The specifics of your plastic surgery recovery will vary depending on the type of procedure, but all operations need proper planning, care, and support for recovery. Taking care of yourself and following the right steps after your surgery will help you recover quickly and easily. Here are seven tips for a fast recovery:
1. Make a plan for your recovery.
During your consultation, your plastic surgeon should tell you what to expect during the recovery period. There are a wide variety of types of plastic surgeries, and while some only need a few days of downtime, others take much longer to heal from.
Before the surgery, make sure you have everything in order for as long as you’ll need to recover. This includes grocery shopping, cleaning, paying bills, arranging childcare for your kids, and arranging care for yourself. This will allow you to relax and focus on recovery after your surgery.
2. Get support from family or friends.
For at least a day or two after your procedure, you should have a family member or friend around to help you out and make sure you don’t experience any complications. Having someone assist you immediately after the surgery is also good for emotional support. Many people experience temporary feelings of depression and anxiety after the procedure, and it helps to have someone to talk to. Make sure your caretaker is someone you trust and enjoy spending time with.
3. Listen to your doctor.
Plastic surgeons always give detailed and specific instructions for recovery. This may include taking pain medication, using ice, cleaning the surgical area, and avoiding certain foods, drinks, or activities following the surgery. Following your doctor’s instructions will ensure that you recover as quickly as possible. If you have any questions during your recovery time, contact your doctor directly.
4. Get plenty of rest.
Resting gives your body time to heal after the surgery. Your doctor will probably recommend that you take two or three days after your procedure just to rest, and then you can start incorporating light activity into your daily routine. However, most patients should avoid strenuous exercise or activities for at least two weeks. Working your body too hard right after the surgery will lengthen your recovery time and can increase your risk of delayed bleeding.
5. Have followup visits.
Your surgeon should schedule a followup appointment for a few days after the procedure. This visit will let your surgeon know that you’re recovering successfully from the surgery. It can be helpful to go for additional followup visits in the weeks or months after your procedure to check on the results or discuss any new concerns.
6. Maintain healthy habits.
Keeping your body healthy will help it heal quickly and painlessly. Stay hydrated, especially in the days immediately after the procedure. Surgery can reduce fluid levels in your body, so you should drink plenty of water while you recover.
Eat light, easily digestible foods while your body heals. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will give your body plenty of energy to recover and recuperate. Stop smoking a few weeks before the surgery, and avoid caffeine during your recovery. Even after your body has healed, maintaining these healthy habits will help you feel strong and confident.
7. Keep your expectations realistic.
Most people undergo plastic surgery with the goal of achieving a particular look. After your surgery, you’ll probably experience swelling around the surgical area. It may take a few weeks or even a few months to see the full results of the procedure. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see an improvement right away.
