Plastic surgery – general

Operation planning

Plastic surgery begins with a careful evaluation. Usually, the patient has already had a consultation with a nurse or doctor before the surgery day, which is free of charge. After that, there is still a consultation with plastic surgeon Riikka Veltheim before the surgery.

During the surgeon’s consultation, background information is gathered about the patient’s medical history and physical characteristics. The plastic surgeon listens to the patient’s expectations regarding what they hope to achieve with the procedure. This way, the surgeon can decide whether the procedure is feasible. At the same time, it becomes clear whether the patient’s expectations and motivations for the procedure are appropriate. In some cases, it may be better not to proceed with the surgery.

The surgeon reviews the area to be corrected together with the patient. The patient and surgeon consider the surgical techniques to be used, or for example, the size, shape, and material of implants. There is also an opportunity to reflect on whether this is the right time for surgery. Sometimes the operation can be postponed and non-surgical methods can still be used. The Crisalix 3D program can also be used with the surgeon to provide an indication of how the treated area (face/breasts) will look after surgery. With the consultation and 3D program, the patient gains a realistic understanding of the expected outcome.

The plastic surgeon explains the procedures, aftercare, and possible risks. The patient also has the opportunity to ask any questions they may have regarding the procedure and aftercare. We recommend lymphatic therapy for all our surgery patients both before and after surgery. Lymphatic therapy speeds up recovery and reduces swelling in the surgical area.

The surgeon’s consultation fee is 100 €.

Read more about plastic surgeon Riikka Veltheim’s education and professional experience.

General anesthesia

General anesthesia is part of certain plastic surgery procedures.
At Cityklinikka, some procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Whether it’s a major or minor plastic surgery, many patients have concerns about being put under anesthesia. Here, we have compiled information about:

• What happens before anesthesia
• What happens during anesthesia
• What happens after anesthesia
• Available alternatives
• Risks associated with anesthesia

Before anesthesia

Before undergoing anesthesia, it is important to assess your general health. This assessment occurs before a surgery appointment is scheduled. To ensure your safety, we document up-to-date health information thoroughly and in detail.
Before scheduling your surgery, it’s helpful to consider the following:

• Past and current illnesses
• Previous procedures and surgeries
• Current medications
• Medications taken in recent months
• Allergies
• Previous anesthetic experiences and any complications
• Whether close relatives have experienced complications with anesthesia
• Weight
• Dental conditio
• Tendency for motion sickness

It is essential to inform the anesthesiologist if you have respiratory infections, fever, cough, or breathing difficulties, as these increase the risk of complications during anesthesia.

You must also inform the care team about all medications you are taking.

Proper preparation

High blood pressure should be monitored before surgery. It is advisable to measure your blood pressure a few times in the months before the procedure. Contact us if your blood pressure is too high.

We recommend that patients pause estrogen medications when undergoing surgery. If you are taking estrogen (e.g., combination birth control pills, estrogen-based hormone replacement therapies), it is best to stop these a month before surgery and resume them one month afterward. Do not make any medication changes without guidance from a doctor.

Taking a break from smoking is also beneficial. We recommend quitting smoking at least four weeks before the procedure. It is also advisable to remain smoke-free for four weeks after surgery. A smoking break significantly reduces the likelihood of complications and promotes faster healing and better results.

Some dietary supplements should be avoided for two weeks before surgery. Avoid supplements like Omega-3 products and vitamin E, as they increase bleeding. For the same reason, avoid pain relievers that contain acetylsalicylic acid. If you have prescription medications, discuss their use with your doctor. Some medications may be substituted temporarily. Do not make changes without medical advice.

Continue taking any cardiovascular medications as usual, including on the day of the surgery. Be sure to inform the care team especially about blood thinners.

If the doctor prescribes medications to be taken after surgery, it is best to pick these up beforehand. At Cityklinikka, prescription matters are arranged well before the operation day, so there is no need to worry.
Arrive for surgery without any jewelry or piercings. Nail polish must also be removed from both fingers and toes.
For facial surgeries, come without makeup or eyelash extensions.

Critical fasting guidelines

Following fasting instructions is extremely important. This minimizes risks associated with surgery. Vomiting during surgery can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia.

Different foods vary in how quickly they digest in the stomach. Liquids generally exit the stomach faster than solid foods. However, not all liquids are equal. Orange juice, yogurt, and carbonated soft drinks remain in the stomach longer than water, apple juice, or black coffee.

Do not eat any solid food for six hours before arriving for surgery. This includes soups, yogurt, and similar items.
Fasting also applies to tobacco, snuff, chewing gum, throat lozenges, and similar items.

You may drink clear fluids — water, juice, tea, or black coffee — up to two hours before your arrival at the clinic.
If the fasting instructions on this site differ from those given by your doctor, always follow your doctor’s instructions.

After surgery

Recovery begins after the surgery and is unique to each individual. It is important to listen to your body and allow enough calm time for healing. Lymphatic therapy has been shown to speed up recovery and reduce pain and swelling associated with the healing process. Most importantly, avoid physical exertion and intense exercise.

However, light walks and time outdoors are often beneficial. We give every patient detailed post-op instructions to ensure the smoothest possible recovery.

It is essential that your expectations are realistic. Surgical results vary between individuals. We will discuss the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes thoroughly both during the free consultation and the surgeon’s consultation.

When you return home after surgery, you will be provided with contact information for Cityklinikka and your operating surgeon. Do not hesitate to get in touch — we are happy to assist you with any recovery-related concerns.

Because many of our surgeries and treatments involve the face, it is important to take regular and thorough care of your skin even after the procedure.

After surgery, some localized swelling and bruising around the incision area is common. Slight oozing of blood or tissue fluid may occur for about two weeks post-op. Bruising can be treated with Arnizen cream and scars with Scarsilc gel.

Physical strain, lifting heavy items, and sudden movements should be avoided for about two weeks after stitches are removed.

Avoid tight and sweaty clothing around the wound area. Good nutrition and fitness support recovery.

Follow your aftercare instructions and attend the scheduled follow-up visit. Without this, we unfortunately cannot take responsibility for your post-operative care.

We are happy to provide more information about our surgeries. Please contact us after your operation if you have any questions.