In most cases recovery from cosmetic surgery is relatively quick and comfortable. At Advanced Liposuction Center we want to share some ways that clients can ensure the fastest healing with the least amount of pain and discomfort:
- Get the Facts—before your procedure get all your questions answered by our expert cosmetic surgeons. You’ll want to know how long the procedure will take and what type of anesthesia will be used. In many cases you will need someone to drive you home after it’s over.
- Managing Discomfort—asking ahead of time about what is normal post-op in terms of any soreness or discomfort will reduce anxiety. For many procedures, minor swelling or bruising may occur and there may be some pain that can easily be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication. You may also want to arrange your living space so items you’ll most likely want during the first few days of recovery are within easy reach to where you will sit and rest.
- Follow all Directions—the fastest route to recovery is to listen to the surgeon and adhere to the recommendations both before and after surgery. For some skin procedures, you will be asked to limit certain medications, vitamins and alcohol the week prior to the surgery. Post surgery, be sure to take all prescribed antibiotics until they are finished to prevent infections. Don’t lift heavy objects or return to your normal exercise routine until the prescribed healing time has passed.
- Schedule Accordingly—find out how long it will be until you can return to work and your normal routine. Most of the time, your down time will be minimal but you don’t want to schedule that big court case for the day after surgery or have to attend your child’s graduation or other major social engagements or appointments too soon after your procedure.
- Accept Offers of Help—for certain procedures, such as breast augmentation, you may need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery and you may not feel up to moving around normally for some period of time after that. Friends and family can help by providing easy-to-heat meals, offering to come by and assist you with anything you cannot do on your own or to shuttle children to and from appointments.
6. Stay Active
Many people think after the surgery they will have to spend their all time on the bed until they aren’t recovered fully.
But this isn’t the truth, for the first few days they can stay on bed but after a week they should get out of the bed and start doing some normal activities like walking, a little stretching and chores.
These movements can help you speed up your recovery by improving blood circulation, stiffness and preventing blood clots.
Improved blood circulation means faster recovery and less discomfort, which makes these activities really worth it.
Lastly, make sure you don’t overdo any of these activities or suddenly jump into some vigorous activities, they may be too much.
You can continue your normal activities when you are fully recovered.
7. No Smoking Or Drinking
Your doctor must have advised you to avoid smoking or drinking before the procedure and you have to do the in the recovery as well.
Smoking is really bad for a person recovery from any kind of surgery, it can affect a person’s immune system which makes the healing process slower.
It may increase chances of infection but that’s not the end, it will stop your body to provide essential nutrients for healing.
And just like smoking drinking alcohol can also cause problems like slow healing and infections.
8. Limit Your Exposure To Sunlight
During your recovery limiting exposure to skin can really help you heal your wounds and incisions faster.
Harmful sun rays can cause you discoloration, inflammation, and skin damage at the treated area which isn’t good for your healing process at all.
Before you decide to go outside wear hard, sunglasses and apply sunscreen as well.
Lastly, protect your skin from smoke, strong winds and dust, they increase risk of infection and ruin your recovery.
Surgery-Related Errors That Delay Your Recovery
Remain in bed
When you are given the all-clear to move, do it. One of the most crucial things after surgery is to get moving, despite the fact that many people are afraid or anxious about it.
Blood clots, pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolisms, and muscular wasting can all be brought on by lying in bed.
Skip Rehabilitation
Many people believe they can persevere on their own, but working with a physical therapist is crucial.
With some types of surgery, one or two sessions may be sufficient before you leave the hospital. Physical rehabilitation is crucial if you had a big procedure, though.
You may become stronger and recover more securely. Treat it with respect. Do your home exercises and remember your appointments.
Refrain from going to sleep even though you’re tired. The act of moving around truly helps you to overcome weariness. It also makes digestion faster. After surgery, your bowels could be slow, but a little exercise might help your digestive system get moving again.
Before you’re ready, drive
Whether it’s for two weeks or two months, your doctor has a valid reason for advising you not to drive. You could have a slower reaction time and cause an accident. Use a friend’s or family member’s lifts until you feel prepared to handle it.
Stop doing the breathing exercises.
Your doctor may prescribe exercises to help your lungs recover from anesthesia, the drug that kept you pain-free throughout the procedure, if you’ve had surgery on your stomach, heart, lung, or spine.
Not regularly using medications or painkillers
You may hear that painkillers are addictive from some people. You may have also heard that it can make you queasy and cause constipation. You might decide to forgo them while taking your medications as a result. Specialists disagree with you if you do it, though.
Is It Normal To Feel Emotional Ups and Downs During Recovery Period?
Yes, if you experience some up and downs in your emotional well beings then, don’t feel too worried since it’s pretty common. It might be happening because of discomfort, pain, temporary changes in appearance and your body’s response to healing, which makes you feel unusual and then leads to emotional distress. It’s normal to feel frustration, anxiety or even sadness, especially in early or mid stages when bruises, swellings are new, activity is limited or when the results aren’t there just yet. Which is why it’s extremely important to have realistic expectations, and an open communication with the surgeon. Be careful with the emotional distress though, in some cases it can even lead to problems like depression and ruin your results.
How To Care For Surgical Wounds?
After any cosmetic surgery it’s essential to care for your wounds for a smooth recovery and desired results, so here are some tips to help you out:
• Keep the would area clean and dry
• Make sure to wash hands thoroughly before washing the wound
• Use prescribed medicines and dressings
• Avoid submerging the wound in water until your doctor doesn’t allow
• Follow a healthy diet and avoid inflammatory foods
• Avoid smoking and drinking
• Drink plenty of water
• Monitor signs of infection such as swelling, redness or discharge
• Make sure to follow appointments with your doctor
Can You Use Make Up Or Skin Care During Recovery Period?
Most of the time, it’s a no! Especially in the early stages of recovery, make up should be kept away from the surgical wounds at all costs, until they are completely healed. Since it can cause unneeded problems like irritation and infection. While makeup is prohibited, you can still do skincare, but avoid harsh chemicals, exofoilants, or other products with active ingredients like retinol especially during the early healing stages.
Fear of recovery shouldn’t stop you from improving your appearance through one of our many cosmetic enhancements. To learn what’s available, contact our Cranberry Township office by calling: 724-683-7581 to schedule your free consultation today.