Heal Comfortably After Cosmetic Surgery: Simple Ways For A Speedy Recovery

Cosmetic surgery procedures like face lift, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation hold the promise of aesthetic improvements. But the surgery is just the beginning of the journey. The recovery period plays a pivotal role in achieving successful outcomes and ensuring proper healing. Being well-prepared and diligently adhering to your doctor’s instructions are paramount steps towards guaranteeing an optimal recovery experience.
What To Do After Surgery
Rest And Take It Easy
It is vital to give your body adequate rest and take it very easy after cosmetic surgery. The first 24-48 hours call for maximum rest, with bathroom visits being the only major activity. Stay in bed or recline on the sofa through this period. Sleep and relax as much as possible to allow your body to allocate its resources towards healing the surgical wounds.
Follow Post-Op Instructions
Closely follow all instructions provided by your cosmetic surgeon for the recovery period. This usually involves keeping drainage tubes in place, changing dressings as directed, wearing provided garments, taking medications on schedule, and avoiding certain activities until cleared. Ask questions if any instruction is unclear. Careful adherence minimises complications.
Inspect Your Incision
Checking your incision site regularly is essential, even if unpleasant. Carefully examine the area for signs of proper healing or potential infection several times daily. Note the colour of the incision and any drainage. Make sure the stitches or staples are still intact. Though it may not be enjoyable, vigilantly monitoring your surgical wound will allow you to promptly address any issues should complications arise.
Keep the Incision Area Clean And Dry
While keeping your incision clean is important, aggressive scrubbing can disrupt normal healing. Similarly, soaking the incision for a long time can also be harmful because it could weaken the incision line. Many surgeons advise quick showers over long baths after surgery.
Keeping the incision sites clean and dry helps prevent infections; otherwise, it can seriously impact cosmetic surgery outcomes. Change dressings only as directed, and avoid getting them wet. Oral infection control through brushing also helps prevent bacteria from reaching the wounds. Contact the surgeon at the first sign of persistent redness, swelling or pus-like drainage, which may indicate infection.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
Surgery often suppresses appetite, causing nausea, constipation, or just not feeling hungry. However, proper nutrition and hydration are vital components of surgical recovery. Consuming adequate food and fluids can facilitate healing while reducing risks like infection.
Though it may seem unappealing initially, eating well-balanced, nutritious meals provides the energy and nutrients your body requires to repair itself after an invasive procedure. Staying hydrated by drinking fluids, especially water, also eases anaesthesia after-effects like a sore throat.
What Not To Do After Surgery
Avoid Stress And Strain
Straining from physical activities like lifting weights, housework, yard work, and even exercise during early recovery can tear internal wounds. Eliminate every possible source of strain and stress. Postpone work deadlines if needed, and take help with household chores. Emotional stress also releases hormones that impair healing. Maintain mental peace through relaxation techniques like meditation if you feel anxious.
Do Not Smoke Or Drink Alcohol
Avoid tobacco, smoking, and alcohol completely during recovery. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing the essential blood supply needed to heal surgical wounds. Alcohol also dilates blood vessels and can trigger post-op bleeding internally or at the incision sites. Moreover, both substances interfere with the essential inflammatory response required for the repair of damaged tissue.
Forget To Take Meds As Prescribed
Your surgeon may prescribe various medications, such as pain relievers, antibiotics, blood thinners, or others, as part of your aftercare. Strictly follow the prescribed dosage and schedule in your recovery process. Some medications, like antibiotics, demand completion of the full course, even if you feel better. Take opioids or other pain pills as needed, meaning you may not require them consistently. If you are unsure when to take the next dose, bothered by persistent side effects, experiencing uncontrolled pain despite treatment, or have related questions, promptly consult your care team.
Drive Too Soon
While you desire to resume normal activities after surgery, it’s important not to rush back into driving. It is advisable to never operate a vehicle within 48 hours of anaesthesia. The duration for which you should refrain from driving depends on the type of surgery and individual factors.
Final Thoughts
Following the above guidelines, you set the stage for the best possible recovery after cosmetic surgery. Take help when needed, and stay positive. Trust your care team. In a few weeks, you can enjoy the benefits of your treatment with confidence.