You will be provided with procedure guide that will tell you everything you need to know about prepping for your procedure (this can be located in the patient portal). You will also attend a pre-operative appointment with your MYA nurse where they will run through a the steps required before undergoing surgery.
It is very important that you follow any clinical advice given to you by your MYA nurse or surgeon, pre and post-operatively.
Stop smoking and vaping
You will be given a nicotine test on the day of your surgery. And, if it’s positive, you will be turned away from your procedure.
We don’t want anyone to waste their time and money, which is why it’s vital you stop smoking, vaping and taking any nicotine replacements like gum and patches, at least 4 weeks prior to your surgery date.
For tips on how to quit vaping and smoking for cosmetic surgery, check out our blog - Why you shouldn’t vape before cosmetic surgery.
Use contraception
As well as a nicotine test, you will also be asked to take a pregnancy test on the day of your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Similarly, you will be turned away if the test comes up positive.
For this reason, it’s advised you use non-hormonal contraception or abstain from sex on the run-up to your procedure to reduce the likelihood of falling pregnant.
If you’re currently taking the contraceptive pill or other hormonal contraceptives, you must stop taking it 4-6 weeks prior to the surgery date.
To learn more about the effects of contraceptives on cosmetic surgery, read our blog - Cosmetic surgery and birth control - for more information.
Getting to and from the MYA hospital
It’s important you think about how you're getting to and from the hospital, as you aren’t allowed to drive straight after your procedure as you’d still be coming around from general anaesthesia. For this reason, we advise you to book/organise transport in advance. Whether it’s a taxi or a lift from a family member.
To learn more about driving after surgery, check out our blog - When can I drive after my procedure?
Preparing for breast implants
If you’re getting breast implants, there are a few things you need to do to make sure you’re prepared for life after surgery.
Similarly, when preparing for breast reduction surgery, you need to buy your post-op bra ready for when you’re discharged from the hospital.
The MYA4Macom bra is available to buy online in packs of 2, so while you’re wearing one, the other can be washed.
On the run-up to the procedure, many patients like to do the rice test to see how their new breasts will look under clothes. This is a good way to gauge what you’ll look like post-op.
What to pack:
While not all patients are required to stay overnight for their cosmetic surgery procedure, there may be a long wait until you’re taken into the theatre, so it’s advised you bring a bag with a few home comforts and things to do.
Comfy clothes and pyjamas
Day clothes
Clean underwear
Dressing gown and slippers
Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc
Money
Laptop, phone, earphones, a book - something to keep you entertained throughout the day
The day of surgery
On the day of surgery, you will be asked to arrive with no makeup, deodorant or moisturiser applied.
You will also be asked to remove all piercings, nail varnish, acrylic nails, fake tan, false lashes and hair extensions. This is to reduce unwanted bacteria being taken into theatre and allows doctors to clearly see your skin and nails to make sure you have healthy blood circulation.
Life after surgery:
While you’re preparing for the procedure itself, it’s also a good idea to get yourself sorted for the early stages of recovery after your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Child care
If you have a family, organising child care is recommended, especially if they’re young and need to be picked up. Having a few easy weeks without having to run around after toddlers will make the recovery stage a lot easier and gives you time to relax.
Let your friends and family know
Recovery is a lot easier if you have some nice friends and family around you to help you with your food shops, washing and other daily tasks.
Let them know you may need a helping hand in the first few weeks so you can heal properly.
Get your house recovery ready
With procedures like rhinoplasty and breast enlargement, you need to sleep upright for the first few weeks post-op. Some patients like to get supportive pillows to make this more comfortable.
As you shouldn’t get your stitches wet until advised by your surgeon and MYA nurse, washing your hair is more than a challenge, especially if you’ve had a breast augmentation and are experiencing some tightness. Stock up on dry shampoo and don’t forget baby wipes to freshen up and clean around the area of the scar.
Bending down and reaching up may be difficult following your procedure, so it’s best to put things you need day-to-day at hip level so you can get them easily.
Learn more with MYA Cosmetic Surgery
If you’re currently booked in for cosmetic surgery with MYA, the MYA Forum is a great place to go for surgery prep advice from those who have undergone the procedure themselves. Past, present and future patients are there to share their stories and answer any of your questions firsthand.
Interested in undergoing cosmetic surgery but don’t know where to start?
Here at MYA, we offer FREE eConsults, giving you the chance to talk to a professional about cosmetic surgery from the comfort of your own home.
Book an eConsult now!
