What does the pre-operative consist of?

The importance of postoperative care is fundamental to ensuring the success of the procedure performed on the patient. However, preoperative care is also crucial to providing the proper preparation before surgery.

What does preoperative care consist of?

Before any surgical intervention, it is important that the doctor and patient have a previous check-up to verify medical history, diseases, allergies, pathologies, among others. This ensures the safety of the patient during and after the intervention. Visiting other specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, hematologist, among others) may also be suggested by the surgeon to confirm possible conditions.

The preoperative process usually takes place one month before surgery. Information that may be required from the patient includes:

• Medical history (patient and family)
• Allergies (to medications or other external factors)
• Patient's lifestyle (habits, diets, etc.)
• Medications (currently used or previously used)
• Current pathologies or illnesses
• Previous studies and/or examinations

A physical exam will also help determine if the patient is in optimal health or to identify any anomalies that can be treated before surgery. The physical examination may include:

• Head and neck check-up
• Chest and abdomen check-up
• Extremities (arms and legs) check-up
• Cavity check-up (vaginal, rectal, oral, ears)

This information will be useful to the surgeon at the time of the intervention, as they will previously have knowledge of the patient's conditions in order to attend to any possible complication that may arise, guaranteeing that all measures that protect their health and integrity will be taken. Blood tests or an electrocardiogram may also be necessary to obtain additional information.

Surgeon/patient communication is essential. The patient should feel comfortable and confident, and the surgeon should be clear when informing about the procedure that will be performed. The appointment with the anesthesiologist will also be fundamental. The anesthesia staff will have access to the patient's medical history to know their medical history and anticipate all possible risks when administering anesthesia (whether local or general). In this way, they can act correctly immediately if the patient presents any reaction to the sleeping medication.

The professional will inform the patient if fasting is necessary. In some cases, fasting for 6 hours is sufficient, but depending on the surgery and medical condition, it will be determined if it is necessary and how many hours are required.

Each surgery requires different preparation. Care and information about nutrition after liposuction will not be the same as for rhinoplasty or a non-surgical procedure such as Radiesse.

Always scheduling a consultation with an expert surgeon in the area will be the best way to ensure that the procedure performed will be 100% safe. Ensuring health and safety is a priority when it comes to any medical intervention.

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