Surgery Aftercare
Taking care of yourself after you have any type of plastic surgery is an important part of your healing process. Healing takes time, but there are some things you can do to shorten your healing time, recover more quickly, and get back to your normal routine.
Follow the Instructions of Your Doctor
No matter what type of procedure you have, your doctor will provide you with a set of instructions that you will need to follow exactly. Right after surgery is the time you are at the highest risk of side-effects or complications, and not following your post-surgical care instructions will increase your chances of experiencing those problems. Your instructions will include things like wound care, medication schedules, and follow up appointments, all of which should be taken seriously.
Have Your Support System in Place
Most cosmetic surgery treatments such as a facelift or a tummy tuck will require you to take at least a week off to recover. Let your friends and family know about your surgery and ask people to come and help you cook, clean and run errands so that you can rest. Be prepared to take time off work and plan your surgery around your available vacation days.
The first 48-72 hours after surgery will be the time you need the most help. Have someone with you in your home to help you during this time, so you don’t over exert yourself and re-open stitches or risk infection.
Relax
Healing takes time, and if you try to rush it, you will likely lengthen your recovery time. Find things to keep yourself occupied but still, like reading a book or watching movies. This is your chance to take things easy for a while, so enjoy it. Feeling calm and comfortable will boost your immune system and get you up and moving in a shorter amount of time.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Plan ahead of time and prepare or have people bring you nutritious, high-calorie meals that will help speed your recovery. Avoid excess fats and sugars and make sure to drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration is a very important part of your post-surgical care and helps replace fluids that were lost during surgery.
The La Jolla Institute of Plastic Surgery Can Help Speed Your Recovery
Healing takes time, so don’t be discouraged by bruising and scarring. These will disappear in time, and you will be able to see the true results of your procedure. If you have any questions, call Dr. Pietraszek and his team in La Jolla for suggestions and encouragement. We are here to help you on the journey to realizing your ideal self.