Welcome to the
Pearl Plastic Surgery Blog!

Here at Pearl Plastic Surgery, we are excited to introduce our blog as a resource for you to learn more about our procedures and have your questions answered. Whether you are considering a surgical or non-surgical treatment, our blog will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your aesthetic goals.

Continue reading for expert tips, patient testimonials, and the latest trends in plastic surgery.

Curious about a specific topic? Use the search bar below

Brittany Martorella Brittany Martorella

Benefits of Scheduling a Consultation Before the New Year

As the holiday season approaches, many of us start to reflect on the past year and think about our goals for the future. For those considering plastic surgery, now is the perfect time to take the first step toward your new journey. At Pearl Plastic Surgery our highly regarded surgeons, Dr. Chris Nichols and Dr. Megan Gray, are currently scheduling procedures into February 2025. With consultation openings available now, you can plan ahead for your late winter or spring surgery and kickstart the new year with confidence and clarity.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us start to reflect on the past year and think about our goals for the future. For those considering plastic surgery, now is the perfect time to take the first step toward your new journey. At Pearl Plastic Surgery our highly regarded surgeons, Dr. Chris Nichols and Dr. Megan Gray, are currently scheduling procedures into February 2025. With consultation openings available now, you can plan ahead for your late winter or spring surgery and kickstart the new year with confidence and clarity.

Why Book Your Consultation Before the New Year?

  1. Prime Planning Period for Winter and Spring Procedures The end of the year is an ideal time to schedule a consultation and plan your surgery for late winter or early spring. This timing allows you to heal discreetly during the cooler months and be fully recovered by the time warmer weather arrives. Whether you're considering a facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction or another procedure, taking advantage of this planning period can set you up for a seamless and stress free experience.

  2. Secure Your Spot with Our Sought After Surgeons Dr. Nichols and Dr. Gray are known for their personalized, patient focused approach and exceptional results. Their schedules fill up quickly and securing your consultation now means you’ll have the opportunity to choose the most convenient surgery dates and avoid the waitlist that often extends into the busier spring and summer seasons.

  3. Quotes Valid for Six Months We understand that making the decision to undergo surgery takes time. That’s why we provide detailed, personalized quotes that are valid for six months following your consultation. This gives you ample time to consider your options, budget accordingly and feel confident in your decision all while locking in your surgical rate.

  4. Head Start on Your New Year’s Resolutions If your resolutions include enhancing your confidence or focusing on self care, planning your procedure now can help you achieve these goals early in the new year. Taking this step ahead of the holiday rush ensures that you’re prioritizing yourself and starting 2025 with intention and purpose.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Booking a consultation with Dr. Nichols or Dr. Gray is more than just a meeting; it’s the beginning of your personalized journey. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Thorough Evaluation: Your consultation will include a comprehensive evaluation of your goals, medical history and desired outcomes.

  • Customized Treatment Plan: Our surgeons will work with you to develop a tailored plan that aligns with your vision and timeline.

  • Transparent Information: You’ll receive all the information you need about procedure options, recovery times and realistic results.

How to Schedule Your Consultation

With our schedule filling up into February 2025, now is the perfect time to secure your spot and plan your surgery. Don’t let the holiday rush delay your path to achieving the look you desire. Reach out today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward enhancing your natural beauty and confidence.

Book your consultation today to plan for late winter or spring surgery. Start the new year knowing you’re on track to look and feel your best with the expert care and skill of Dr. Nichols and Dr. Gray at Pearl Plastic Surgery.

Call our office at 360-878-9300 to learn more

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Brittany Martorella Brittany Martorella

Essential Pre and Post operative Care Tips

Preparing for Surgery: What You Need to Know. The steps you take before surgery can significantly impact your recovery and results. Here’s what you need to do to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming procedure

Preparing for Surgery: What You Need to Know

The steps you take before surgery can significantly impact your recovery and results. Here’s what you need to do to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming procedure:

Avoid Smoking and Marijuana:
Cease smoking, including the inhalation of marijuana, at least six weeks before and after your surgery. Smoking can greatly increase your risk of complications and slow down the healing process.

Medication Adjustments:

  • Blood Thinners: Stop taking aspirin or any blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, and Asa for 10 days before and one week after surgery, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Avoid medications like ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, and Excedrin for one week before and after your surgery.

  • Herbal Supplements: Discontinue any herbal supplements two weeks prior to your procedure.

Monitoring Health Changes:
If you experience any health changes like a fever, body aches, or a severe cough on the day before your surgery, contact your caregiver immediately. These symptoms could impact your ability to safely undergo surgery.

The Day Before Surgery

Fasting:
Do not eat or drink after midnight the day before your surgery. This includes avoiding all foods, beverages, gum, mints, and candies.

Medication and Meal Guidelines:

  • Take any prescribed medications with just a sip of water on the morning of your surgery, unless directed otherwise.

  • You can eat your regular meals the day before, but opt for a light supper and increase your fluid intake. Avoid alcohol, and prepare to remove all jewelry, switch from contacts to glasses, and avoid any lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or makeup.

The Day of Surgery

Dress Appropriately:
Wear loose clothing that zips or buttons up the front. Avoid leggings and bring a bag for your personal items along with a pair of socks.

Final Preparations:

  • Ensure you have nothing to eat or drink.

  • Take your regular medications with a small sip of water unless instructed otherwise.

  • Remove all jewelry and contacts, wear glasses, and skip any lotions, perfumes, or metal hair accessories.

  • Confirm that your designated driver is available and close by during your surgery.

Immediately After the Procedure

Initial Recovery:
Post-surgery, you'll be monitored in a recovery area until you are awake, stable, and able to take fluids. Expect tenderness, swelling, and some bruising around the surgical area. Nausea from anesthesia or pain medications is also common.

Specific Recovery Tips by Procedure Type

Breast Surgery:

  • Avoid raising your arms above your head or lifting heavy objects for six weeks.

  • Sleep with your head elevated for the first few days.

  • Wear only soft bras without underwires immediately after surgery.

Abdominal Surgery:

  • Remain slightly bent forward and use a walker to assist with walking and alleviate back pain.

  • Sleep with your knees bent and head elevated at about 30 degrees.

Fat Grafting:

  • Wear a compressive garment for the first two weeks.

  • Avoid sitting or lying directly on the grafted area for a month.

Thigh and Arm Lift:

  • Avoid lifting heavy objects and limit major movements.

  • Use compression garments continuously for two weeks, then only at night for another two weeks.

Post-Surgery Care

Showering and Driving:

  • Avoid showering for the first 72 hours.

  • Don’t drive while taking narcotic pain medication and ideally wait 2-3 weeks before driving.

Medications:

  • Follow specific instructions for pain management and antibiotic use.

  • Resume your regular medications as directed by your surgeon.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Be vigilant for any signs of complications such as high fever, persistent vomiting, or unexpected bleeding. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if any of these occur.

Conclusion

Successful recovery from surgery requires careful preparation and adherence to specific post-care instructions. At Pearl Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to guiding you through each step of your surgical journey, ensuring you feel supported and informed from start to finish.

Ready to discuss your upcoming procedure?
Contact us today to ensure your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible.
360-878-9300

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Brittany Martorella Brittany Martorella

The Best Time to Schedule a Plastic Surgery Consultation? Sooner Than You Think!

Have you been contemplating plastic surgery? If you're nodding yes, you're likely also wondering, "When is the best time to book a consultation?" Here at Pearl Plastic Surgery, we say the answer is clear: sooner than you think. Let's disrupt your usual scrolling with a few eye-opening reasons why early scheduling could be your best decision yet.

Have you been contemplating plastic surgery? If you're nodding yes, you're likely also wondering, "When is the best time to book a consultation?" Here at Pearl Plastic Surgery, we say the answer is clear: sooner than you think. Let's disrupt your usual scrolling with a few eye-opening reasons why early scheduling could be your best decision yet.

Early Bird Gets the Best Dates

First things first: popular surgeons' calendars fill up fast. At Pearl Plastic Surgery, we're proud to feature highly skilled surgeons, Dr. Chris Nichols and Dr. Megan Gray. Waiting too long to schedule could mean missing out on the date you prefer. By booking your consultation early, you open up a broader range of possible surgery dates. In many cases, we can accommodate surgeries as soon as 1-2 months post-consultation.

Lock in Your Quote Today

Uncertainty about costs shouldn't be a dark cloud over your surgery plans. During your initial consultation—which includes a $100 non-refundable deposit that will be credited towards your procedure—you'll receive a customized quote. This quote, importantly, comes with no hidden fees. What's even better? It remains valid for 6 months from your consultation date. Early scheduling not only secures your preferred timeline but also locks in your cost, giving you ample time to plan financially without any surprises.

The Early Consultation Advantage

Scheduling a consultation at Pearl Plastic Surgery isn't just about setting a date for your procedure. It's an educational journey. During your in-person consultation with either Dr. Nichols or Dr. Gray, you'll explore your options, understand potential outcomes, and discuss what to expect from the surgery. This knowledge is power—it prepares you mentally and physically for the procedure and recovery, ensuring you're completely comfortable with your decision.

Why Wait When You’re Ready?

If you're already considering surgery, chances are, you've thought long and hard about this decision. Postponing the initial consultation can often lead to more uncertainty and hesitation. Taking action by scheduling a meeting at Pearl Plastic Surgery can help solidify your plans and move you closer to the results you’ve been dreaming about.

A Season for Everything

Timing your surgery around life’s obligations—like work commitments, family responsibilities, or social events—can be tricky. An early consultation helps you and your surgeon craft a surgery timeline that fits seamlessly into your life, minimizing stress and maximizing recovery time.

The Decision Is Yours, and the Time Is Now

At Pearl Plastic Surgery, we understand that deciding to undergo plastic surgery is significant. That’s why we offer a straightforward, transparent process from your first contact with us. With a nominal $100 deposit that contributes towards your procedure, a no-surprise fee structure, and the ability to secure your surgery date within 1-2 months after your consultation, there’s no reason to delay.

We invite you to stop scrolling, start planning, and step into a new chapter with confidence. Ready to take the first step? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Chris Nichols or Dr. Megan Gray today, and let us guide you through every step of your transformation journey. Your future self will thank you!

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