Your surgical day begins with preoperative evaluations, anesthesia preparation, and procedure-specific planning before you enter the operating room. The surgical team reviews your medical history and care instructions, while your surgeon marks treatment areas when needed. Preparation steps vary depending on the procedure, so patients undergoing rhinoplasty and facelift surgery may follow different protocols than those getting a breast reduction. Here is what to expect on the day of your plastic surgery:
Complete Arrival Checks
Arriving early gives the surgical team time to review your medical information and confirm the planned procedure. Staff also review pre-surgery instructions before treatment begins, while blood work provides additional health information. Surgical markings are completed when your procedure requires specific treatment areas to be identified. These markings help guide the surgical team during the procedure and confirm the planned treatment areas before surgery begins.
Your medication history also forms part of the plastic surgery review, particularly when anesthesia will be administered. The surgical team evaluates your medications alongside other health information when preparing for your procedure. Facial procedures require planning based on your individual anatomy, while body procedures involve different treatment areas and surgical evaluations.
Receive Anesthesia
Anesthesia selection depends on the procedure and the surgical approach required. Local anesthesia numbs a specific treatment area, while general anesthesia causes a controlled state of unconsciousness during surgery. The anesthesiologist reviews your medical history and medications before discussing the planned anesthesia approach. Rhinoplasty and facelift procedures have different surgical requirements, so their anesthesia plans also differ. Your medication history is part of this review because certain medications affect anesthesia management and surgical preparation. The anesthesia team evaluates relevant health information before administering the selected anesthetic. You will have an opportunity to discuss the anesthesia plan and ask questions before surgery begins.
Undergo Your Procedure
Once you are prepared, the medical team takes you into the operating room for your procedure. The anesthesia team administers the planned anesthetic, and your vital signs are monitored throughout surgery. Procedure length varies according to the type and complexity of the surgery, with some techniques requiring more operative time than others.
The surgeon performs the scheduled procedure while the surgical team provides assistance throughout the operation. The techniques and treatment areas differ based on whether you are undergoing facial, breast, or body surgery. After the procedure is complete, the team transfers you to a recovery area where your condition is monitored as you begin to recover. Surgical care during this stage includes:
- Procedure-specific surgical techniques
- Assistance from the surgical team
- Transfer to the recovery area
Begin Recovery Care
Recovery begins as you wake from anesthesia, with the medical team monitoring your condition during the initial observation period. The length of this period varies by procedure, and your discharge instructions outline the care required after surgery. These instructions cover areas such as dressings, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. Follow-up visits allow the surgical team to evaluate healing and provide guidance based on your recovery progress.
Your follow-up appointments provide an opportunity to discuss your healing and any changes you notice after surgery. The surgical team evaluates your progress during these visits and adjusts your postoperative care instructions based on your recovery stage. Postoperative care continues after the day of your procedure, with follow-up care supporting the healing process.
Learn More About Plastic Surgery
Your surgical day includes preoperative preparation, the procedure itself, postoperative monitoring, and instructions for recovery. Because each plastic surgery procedure has different requirements, your care plan follows the techniques used during your operation and the expected recovery process. The surgical team reviews your postoperative instructions before you leave, and you receive guidance on the next steps in your recovery. Speak with your plastic surgeon for information specific to your procedure.
