Top Tips for Rocking Your Recovery after Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is an exciting journey. One that will leave you with an improved appearance, greater self-esteem, and potential health benefits. It’s normal to want to accelerate your recovery to enjoy these benefits faster.

However, your recovery period is an important step in achieving the results you really want. The more you can do to better plan and improve your recovery, the sooner you can see superior results. While no two patients will experience exactly the same recovery, there are a few general guidelines.

Simple & Effective Tips to Improve Your Recovery

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Listen to and Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

In most instances, side effects tend to occur after the surgery. This is why it’s so crucial to follow your surgeon’s specific aftercare instructions. Your aftercare instructions are designed to give you the best possible outcome. If you have any questions regarding aftercare, rather ask. There are no stupid questions if it means achieving great results.

Round up People who can Assist You

You are going to need some assistance after your surgery. Along with having someone to drive you from the hospital, you will need support at home too. This is particularly true if you have children.

You will be tired and have restricted movement for several days. Find people who can assist you during the first week ahead of your surgery. It also helps to buy everything you need for your recovery before your procedure.

Stick to Your Follow Up Appointments

This might seem like obvious advice but many people still ignore it. You might be feeling better but your progress still needs to be monitored. Your surgeon knows what to look for to ensure you’re making progress.

They may even do follow-up blood work if they feel it’s necessary. Even your medication might need to be adjusted. That’s why Plastic surgeons strongly recommend always sticking to your follow-up appointments. They’ve been scheduled for good reasons.

Keep an Eye on Your Incisions

You might not like looking at your incisions but it’s necessary during your recovery. If you can’t easily see them yourself, use a mirror or ask for help from a loved one. The color of your incision is what’s important. It shouldn’t be very red or raised.

You should also check if the stitches and staples are still intact. Keeping an eye on your incisions gives you a good idea of your healing progress. If at any point the incision site becomes inflamed and red, make an appointment with your surgeon.

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Give Your Body the Right Fuel

When your body has the right fuel, it’s able to heal more easily. Try to stay away from foods that are overly processed and contain high levels of sodium. Opt for clean eating and stay hydrated if you want to enhance your recovery.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins give your body the right fuel. Since you probably won’t feel like cooking, why not prepare ahead of time. Prior to your surgery, stock up on delicious ingredients and make a few meals you can freeze.

Careful with the Coughing and Sneezing

Coughing and sneezing the wrong way can be uncomfortable and harm your incisions. This is particularly true if your incisions are brand new. Since you can’t prevent sneezing and coughing, brace your incision.

This means applying pressure to it before you cough, sneeze or use the bathroom. You can either use your hands or a clean towel or pillow. Believe it or not, coughing is important after surgery. Coughing helps clear out your chest, which prevents pneumonia.

Move as Soon as You can

This doesn’t mean joining a gym class but light walking is encouraged. Walking around as soon as you can after surgery is a simple way to accelerate healing. Walking around every two hours is ideal if you can, even if it’s around the house. It can also prevent serious complications such as pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis. Your surgeon will tell you when you can resume your normal activities. This is generally only after six weeks.

Don’t Get Discouraged

There are going to be days during your recovery when you’ll feel frustrated but don’t give up. During this time, you need to be patient and let others help you. There is going to be some initial bruising, swelling, and discomfort to deal with. However, don’t let this prevent you from keeping your eye on the end goal. Simply follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and get as much rest as you can.

It’s also important to keep in mind that recovery times vary. Try not to compare your recovery to someone else’s. Before you know it, you will be back on your feet and ready to reveal the new you.