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Writer's pictureEllen Maroun

How to Prepare Yourself for Plastic Surgery: A Guide to a Smooth Recovery



Plastic Surgery

Undergoing plastic surgery is a personal journey that can enhance your confidence and transform your sense of self. But as with any significant medical procedure, preparation is key. Taking proactive steps before surgery—such as optimizing your health, creating a recovery plan, and incorporating lymphatic drainage massages into your routine—can set the stage for a smooth recovery and help you achieve the best possible results.

Here’s how you can prepare for your surgery in ways that directly benefit your healing and well-being.


Step 1: Prepare Yourself for Plastic Surgery: Prioritize Your Body’s Health

Your body is your partner in the healing process, and the stronger and healthier it is going into surgery, the more efficiently it will recover. Start by making simple yet impactful lifestyle changes:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water enhances your circulation, promotes elasticity in your skin and tissues, and helps your body naturally flush out toxins. Aim for at least eight glasses a day.

  • Nourish Yourself: A diet rich in lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gives your body the nutrients it needs to repair tissues and fight inflammation.

  • Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow to tissues, while alcohol can interfere with your body’s ability to heal. Eliminate both at least two weeks before surgery to avoid complications.


By making these small changes now, you’ll be giving your body a head start on the healing process.


Step 2: Prepare Yourself for Plastic Surgery: The Secret Weapon—Lymphatic Drainage Massage

One of the most effective yet often overlooked ways to prepare your body for surgery is through lymphatic drainage massage. The lymphatic system is a crucial part of your immune and circulatory systems, responsible for clearing toxins, transporting waste, and reducing fluid buildup in your tissues.


However, the lymphatic system can easily become sluggish or congested due to lifestyle factors, stress, or even a history of poor circulation. This can lead to issues like swelling, fluid retention, and a weakened immune response—all of which can hinder your body’s ability to recover from surgery.


Lymphatic drainage massage helps by:

  • Stimulating Lymph Flow: Gentle, rhythmic pressure encourages the movement of lymph fluid through your body’s channels, flushing out built-up waste and reducing fluid retention.

  • Strengthening Immunity: A clear and flowing lymphatic system supports your body’s natural defenses, reducing the risk of infection post-surgery.

  • Reducing Pre-Existing Swelling: Many people unknowingly experience low-level swelling or inflammation due to their lymphatic system struggling to process excess fluid. Lymphatic drainage massage can help your body reach a balanced state before surgery.

  • Promoting Relaxation: Stress can negatively impact your body’s ability to heal, but the calming effects of this massage technique help relax your mind and body.


A clogged lymphatic system can contribute to bloating, and puffiness. Surgery puts additional strain on this system, which is why preparing it beforehand is so important. Scheduling two or more lymphatic drainage massages before your surgery date can make all the difference in your body’s ability to recover smoothly and efficiently.


Step 3: Prepare Yourself for Plastic Surgery: Don’t Wait to Book Your Post-Op Massages

Lymphatic drainage massage doesn’t just prepare your body for surgery; it’s also one of the most essential tools for post-surgical recovery. These massages help manage swelling, minimize scar tissue formation, and accelerate your body’s natural healing process.


Why You Should Schedule Early Finding a skilled therapist who specializes in post-surgical lymphatic drainage can be challenging. These therapists are often booked weeks or even months in advance, so it’s crucial to schedule your sessions as soon as you confirm your surgery date. At Advanced Massage Therapies, we recommend booking a series of post-op massages as soon as you have your surgery date scheduled to ensure consistent care during your recovery window.


Step 4: Prepare Yourself for Plastic Surgery: Plan Your Recovery Environment

Preparation extends beyond your body—you’ll also need to create a comfortable and supportive environment for your recovery. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

  • Prepare Your Space: Make sure your recovery area is cozy and functional. Gather supportive pillows, blankets, and items you’ll need within easy reach, like water bottles, medications, and your phone charger.

  • Enlist Support: Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to help you with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or driving to follow-up appointments during the first few days post-surgery.

  • Stock Your Toolkit: Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for recovery supplies, such as compression garments, ice packs, and any prescribed medications or creams.

Having everything ready in advance reduces stress and allows you to focus fully on healing.


Step 5: Prepare Yourself for Plastic Surgery: Follow Your Surgeon’s Pre-Surgery Instructions

Finally, adhere carefully to the personalized instructions provided by your surgeon. These might include:

  • Adjusting or stopping certain medications.

  • Fasting the night before your procedure.

  • Wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery.

Every guideline is designed to ensure the safest and most effective outcome for your procedure.


The Bottom Line: Invest in Your Recovery

Plastic surgery is an investment in yourself, and preparation is the key to maximizing that investment. From nourishing your body to scheduling lymphatic drainage massages, every step you take before surgery will pay dividends in your recovery process.


At Advanced Massage Therapies in Carrollton, GA, we specialize in helping you prepare for and recover from plastic surgery with expert lymphatic drainage massage services. Our team is here to support you at every stage of your journey, from pre-surgical readiness to post-op care.


Don’t wait—schedule your pre- and post-surgical massages today. Your body deserves the best care, and we’re here to provide it. Contact us at Adv-Massage.com to book your sessions and take the first step toward a smooth, confident recovery.


Your Transformation Starts Here. Let us help you unlock your body’s healing potential!


At Advanced Massage Therapies, located in Carrollton, GA, Ellen Maroun—a highly skilled and experienced massage therapist—offers personalized care designed to support your unique health and wellness journey. Specializing in medical massage, osteopathic manual therapy, and lymphatic drainage, Ellen is committed to providing effective, evidence-based treatments to help you find relief from pain, stress, and mobility challenges. She is also dedicated to offering gentle, compassionate care for cancer survivors, helping to manage symptoms, support healing, and improve overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, improved mobility, or post-surgical recovery through lymphatic drainage, Ellen’s customized approach provides the care you deserve. Apply to become a client today and experience the transformative care at Advanced Massage Therapies.






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