7 Ways to Optimize Your Plastic Surgery Recovery
A concern many people have when planning their plastic surgery procedure is how long recovery will be and when they can resume work and other activities. Downtime following plastic surgery varies from person to person and can take weeks depending on the procedure performed. Here are some tips to speed up your plastic surgery recovery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
1. Follow your surgeon’s recovery guidelines exactly
Google does not compare to the knowledge and professional recommendations of your plastic surgeon. Therefore, avoid asking Dr. Google too many questions after your tummy tuck surgery, breast augmentation, or any other procedure. Instead, follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible and your results come out beautifully.
Your plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions will already include guidelines on everything you need to know, including when and how long you should wear a compression garment, how to clean your incisions, when and how to shower comfortably, which medications and supplements are safe to take, and when you can reintroduce your body to certain physical activities. Asking Google these questions may require you to browse through different websites, and each source might provide different answers. To avoid confusion, simply follow the comprehensive instructions from your surgeon, which will be based on your procedure and other factors specific to your case.
2. Ask for help
In the first couple of days following any surgical procedure, you will need help around the house, especially if you have children. If possible, arrange for help with childcare, meal preparation, household chores, errands, as well as pet care before surgery, so that you can focus on healing and recovering when you get home. You will also need someone reliable to drive you to and from your plastic surgery center on the day of your procedure.
As you continue to progress through recovery, if a close friend or family member offers to help, go and take it! Getting help now can help you get back on your feet faster after plastic surgery.
3. Add some movement to your routine
Even though your body needs plenty of time to rest and recover, that does not mean you should sit on the couch or lay in bed 24/7 after surgery. Getting up and moving throughout the day, even for quick walks around the house, can help boost healthy circulation, promote healing, minimize swelling, and speed up your recovery.
Of course, ensure not to overdo your movement after plastic surgery. Listen to what your body is telling you and take it easy when you’re feeling exhausted. Furthermore, check with your plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ before reintroducing any strenuous movement or exercise into your routine.
4. Don’t go back to smoking or vaping
Many plastic surgery patients who smoked or used tobacco products find that having plastic surgery is the final push they need to quit the bad habit. You have already put the hard work and effort into ceasing smoking or vaping before your surgery, so resist the temptation to pick up the habit again. Reintroducing tobacco to your system (especially too early on) can inhibit your body’s healing ability and cause complications during the recovery phase. Specifically, smoking prolongs recovery by stressing the heart, which affects blood pressure and reduces oxygen in the blood and body tissues.
5. Eat healthy and stay hydrated
It might sound cliché, but never underestimate the power of eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking plenty of water when it comes to boosting the body’s natural healing process. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your diet, and drink enough water (about 48 to 64 ounces) throughout the day.
Avoid processed foods and anything with high amounts of sugar, salt, and grease, as these can have the opposite effect and slow your body’s recovery. It is also advised to limit or pause consumption of alcohol and caffeine while recovering from plastic surgery.
6. Protect your body from the sun and elements
Exposure to the sun can delay your plastic surgery recovery in many ways. The sun can cause skin damage, discolor your incision sites, and trigger inflammation that may result in a bad scar. Avoid direct exposure by wearing clothes that can cover and protect your incisions. As much as possible, limit your time outdoors or apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more if you must spend some time in the sun.
Similarly, protect your incisions from exposure to dust, strong winds, smoke, and other irritants. Avoid swimming in pools and oceans and do not participate in any activities that could cause exposure to the elements.
7. Don’t miss your follow-up appointment
It’s crucial to attend your follow-up appointments with your surgeon as you recover from plastic surgery. It is during these appointments that your plastic surgeon, or someone from his surgical care team, will examine your progress to ensure you are healing as expected and have no signs of complications. These appointments are also ideal for discussing your recovery timeline. For example, during a follow-up appointment, you may ask whether you can resume the activities or routines you paused prior to surgery.
However, if you have any concerns about your recovery, you should not wait until the day of your follow-up appointment to get in touch with your plastic surgeon. He or she is your guide throughout your plastic surgery journey and should be available to address any questions you have during recovery.
Choose a Surgeon Who Cares About Your Plastic Surgery Recovery
If you’re looking for a Scottsdale plastic surgeon who will be your go-to resource from the day of your initial consultation until recovery and beyond, meet Dr. Aldo Guerra. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of expertise in performing breast surgeries, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers, among other procedures. Dr. Guerra has been helping patients achieve their optimal health and body goals across Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area. Contact us now to request a free consultation and become one of his longtime clients.