I don’t really know what I’ll need for afterwards. Can anyone help me? Art for engagement.

Follow my complete lip lift surgery journey! As a dermatologist undergoing my second lip lift, I take you through how I prepare for this procedure. Watch as I dissolve my old filler (painful but necessary), strategically place Botox to minimize scarring, and document my swelling immediately after surgery.

I explain why my first lip lift didn't last as long as I wanted and how I'm approaching things differently this time. My plastic surgeon also appears to explain his special technique for creating both central and lateral lift for the most natural-looking results.

Topics Covered:

I'm so fucking nervous. Excited, but nervous. It doesn't help that I've never had surgery before, as I don't count my wisdom teeth extraction (that was twilight sedation).

I'm nervous that something might go wrong, that it'll be postponed, or the surgeon doesn't take enough for me to be happy with the results. So much shit out of my control.

I've got my pre admission labs scheduled, the compression bras for recovery, and I don't know what else I need to do, but I am HELLA NERVOUS

But with EXCITEMENT

My long time dream is 15 days away from coming true. Just 9 business days away.

The day before:

Follow whatever diet your doctor ordered for this day; a clear liquid diet is common. Remember to get a source of calories and electrolytes, like juice or sports drinks.

Make sure you have someone to drive you to and from the hospital, and someone to act as a caregiver for the first couple days after you're discharged.

If you get a cold, flu, or any other illness, let the medical team know! A surgery can be rescheduled, but if you were to get the transplant recipient sick (or make yourself more ill), that could get bad.

Consider going to bed early if your surgery is scheduled for early morning.

Suggested things to bring to the hospital:

Person to drive you to and from hospital

Smartphone and charger

Light reading material (stuff you don't need to concentrate on)

Pen and notepad

Folder for holding paperwork

Photo ID

Pajamas or a nice robe; the latter is nice for not having to bend over

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

Chapstick or moisturizer, if needed

A card listing any dietary restrictions or allergies you have

Any meds that you need to regularly take

Earplugs and/or sleeping mask

Fidget toys

Bag to hold your stuff

A full bladder - you may have to give a urine sample before the operation. Consider drinking extra water the night before.

Do NOT bring:

Anything expensive or hard to replace (e.g. a wedding ring)

Work material

Expect to spend most of your time either in the waiting room before surgery, or half-asleep in the hospital bed afterward. If you're anxious leading up to the surgery, ask the nurses if they can give you something to calm your nerves. After the surgery, you'll probably feel too tired to be nervous.

Think about what would help you feel comfortable and get your needs met. If words are hard for you, you might bring cards with useful sentences like "I'm in pain," or "I need water" on them. If you're autistic, objects for stimming or to block out bad sensations may be useful.

Expect a little bit of embarrassment. A nurse or tech may have to help you get dressed, go to the bathroom, or move you. You might vomit or wet your bedsheets at some point. You may be crankier than usual, or a little loopy while coming out of anesthesia. All of this is normal in a hospital, and the staff won't judge you for it.