Recovery from cosmetic surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your body’s patterns. Your surgeon will provide specific preparation and recovery instructions for your procedure, but some general guidelines can help promote a smooth recovery. The surgeons at Somerset Plastic Surgery offer several cosmetic surgeries, including liposuction, breast augmentation, and facelifts. Here are some recovery tips for face and body cosmetic procedures:
General Recovery
Regardless of the procedure, certain measures help the body recover from cosmetic work. Keeping the body hydrated and healthy gives it what it needs to recover and heal efficiently. These tips also help prepare the body for surgery by making sure it is in optimal condition for the procedure. At Somerset Plastic Surgery, our surgeons prioritize patient well-being and will provide you with specific recovery instructions after evaluating your overall health. These instructions may include:
Stay Hydrated
Getting enough hydration is part of general health and contributes to healing post-surgery. Water and other hydrating liquids can help the body flush out anesthesia drugs, deliver nutrients to the affected areas, and prevent constipation. You may also be advised to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol, as these diuretics sometimes lead to dehydration.
Before surgery, stock up on hydrating liquids and loosen any caps or break tabs on cans to make accessing them easier post-surgery. Swelling and the need to avoid irritating surgical areas can make opening bottles difficult in the days following surgery. Some hydrating liquids include:
- Coconut water
- Lemon/lime water
- Natural juice
- Milk
- Herbal tea
- Soup or broth
Eat Healthy
Strive to avoid too many convenience foods after surgery. Instead, opt for a healthy diet rich in protein, healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates. Getting plenty of key nutrients gives your body the strength and energy needed to recover. Nutrients help repair cells, heal wounds, and support your immune system. Adding extra protein also assists with preserving muscle mass and strength while recovering.
Stay Active
Follow your surgeon’s guidelines on when to resume regular exercise, but taking time to walk around throughout the day is generally wise. It will keep your blood circulating and prevent fluid from building up in one spot. If you are advised more bed rest, you may try wiggling your toes or moving your legs around while lying down.
Face Procedures
Facial cosmetic procedures include facelifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and forehead lifts. The initial recovery from facial cosmetic surgery is usually a few weeks, though the full results may take up to a year to finalize. During the first days and weeks, take steps to manage swelling or bruising and follow care instructions for cleaning around the incision site. Somerset Plastic Surgery can perform facial procedures to improve sagging skin, deep face creases, or folds around the neck. In some cases, multiple procedures are performed for a more dramatic appearance, which may require additional recovery time. Some general tips include:
Use Ice Packs
Bruising and swelling typically peak around the third or fourth day after surgery. At this time, take any medication you’ve been prescribed to help with the inflammation or pain. Use a cool compress or ice pack on the affected area to lessen swelling. This will keep the blood vessels constricted and limit the amount of fluid buildup.
Elevate Your Head
Elevating your head after cosmetic surgery may reduce swelling and bruising. For the first few days, keep your head elevated while resting or sleeping. Depending on the procedure, you may add a few additional soft pillows or try sleeping in a reclining chair. A rolled towel or blanket behind the neck can help keep the head elevated without putting pressure on your ears or incision site.
Body Procedures
Tummy tucks and breast augmentations are some of the body cosmetic procedures we offer at Somerset Plastic Surgery. Both procedures require several weeks for recovery and may benefit from tips like sleeping in alternate positions and avoiding heavy exercise. Other tips to ease recovery include:
Wear Compression Garments
Using compression garments after a tummy tuck reduces swelling, supports the surgical incision, and helps maintain the contours of the abdomen. Also called a binder, these garments apply pressure on the operated tissues and keep everything tight and in place to smooth healing. The timeline for wearing one depends on factors like how your body is healing and the type of tummy tuck you’ve had.
Avoid Lifting
The work done from a tummy tuck or breast augmentation can be damaged from heavy lifting too soon after surgery. Heavy objects may strain your chest muscles, cause bleeding and bruising, and lead to additional pain. Your surgeon will instruct you when it’s safe to perform light walking and increase to other activities.
Learn More About Cosmetic Surgery
From rhinoplasty to liposuction, cosmetic surgery can enhance appearances and provide a way to live a more active lifestyle. For a better recovery experience and improved final results, follow all post-surgery instructions provided by your surgeon. Contact Somerset Plastic Surgery today to learn more about our service offerings and schedule a consultation.