Undergoing facial cosmetic surgery is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and meticulous planning. Of course, the procedures themselves require great attention to detail and thoughtful consideration and planning, but less often considered is the optimization during the preoperative and postoperative period. Since the late 1990’s, surgeons have been developing protocols for “enhanced recovery after surgery” (ERAS). Since that time, numerous studies have demonstrated benefits for hospital-based procedures in terms of improved recovery and earlier return to normal activities. Although less attention has been paid to outpatient surgery, recent studies looking at head and neck surgery patients have shown enhanced recovery after surgery. One of the important focuses in these protocols is nutrition and hydration status. While the primary goal of cosmetic surgery is to enhance one’s appearance, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration before and after the procedure is equally important, but often overlooked. Attention to hydration and perioperative nutrition has several benefits, and for these reasons, Dr. Adam Becker at Triangle Facial Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, NC encourages pre- and post-operative intravenous (IV) hydration therapy for his surgical patients to help optimize the outcome and promote a smoother recovery. In this blog post, Dr. Becker addresses the importance of prioritizing IV hydration therapy before and after facial cosmetic surgery.
The Benefits of Hydration in Cosmetic Surgery
Pre-Operative Preparation
Preparing your body is essential for a successful cosmetic surgery and a speedy recovery. IV hydration therapy ensures that your body is adequately hydrated, improving blood flow and circulation. This helps your organs function optimally, reducing the risk of complications during your procedure.
Improved Healing Potential
Well-hydrated tissues are more resilient and better equipped to recover from trauma. IV hydration provides the body with essential nutrients and electrolytes, boosting cellular repair mechanisms. This can lead to reduced inflammation and a faster healing process post-surgery.
The Role of Hydration in Anesthesia
Enhanced Anesthetic Efficacy
Proper hydration can impact the effectiveness of anesthesia. Well-hydrated tissues allow for more predictable drug absorption, distribution, and metabolism, ensuring a smoother induction and maintenance of anesthesia during the procedure.
Minimizing Complications
Fluid depletion can increase the risk of complications associated with anesthesia, such as dizziness, nausea, and low blood pressure. By receiving pre-operative IV hydration, patients can minimize these risks and enhance their overall safety during surgery.
Post-Operative Recovery
Faster Recovery
After undergoing facial plastic surgery, the body requires extra support for a swift and uncomplicated recovery. Post-operative IV hydration therapy helps replenish fluids and provide essential nutrients that aid in reducing post-surgical swelling and promote healing.
Nutrient Delivery
IV hydration delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This is particularly beneficial post-surgery when appetite is often reduced, making optimal nutrition intake more challenging. Improved nutrient delivery can enhance tissue repair and potentially accelerate the healing process.
Dr. Becker understands his patients’ unique needs and is dedicated to both their aesthetic and overall well-being. Incorporating pre and post-operative IV hydration therapy into his customized patient treatment plans helps to provide a holistic approach to patient care and deliver the most optimal results while prioritizing patient safety. If you’re interested in learning more about how embracing the role of hydration can help contribute to your successful and smooth facial cosmetic surgery experience, contact us or call (919) 706-4900 to schedule your consultation.
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Becker and Triangle Facial Plastic Surgery won Raleigh’s Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 2022! Thank you to all our clients who voted this year; we are infinitely grateful for your business and your showing of support. You can see Triangle Facial Plastic Surgery on pages 26 and 31 of 
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