Recovery is an important part of a successful plastic surgery procedure. A patient's actions before and after their procedure can either help or hinder their recovery. No matter the procedure, here are some general guidelines patients can follow to help support a successful recovery.
Patients can do these key things to prepare their homes and themselves for a comfortable healing period following plastic surgery.
Though some advice is universal to any procedure, the surgeon will provide each patient with pre and post-op instructions specific to their procedure. Before the day of the procedure, patients need to make sure they understand these instructions, which include how to prepare, what to do, and what not to do before and after the procedure.
Patients must know what to eat and drink and what activities to avoid before surgery. Going into a plastic surgery procedure in the best health possible will help set the patient up for a smooth recovery. There will likely be some restrictions on medications a patient can take and food they can eat before the procedure.
For example, the patient may need to fast before undergoing general anesthesia. Other than following procedure-specific instructions, patients should eat a healthy, balanced diet, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Above all, patients must not smoke. Smoking hinders healing and increases the patient's chance of developing an infection or other post-surgical complications.
We urge patients to gather what they need for the day of surgery and the week or so after. Prepare by stocking the house with easy-to-prepare food and plenty of bottled water to stay healthy and hydrated. The nature of their procedure will somewhat dictate a patient's clothing choices. However, loose-fitting and comfortable clothing is recommended. Patients should also have their recovery area ready with books and other activities to keep them occupied while resting.
Once the surgery is complete and the patient is home, the following tips will aid in their continued recovery.
Patients must avoid strenuous activity immediately after surgery and for however long their surgeon recommends. However, some movements may be recommended to promote healthy circulation. Patients should talk to their surgeons about specific movement restrictions.
After surgery, hydration is crucial to healing. However, patients should avoid beverages high in sugar or those containing alcohol or caffeine. Recommended beverages include water, decaf hot or cold teas, and sports drinks with electrolytes.
Most likely, the patient will need someone to drive them home after surgery. However, patients are encouraged to have someone with them for 1-3 days after surgery. Patients with small children should arrange for help with childcare for these first several days.
Patients will have a list of possible complications to watch for and what to do should they arise. Patients should follow up and check in with their surgical team as directed during their aftercare. If infections or other complications are suspected, patients need to call their surgeon right away.
At Spectra Core Health LLC, we are committed to helping all our patients have a successful surgery. Our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and comfortable recovery. If you want to learn more about aftercare and recovery from plastic surgery, do not hesitate to contact our team.
Request an appointment here: https://spectracorehealth.com or call Spectra Core Health LLC at (240) 330-1815 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Plastic Surgery in Columbia, MD.
The popularity of Botox® is on the rise among adults looking for an easy way to improve their appearance. Although Botox treatment is one of the most minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, It still requires application by a qualified medical professional, who can help make sure the treatment will be safe and effective for you. Here…
As with any surgical procedure, the recovery period of a tummy tuck is crucial to its success. The key to a successful recovery is knowing what to expect so you can prepare ahead of time. Understanding what to expect can help ensure a smooth recovery.It is important to note that recovery timelines vary by patient,…
Facial fillers have grown in popularity in recent years as people see them as a minimally invasive way to reduce the signs of facial aging. Fillers can be effective for facial anti-aging, but who performs this procedure matters. Here is a closer look at facial filler techniques and why it is important to receive this…
Many patients visit a medical spa to address common effects of aging to the face including sagging, wrinkles, lip thinning and facial volume loss, and one popular treatment option they may suggest is Juvederm®. This solution is a type of dermal filler that involves injecting a gel compound with hyaluronic acid to help rejuvenate the…
