Before surgery, several situations exist:
- if you weigh more than 100kg and measure less than 1m65 you must lose weight before any type (plastic or otherwise) of surgery. Dietary, psychotherapeutic or surgical (ring or by-pass) methods can help you:
- if you plan to lose more than 25kg: you must start with losing weight (at least 10kg) before plastic surgery;
- if you feel you need to lose between 5 and 15kg: you can go ahead with surgery now as it will help you lose weight.
In any case, after surgery, it is recommended to keep your weight stable and avoid large weight variations (no more than 10kg).
It depends on various elements: if you are in general good health, with no significant medical history and the operation is straightforward, there is no reason to take any tests.
In some cases, it can be useful to do a blood test. If you have results from a recent test, do not forget to bring them to your appointment with Dr Petit or with the anaesthetist.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no special preparation for the body or for the skin. The effectiveness of moisturizing creams and homeopathy have not been scientifically proven. But don’t hesitate to bring them with you if you believe they work.
However, you do need to arrive in good physical and psychological condition on the day of surgery. You may feel stressed, that’s normal, but you mustn’t be ill. If you are, you should alert Virginie (Secretary/PA to Dr Petit) to postpone surgery and reschedule it for a few days later.
You will be welcomed at the clinic one or two hours prior to your intervention, to give you time to settle down in your room. Your medical and administrative files will be checked by the secretary and the head nurse.
As recommended by the Health Department, you will asked to take an antiseptic shower and put on your personal disposable hospital gown. Anti-anxiety pills to help you stay calm will be available. Don’t forget to bring a good book or some music to listen to. It will help you relax.
To avoid unnecessary hanging around, each person arrives at a different time depending on the schedule. Go through the contract you have been given one more time: your arrival time is indicated.
If you have any doubt or difficulty, or if you’re running late, please contact Dr Petit’s administrative office right away (see «Contacts»).
As you won’t be staying there very long, just take the essentials: your medical and administrative file, the recommended compression garment (sleeve, panty, stockings, etc.), your toiletry and makeup bag, a few magazines or books, an mp3.
Don’t take any valuables or delicate clothes. Take comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that can be taken off easily. Don’t forget your slippers…