WHAT YOUR DOCTORS AND BOOKS DON'T TELL YOU

So, you have done the hardest part. You have made a decision to have a cosmetic surgery procedure and have had several consults before picking "Dr Right".
You have read the most current and enlightening books about cosmetic surgery, choosing an author who has gone boldly where you haven’t gone before. You have your date selected, have a surgi-centre, hospital or clinic to have your surgery. You have transport arranged to and from your surgery. and you have even picked out your anaesthesia! You are prepared. What else do you need?
STOP! Put the brakes on and listen up! You have so much information that you are on overload. The problem is that books usually don’t include the biggest gems of information—those secrets patients pass down by word of mouth to chat rooms and insights from self-experienced authors. Their practical wisdom can make your surgical experience so much better.
Take it from this woman, who reads everything, talked to nearly everyone but learned my best lessons listening to stories from the walking, talking, recovering and wounded. People who have had cosmetic surgery with good and bad outcomes all agree this is a list to live by. Let’s get a few things out of the way. Many of us are in the cosmetic surgery closet. Try to get someone to count on, even if you are economical with the truth. Try to make sure he or she knows about cosmetic surgery or has been there so that you will have 24/7 support during recovery. Factor in tasks such as buying frozen peas to reduce swelling to an unscheduled doctor's appointment.
Now you have to use a phone, right? The only way to have face surgery and get good results is to stay off the phone. Not only does it hurt and make your anxiety level go up—depending on who is calling—but germs spread from the phone with each painful lift to the cheek. Why not use a speaker phone and have those numbers on auto dial?
If you have no support, tell your doctor and check whether it is possible to stay in a nearby hotel where there is access to a nurse. Doctors usually have a list. 
Next, has anyone told you what can save you much time, ease your recovery and even provide you with comfort. It is essential to get through what I call the "post-op shop". 
Here is a list covered in most books or by doctors.
1)   Don't smoke, and don’t lie—this is essential.
2)   Make sure you are at a weight within your normal limits; otherwise, your face and body may change post-surgery.
3)   Make sure you tell your doctor every medication and supplement you are on when asked. I am talking vitamins, too!
4)   Have all your questions written down and a person with you to remember. Your brain will be mush, so have back-up. Ask, ask, ask, write write, write! Visits are short and so is life.
5)   Don’t listen to horror stories unless it is about your doctor. If you are worried, get the names of patients that you can to talk to.
6)   Everyone has a horror story. Listen with a pinch of salt, unless you trust that person.
7)   Sleeping on your back is essential for most surgical procedures. Make your own bruiser-friendly environment. Foam wedges are great and inexpensive. They keep you upright, not uptight! I went to Mexico with an inflatable foam wedge and used it for months after. Position is essential for comfort and quick healing.
9)   If a prescription is recommended to alleviate pain but you know you have a high pain threshold, keep it in case you need it. If it is a codeine product, you may get constipated. Ask the doctor if he can recommend something to make life easier.
10) Concerned about how many people say general anaesthetic will make you nauseous? Everyone reacts differently to medication. Ask your doctor to recommend something suitable and have it on standby.
11) Stock up on low sodium soft foods that are easily swallowed. The softer the food the better. Make friends with Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a small spoon. You may have a sore throat at first from keeping your mouth open, but this will go away.
12) Get a children’s tooth brush with soft bristles. You will thank your lucky stars.
13) Location, location, location! If you are coming out of cosmetic surgery, try to ensure your space is free of people who find it essential to bring minimal to severe bruising to your attention.
14) Time is the best healer. You have had major surgery. If you are doing this for a special event, you need anywhere from two weeks minimum to months to look presentable. Whether it's your daughter’s wedding, a reunion, your gift to yourself for turning 50, or you want your ex to eat his heart out the next time he sees the new you, the more time downtime the better. If you need more time—reschedule!
15) Don't suck on water bottles with rigid straws. The skin around the mouth doesn't need more stress, and get flexi-straws.
16) The concealer that you use will need to cover all colours of the "recovery rainbow". The top seller among millions was Estee Lauder Maximum cover w SPF 15, but they have replaced it. Get the best you can, which isn't necessarily the most expensive. You may have found your new best friend for months.
16) Don’t buy into expensive cosmetic surgery recovery kits. Instead get a hat or scarf to cover your head and cheap 'Jackie O' sunglasses if you can wear them on your nose.
17) Dress for comfort.
18) Put you doctor's phone number or emergency contact on auto redial.
19) Make friends with the office manager and staff. They are the front lines to your doctor. A wise friend of mine who had a very hard-to-reach doctor gave his staff a box of chocolates. She invested wisely.
19) Ask about sunscreen and keep your hands off your face. Mirrors should be hidden and not seen. If you must, though, don’t use a magnifying one. You will feel like you’re in a horror house of mirrors.
20) Bored? Every day take pictures for your records, and write about day-by-day changes. And rent films.
21) Finally, stay off the computer! It is stressful for your eyes, and you can’t wear your glasses.
This how-to-recover list has something for everyone. Even if you find only one thing that helps, it is “one less bell to answer”, as the song says. I want to thank all the people who helped me with these tips by sharing and caring.
Good Luck to you
Victoria