two weeks prior to surgery to ensure you will have the support you need.

Financial Planning

Why: Top surgery is expensive. Taking the necessary time off from work to recover is another factor to consider. The additional medications not generally covered in the amount paid to the plastic surgeon can add up. Understanding the costs involved and having a financial plan can reduce stress and ensure you are financially prepared before top surgery.

How: Start by researching the total costs, including surgery, anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care when you are starting to consider the surgery. Building a basic budget in excel of your income, monthly expenses, and all the costs you will incur the procedure can help ease the stress of the financial burden.

When: Explore financial options as far in advance as possible, but a minimum of two to four months ahead of your top surgery.