Getting plastic surgery can elicit feelings of excitement, fear, stress, and so many others. Often, patients work themselves up so much before their surgery, they don’t think about the most important part, which is post plastic surgery care. Yes, what happens in the operating room is absolutely a vital part of recovery and results, but how patients care for themselves after their surgery can play a significant part in how they recover and the results that they see months down the line. Below are some of our top tips for post plastic surgery care, so you can make the most of your plastic surgery procedure.
Organize Your Life Pre-Surgery
Yes, this is technically a pre-surgery tip, but it can make a world of difference after your plastic surgery. Make sure that, before you go under the knife, you clean your house, take care of any upcoming bills, get childcare squared away after your surgery, and take care of any other household chores. It can be difficult or impossible to handle these types of daily activities, depending on how your body responds to surgery. It is best to handle these responsibilities before your surgery, to help you relax and stay stress-free during your recovery.
Avoid Certain Medications
Your doctor may prescribe painkillers to help ease your recovery, but there are certain medications you should avoid during the recovery process. These include, aspirin, Vitamin E, Motrin and certain herbal supplements, as all of these medicines can increase bleeding and slow the recovery process.
Take It Easy
Most doctors recommend avoiding any strenuous activities for a full two weeks, or more, post surgery. This includes any activity that may increase heart rate or blood pressure. Straining yourself before you’re fully recovered can lead to delayed bleeding after surgery, which may require additional surgery. While it may not seem necessary if you are feeling well after a week, we always recommend a two-week recovery period for optimal post plastic surgery care.
Remain Calm and Stress-Free
Stress can play a big role in your recovery. When your body is stressed, it produces excess cortisol, which can cause your heart rate to increase and blood pressure to rise. This can delay the recovery process, and hurt your results. Make sure to practice calming techniques like meditation and breathing exercises throughout your recovery for optimal results.
Recovering from any surgery can be difficult, but with these post plastic surgery care techniques, you’re sure to achieve the results you’ve always dreamed of after your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Post plastic surgery care is crucial because it significantly influences how well you recover and the quality of your results. Proper care after surgery helps minimize complications, promotes healing, and ensures that the outcomes of the procedure are long-lasting and satisfactory.
Before surgery, it's important to organize your life by cleaning your home, paying upcoming bills, arranging childcare, and completing household chores. Handling these tasks beforehand reduces stress and makes recovery easier since you may have limited ability to manage daily activities after surgery.
You should avoid medications like aspirin, Vitamin E, Motrin, and certain herbal supplements after surgery because they can increase bleeding and slow down the healing process. Always follow your doctor's guidance on which medications are safe to take during recovery.
Most doctors recommend avoiding strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery. Activities that raise your heart rate or blood pressure can cause delayed bleeding and complications, potentially requiring additional surgery. Even if you feel well earlier, it's best to follow the full recommended rest period.
Stress increases cortisol levels in the body, which can raise heart rate and blood pressure, potentially delaying healing and negatively impacting surgical results. Practicing calming techniques like meditation and breathing exercises can help keep stress levels low and support a smoother recovery.
Yes, your doctor may prescribe painkillers to manage discomfort after surgery. However, it's important to only take medications approved by your surgeon and avoid over-the-counter drugs that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin or Motrin, unless specifically advised otherwise.
Effective calming techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices. These methods help reduce stress and cortisol levels, promoting better healing and improving overall recovery after plastic surgery.
