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Linda Briggs Cosmetic Surgery & Dentistry in Hungary
Countdown for surgery in Budapest

LINDA BRIGGS IN HUNGARY - Pre-op Cosmetic Surgery Calendar

One Month Before

Visit your GP and let him know that you are going abroad for surgery, if you wish to.  (There is no obligation to inform your GP)

Ask if there is any reason why you may not be fit enough to undergo an operation and general anaesthesia if applicable.

Ask the doctor to check your blood pressure, and enquire if your Practice Nurse will provide any necessary suture removal and associated aftercare (we are aware of the problems that some patients have with their GPs refusing this help, which they are at liberty to do, but we have found that generally most tend to be more sympathetic and helpful if you discuss it with them beforehand and offer to pay for private treatment).

If you are 50+ or have any medical problems, you should get the results of any recent blood tests from your GP or an ECG if you have a recent one on file as this will be helpful for the anaesthetist.  If you have had a recent chest X-ray please also bring this with you.

Stop smoking!  This can be a cause of increased bleeding and reduced healing after surgery.

If you are having facial surgery, do not have your hair cut short around your ears as you want to be able to cover your incisions whilst they are healing.  The more hair coming forward onto your face the better, and the more comfortable and less self-conscious you will feel.

Eat healthily - plenty of fruit and vegetables (the more colours the better) - and lean protein - and get yourself as fit as possible ...this will aid your recovery greatly.

Try to relax and get as much sleep as possible - and try to reduce stress.

Three Weeks Before

Avoid any medications which may cause bleeding and therefore bruising after surgery.  Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflamma tory medications.

Many other supplements have a similar effect on thinning the blood, including Vitamin E, fish oils, evening primrose oil, garlic capsules and ginseng - do not take them.

Instead take high doses (1000gm) of Vitamin C which helps in wound healing and may speed recovery.

Do not take arnica pillules or other arnica formulations.

Two Weeks Before

Try and cut right down on your alcohol consumption.

Keep up the healthy eating and rest as much as possible.

One Week Before

Give the house a good clean as you won't want to be doing it on your return home after your surgery in Budapest!  Also stock up the freezer for your return.

Decide on what you are going to bring with you - clothing, useful items, etc (see 'Useful Things to bring with you' for suggestions)

If you have your hair coloured and are having facial surgery visit your hairdresser now as you will not be able to have any colouring/bleaching for several weeks following your operation.

Two Days Before

You can wash yourself all over in an antiseptic/antibacterial wash such as Hibiclens or Betadine which you can buy from your local pharmacy -  or two days prior to surgery.

The Night Before

Most cosmetic surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia, so you will be required to have taken nothing by mouth (solids or liquids) after midnight on the night before your surgery. Your surgeon and anaesthetist recommend that up until this time you do eat normally (but lay off the alcohol!) as you will not be eating anything on the day of surgery itself.

If your surgery is taking place under local anaesthesia then you can eat and drink (again no alcohol) normally (although a heavy fatty diet is not recommended).

Charge your mobile phone ready to take to the hospital or clinic.

Try to get as much sleep as is possible - difficult as this may be!

The Day of Surgery

Take a shower or bath and wash in an antiseptic/antibacterial such as Hibiclens or Betadine.

Do not apply any body lotions, creams, moisturisers, cosmetics, tanning sprays or creams or perfumes.

Remove all jewellery, including body piercing's

Take out any removable dentures, bridges or teeth.

Dress in loose and comfortable clothing - a tracksuit or similar is ideal.  Remember that jeans that do up easily before Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck surgery) or liposuction will be difficult to get back on when leaving the hospital or clinic.  If having breast or facial surgery tops that button or zip up and down are recommended so you don't have to pull anything over your head.  Flat shoes/pumps are a must (not the time for high-heeled glamour! ) in case you trip or are a little unsteady on your feet when leaving the clinic.

If having surgery under local anaesthesia, you may have a light breakfast (nothing heavy or greasy).

Take your medication as normal with a small amount of water (all prescription medication should have been listed on the Health Questionnaire prior to you coming over to Budapest for surgery) and bring your medicines to the hospital or clinic with you.

Take a small bag to the clinic or hospital (a carrier bag will do fine!) containing nightwear (again easy to get on and off), slippers, and a lightweight dressing gown/robe.  Pack your toothbrush (although if having facial surgery you will not want to clean your teeth) , paper tissues, MP3 player, and a book or magazine (something to read whilst waiting for surgery).

Don't forget to take your passport with you - the hospital or clinic need to see it.

Mobile phones are allowed in the hospitals and clinics so take yours with you.

Finally - try and remain calm - this is the day you have been waiting for - and it will pass very quickly!!

After Surgery

Make sure you have the Clinic or Hospital Discharge Letter/Report before you leave.  When you return home you should keep this in a safe place with your other important health documents - if you should develop any subsequent complications you should produce this for your doctor.

It is important that you fully understand the dosage for any post-op medications that you are given to take with you when you leave the clinic or hospital - and make sure that you follow these exactly and if given antibiotics that you finish the course.

For the first day back in your accommodation rest as much as possible and sleep whenever you are able.  This will help you to recover more quickly.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially still water.

Eat healthily - small and often is best - fruit, vegetables and protein will help your recovery. For facelift patients soft nutritious foods that you can eat without chewing are good - scrambled eggs, yogurt, noodles, soups etc.

Do not remove your compression/support garments - they are vital for your healing and recovery and if you do remove them and any problems occur as a result you cannot hold your surgeon responsible in any way.

Do not lift anything and do not bend or stretch - this applies to all types of surgical procedure.

Remember that after your initial post-op euphoria moments of depression can occur - this is perfectly normal after surgery and after a general anaesthetic. These feelings will pass, and you have to remember that healing and recovery takes time - and the final result of your surgery will not be apparent for several months or even longer - but it will come!

If you develop a raised temperature, or the incision site becomes red and hot and swollen, please telephone your Linda Briggs in Hungary representative or your surgeon at once so that the appropriate action can be taken.

Painkillers will be given to you in the clinic or hospital to cover the first few post-op days. After that you can use your own pain medications as and when necessary.  However, if you develop any sudden pain, or pain continues longer than the first two or three days, please contact your Linda Briggs in Hungary representative or your surgeon.

Do not touch your incisions as this can cause infection.  Wash your h ands frequently.

Do not remove your bandages/dressings - the surgeon will do this.  Als o do not try to remove your stitches yourself (sounds obvious but it has been known!).

Once you feel like it go for a gentle walk and get some fresh air - but listen to your body which will tire much more easily at first - and do not overdo it.  Afterwards rest.

Facelift and facial and eye surgery patients should sleep  propped up with pil lows - this helps reduce the swelling.  Do not lie on your side and put any pressure on your incisions.

Take things one day at a time!

On your Return Home

Continue with any post-operative instructions from your surgeon, ie massage with creams etc.

Do not start exercising or playing sports again until advised you can do so by your surgeon.

Inform us if you have any concerns or worries about your healing - however trivial they may seem.

If you develop any fever, swelling, or inflammation contact your GP at once as you may have an infection which can be quickly and successfully treated with antibiotics.

If you still have any remaining sutures make an appointment to have these removed as instructed by your surgeon.

Send us post-op photos (taken in the same poses as your Before photos) at 3 months and 6 months/.  The surgeon does not have the opportunity to see you at these intervals for post-op checks, and so would appreciate photos to how you are progressing - and the results of his or her handiwork!

Remember everyone heals at a different rate - comparing your progress with others is not helpful - you will achieve the result you wanted - but in your own time!