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Preparing for surgery
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Meditours Hungary Guide for Preparing for Surgery
Before your surgery
Understanding the type of surgery you are having is very important. There is an unlimited amount of information available on and off the internet about all types of cosmetic surgery. We strongly recommend that you take the time to read as much as you can about the surgery you are planning, and prepare all your questions for the surgeon during your consultation.
Our surgeons will only operate if you are healthy, and so we ask you to notify us immediately if you develop a fever, common cold, allergy, unexpected menstruation, delayed menstruation, herpes or other skin infection (especially in the area to be operated on). In such cases, surgery may have to be postponed until you are completely fit.
It is strongly recommended that you have a check-up with your own GP before travelling here for surgery. You should be physically fit and considered suitable to undergo anaesthesia. If you are on regular medication, you should ask your doctor if it is appropriate to continue taking them before and straight after surgery. It is always a good idea to discuss your plans with your own doctor beforehand so that they are aware of any complications that might arise. Ask if they are willing to provide you with any care you might require in respect to your surgery, once you are back home.
As your departure day gets closer, it is only natural that you might become anxious and stressed about travelling and the surgery itself. Difficult as it may be, try to relax and rest as much as possible. We are here to make sure that everything goes smoothly, and are only too aware of how you are feeling!
Do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, or fish oil for at least one week before the surgery. Make sure you bring with you any prescription medication and tell your surgeon what it is. Also bring with you a supply of your tried and trusted painkillers, in case you cannot obtain the same over here.
If you smoke, it is very important that you stop smoking for at least 3 weeks before surgery and do not smoke during your recovery period. You should be aware that smoking greatly increases your risk of complication, can effect you healing and recovery and also, of course, your general health.
Meditours has compiled a pack of post-surgery healing aids and creams, as recommended by our surgeons, to speed up your healing., reduce bruising, and keep your skin in optimal condition.
If you have a favourite brands of teabags, or breakfast cereal, or any other food that you absolutely cannot live without, we suggest you bring it with you. Budapest is a large, cosmopolitan city with wonderful shops, but international brands are not always readily available.
Don't forget you mobile phone charger and couple of Europlug adaptors for any electrical gadgets that you bring over with you. These can be purchased in the High Street, or if you should forget you can pick them up at the airport.
Brings books, magazines, your laptop, DVDS, iPod and anything else to help make your recovery time pass pleasantly.
Contact your mobile phone provider and make sure you are roaming-enabled, so that you can receive and make calls whilst in Hungary. Most mobile phone providers offer an international package with cheaper calls.
Phone your Bank/Credit Card company before you leave and tell them you are travelling to Hungary. This is important as otherwise you might find you cannot use your card in an ATM.
Bring a supply of body wipes for a quick refresh during the period you cannot shower or wash the treated areas. Oatmeal soap is great for soothing post-op itching.
Pain medications are often very 'binding' (especially if codeine-based). We suggest that you bring some type of laxatives with you just in case, as straining is not advised following surgery.
If you are having facial surgery, visit your hairdresser before you travel for any colouring or tinting you may require, as you will be instructed by your surgeon not to do this for about six weeks after your surgery.
Arriving in Budapest
Ideally it's recommended that you arrival 1-2 days before your surgery to become fully acquainted with your new surrounding environment.
Once you have arrived at the airport, and have been met by our friendly and helpful English-speaking driver, you will be taken to your hotel or apartment where Dr. Simor and a member of his team will be waiting to welcome you. Dr. Simor will go through all the necessary paperwork requiring a signature, explain in detail what will happen at the hospital or clinic, and answer any questions you may have.
It is important, if travelling alone, that you unpack your luggage completely, as following surgery you will be instructed not to bend, stretch or lift. You will then have the opportunity of acquainting yourself with your surroundings – the local shops, ATMs, currency exchanges, and local landmarks. If staying in an apartment you will need to do your food shopping to cover the first two or three days following surgery.
The day before surgery we recommend that you eat light meals throughout the day up until midnight. With general anaesthesia, you must have a completely empty stomach with no food or drink consumed for 8 hours prior to surgery.
The morning of your surgery
When you wake you should wash thoroughly with mild soap and shampoo containing no perfume or chemicals. Do not apply any kind of body or tanning lotions, dress very casually in loose, comfortable clothing and do not wear make-up or jewellery. We suggest you take a small overnight bag with you containing nightwear and slippers, prescribed medications, reading materials, your laptop, a change of clothes, basic toiletries and your passport.
When arriving to the hospital, you will be introduced to your treating doctor and begin your consultation. If you are satisfied with what the doctor has recommended for you, you will begin a short series of pre-surgical tests to evaluate the state of your current health and suitability for surgery.
Standard surgical pre-op tests in Hungary include some or all of the following:
- Blood test
- ECG, resting
- Chest X ray
- Breast or abdominal ultrasound
- Check-up with a General Medicine Practitioner
- Check-up with the Anaesthetist
If you have a medical condition that requires further attention, additional tests may be required.
After Surgery
Following certain surgeries, you will come out of the operating theatre wearing a face or body compression/support garment or garments. If you want to buy spare garments so that you can wash them, please let us know and we'll organize it for you.
On the morning of your discharge from the hospital or clinic, you will be seen by your surgeon, given any medication considered necessary, and provided with a medical report/discharge letter detailing your procedure. We will be waiting to take you back to your hotel or apartment where we will settle you back in, make sure you have everything you need, check you have mobile numbers of the doctor and a member of the Meditours Hungary team, and remind you of any post-op instructions. You surgeon will have told us when he wants to see you again, and we will accompany you bak to the hospital for any check-ups.
Your Recovery
Eat Well - This is very important after any surgical intervention. Light, easily digested, and nutritious foods including lots of fruits and vegetables help you to heal and recover. Try to avoid salty foods as they can lead to water retention, whick slows down the swelling reduction. If staying in an apartment, go shopping the day before surgery and make sure you have everything you need for the first couple of days.
Drink lots of Water to prevent dehydration.
Avoid Alcohol for 48 hours before and after surgery.
Do not smoke.
Wear the compression garments all the time as advised by your doctor to help your healing.
Do NOT apply ice or heating packs/pads to skin overlying the liposuctioned areas.
Do NOT apply hydrogen peroxide or plasters (Band-aids) to incision sites.
Do NOT soak in a warm bath, jacuzzi, or go swimming for at least 10 days after surgery or as advised by your doctor. This mimimizes the risk of infection and potential vascular dilation and thus bleeding.
After facial surgery, do NOT wash your hair until advised. The less you touch your face the better, to prevent infection.
Reduce your risk of fainting by standing up slowly, removing compression garments slowly, having assistance for your first shower if possible, and sitting down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
When you are safely back in your apartment or hotel, we will contact you regularly to check your progress and to make sure that you have everything you need. After six months, we will ask you to let us have photographs of the 'The New You', so that we can show your surgeon the final results of his work - which is very important to our medical professionals here in Budapest!
Our professional care begins from the moment you first decide to contact us - to long after you return home. No other company offers such a comprehensive and caring approach to your well-being - please read our testimonials.
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