Ask a doc: ‘What should I do, or not do, prior to surgery?’

The success of any surgery depends not only on the skill of the surgeon, but also on the patient’s adherence to the proper steps before the procedure.

“Surgery requires a lot of time preparing and can be taxing both mentally and physically,” Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevic, a New York-based plastic surgeon, told Fox News Digital. 

He said he hoped that “being cognizant of the preparation in advance” would lead “to less anxiety and stress.”

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Vasyukevic, along with Dr. Peter Lee, CEO and chief surgeon at Wave Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Laser Center in Los Angeles, California, shared with Fox News Digital some of the most important tips for patients to follow before undergoing any type of surgery.

Here are there tips. 

​​1. Stop smoking 4 weeks before surgery if you are a smoker

Smoking affects blood flow by causing constriction of blood vessels, Lee warned. 

Reduced blood flow can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to surgical sites, which can impair wound healing. 

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“Additionally, chemicals in tobacco can interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infections,” Lee said. 

“This makes smokers more prone to post-operative complications like wound infections, delayed wound healing and scarring.”

Vaping carries risks similar to cigarette smoking, Lee added.

2. Exercise to prepare your body for surgery and recovery 

Regular exercise helps to improve cardiovascular health, lung capacity and overall physical endurance, according to Lee. 

“A fitter body can better cope with the stress of surgery and can lead to a faster post-operative recovery,” he said. 

“Muscle tone and flexibility can also aid in quicker mobilization after certain procedures, reducing the risk of post-op complications like blood clots or pneumonia.”

Regular exercise could increase the number of red blood cells, which are important for oxygen transport. It also improves blood flow to the tissue, Vasyukevic noted. 

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“Regular blood circulation will be a critical aspect in postoperative recovery,” he said. 

“Those who work out routinely tend to have better immune systems, and this is important for fighting off any potential infections.”

3. Eat healthy foods with plenty of protein

Protein is essential for optimizing the body’s capacity for wound healing after an operation, Vasyukevic said.

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Lee added that eating a protein-rich diet “ensures that the body has the necessary building blocks to repair surgical sites effectively.”

“Vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and zinc, also play a role in collagen synthesis and immune function, respectively, both of which are crucial for recovery,” he said.

Below are some of the protein-rich foods that Lee recommends eating before surgery:

• Lean meat such as chicken, turkey and lean pork and beef
• Egg products (yolk also contains essential vitamins and minerals)
• Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts and chia seeds in particular)
• Tofu and tempeh
• Bean products

4. Stop intake of all alcohol and supplements

Vasyukevic recommended cutting out alcohol, as well as any herbal or over-the-counter supplements, at least two weeks prior to surgery.

“Alcohol can have a blood-thinning effect and needs to be stopped prior to surgery,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“If you don’t stop your alcohol intake prior to surgery, you may interfere with your blood flow and prompt blood clotting, which can lead to complications during surgery as well as after,” he noted.

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Many supplements can interfere with medications, clotting mechanisms and blood pressure, Lee said.

For example, supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginseng and garlic might increase bleeding risks, while others, like St. John’s wort, can interfere with anesthesia, he said.

5. Get a specialist’s signoff if needed

If you have underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or respiratory issues, you might need additional assessments from a specialist to determine whether you’re fit for surgery. 

“This can include blood tests, ECGs, chest X-rays or consultations with specialists,” Lee said.

Ensuring that a patient is medically fit for surgery minimizes the risk of complications during and after the procedure, he added.

“Decisions about blood work and medical clearance would depend on the type of surgery and the nature of the medical problem,” Vasyukevic said. 

“The surgeon will advise the patient on what would be the safest way to proceed.”

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