The healing and recovery time after undergoing plastic or cosmetic surgery depends on various factors such as the type of procedure, the technology used, the area treated and the type of incisions made. Your general health condition and your immune’s system ability to fight infections also play a vital role in the healing process. As your doctor will advise you, it’s crucial to allow your body to properly heal which will help achieve more rewarding results.
Here are a few tips on how to quickly heal after having plastic surgery:
Arrange a recovery plan with your doctor – Confer with your doctor about certain expectations and safety measures to take during your post-surgical recovery. Your surgeon will give recommendations about medicine, exercise or diet. Be sure to strictly obey his/her instructions to avoid any complications and to facilitate a faster healing process.
Rest and relax – Like any operation, plastic surgery requires rest before resuming your usual daily activities. It is usually recommended that patients move around a bit the day after surgery, however you should avoid doing any rigorous tasks because unnecessary stress could cause complications that may further slow down your recovery. Depending upon your procedure, your recovery, and your surgeon, you usually may resume doing simple, light household chores after a week post-surgery or as soon as you feel stronger.
Eat wholesome foods – Proper nourishment is important to achieve quick and positive results from your cosmetic procedure. Your body utilizes nutrients from a healthy diet to boost your immune system and help fight infection. Choose foods that are rich in vitamins A and C, and zinc, as they promote faster healing. Load up on protein-rich foods like legumes, tofu, nuts and seeds, fish and lean meat. Protein provides amino acids that build, repair and maintain the body’s cells and tissues. Be sure to rehydrate often because surgery can deplete fluids from your body. A frequent intake of water and fresh fruit juices helps replenish these lost body fluids. Stay away from salt, sugar, coffee, tobacco and alcoholic beverages. You may also need to avoid aspirin and certain vitamins and medications.
Wear post surgical compression garments – Also called plastic surgery garments, post surgical compression garments are a special type of clothing that promotes faster healing of wounds. Compression garments apply pressure to gently push body fluids back to deeper tissues, which lessens edema (swelling), bleeding and bruising in the treated areas. A compression garment also holds loose skin firmly against the body to aid in faster healing and helps the skin fit better to your new shape. Moreover, it provides support to treated areas for more comfort. Depending on your surgeon’s advice and your healing rate, you may need to wear post surgical compression garments for a period of time that may vary from days, weeks or longer.
In addition to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, keep these tips in mind to help you make a seamless transition to recovery from a cosmetic procedure—and ultimately enjoy the most favorable results – a new you!
