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8 Tips For Post-Plastic Surgery Care

Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery Tips Body Procedure Recovery Face & Neck Breast Procedure Surgical Plastic Surgery FAQs

Post Surgery Instructions - How to care for yourself - Dr. Beverly Ficsher, MD

Now a days, a lot of plastic surgery procedures are less invasive. But plastic surgery is still surgery – and even relatively simple procedures like facelifts often require recovery and healing periods. 

To help you better understand the plastic surgery recovery process, The Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery has put together this list of 10 recovery tips. By following these tips and relying on your loved ones for post-operative care, you can recover more quickly, and get back to your normal life! 

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions To The “T”

Potential side-effects are most likely to occur immediately after your operation. Because of this, it is very important to follow all of your surgeon's post-operative instructions. You will be supplied with a comprehensive packet of post-operative instructions. Be sure to follow these instructions to ensure a healthy recovery and eliminate potential risks. Never hesitate to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about your recovery process.

2. Get Your Support System Ready 

Not only will you need assistance after your surgery but you will also need a caretaker to take you to and from your procedure as you will not be able to drive. Also, you’re probably going to be out of commission for at least a week after a plastic surgery procedure. Inform your family and friends about your upcoming surgery, and make sure that you have a support system in place – people who can help you cook, clean, and do other tasks since you may be limited in the amount of activity allowed during your recovery period. The first 2-3 days after surgery will be the most difficult as you may experience uncomfortable soreness. It’s best to have someone in your home to take care of you during this time.

3. Be Ready To Take Time Off Of Work

You’re probably going to have to take a week or two off of work after your procedure. This means you may have to plan your cosmetic surgery around your available vacation days.

 

4. Relax And Keep Yourself Occupied

When you’re recovering from plastic surgery, it’s important that you limit activity and relax. Let the healing process take place. If you try to rush things, recovery may take longer. Keep yourself occupied. Check a few books out from the library or download a few on your Kindle. Find a few new shows to watch on Netflix or Hulu – this time is a great chance for you to relax and take things easy for a little while.

5. Maintain A Healthy Diet – Start a Meal Plan

Due to limited activity, you may not be able to run to the grocery store and cook a big meal for yourself for a little while, so prep ahead of time. Remember, a nutritious, high-calorie diet helps speed your recovery. If you can, try to have friends and family prepare ready-to-eat meals for you, so that you can eat well without having to cook on your own.

6. Avoid Exercise Or Overexertion 

Until you’re cleared to do so by your doctor, avoid overexerting yourself, or intense exercise. Post-plastic surgery recovery involves a lot of healing from sutures and incisions – and excessive exercise can cause damage to wounds that are still healing.

7. Drink Plenty Of Water

Adequate hydration is essential for the post-plastic surgery care. Drinking plenty of water helps replenish the fluids lost during surgery.

8. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure 

Minimize your exposure to the sun. You want to avoid any sun damage to your skin or scar tissue by minimizing sun exposure, wearing sunblock, and wearing the appropriate clothing to protect against harmful UV rays. Since you may be wearing compression garments, you also want to avoid excessive heat so you are not sweating in your garment. Too much sun can also dehydrate you, which certainly doesn't help tip #7! 

Don’t Be Discouraged By The After-Effects Of Surgery

After surgery, you will probably notice some swelling, bruising, and minimal scarring (depending on the surgery). Don’t let these discourage you. If you follow your plastic surgeon's post-op instructions, you will start to see that these will dissipate – and you’ll see the full results of your plastic surgery procedure in no time. Just remember, recovery times will vary by surgery type. Everybody's recovery process will be different. 

Be Patient, And Let Others Help You Recover!

Be patient when recovering from plastic surgery, and rely on your plastic surgeon and support network to get you through the process. You’ll be back on your feet in no time, feeling more confident and ready to reveal the new you! 

Dr. Beverly Fischer

Dr. Beverly A. Fischer, a leading female surgeon with over 20 years' experience, believes plastic surgery makes a profound difference in people’s lives.