Some plastic surgery procedures can be very invasive. But things have improved a lot these days. However, the surgery still requires the patient to take some time to recover and heal properly.
Here are some tips from our expert, a plastic surgeon, on how to recover after surgery.
1. Get instructions and follow them
Your doctor or clinic staff will probably talk to you at some point about some post-operative precautions. If you missed them or would like a review, please feel free to ask us.
Side effects of plastic surgery are likely to occur immediately after the procedure. That is why it is essential to follow all instructions as faithfully as possible. Proper execution of this step can be decisive in eliminating risks and ensuring a healthy and complete recovery.
2. Prepare a support system in advance
Don’t wait for people to offer help after surgery. If you have close friends or family members, ask them to stay for a while until you are fully recovered.
You should also arrange for someone to drive or accompany you to the clinic. Plastic surgery procedures usually do not put you in a condition to drive.
Besides traveling, it is also best to be able to sit back and relax for a number of days. Hire help or let someone else do the cooking, cleaning, and many other activities that might overwhelm you during this delicate time.
3. Take a break
If you have time off, it is advisable to request it even before resorting to plastic surgery. Ask for at least a week’s leave. Even if the procedure goes well and you feel full of energy afterwards, you should rest and not overwork your body.
Relaxation also means that you should not be stressed at this time. Mental stress can slow down the healing process and you do not want your efforts to be in vain.
Another reason to take a break at this stage is to avoid endangering the operated part. Take the word of the specialists and avoid the hectic office, busy schedule or football team training.
4. Hydrate yourself
It is always essential to drink plenty of water immediately after surgery. Water will help replenish your body fluids and get your body back on track to normal.
This water will also flush out toxins and dirt from your body. However, it is also important not to drink too much water. Eight glasses a day should be adequate for most people.
5. No smoking
Ideally, a patient who smokes regularly should stop smoking for about eight weeks before the plastic surgery procedure. This can be extremely difficult for some people. But it is certainly a life-saving suggestion for oneself and others. Even after the surgery, smoking is still prohibited.
In fact, it negatively affects circulation and thus slows down the healing process. This habit can also complicate recovery, so it should be avoided.
