Why It Is Important to Follow Dr.’s Instructions After Surgery
Many plastic surgery procedures today are not as invasive as they used to be. But make no mistake, plastic surgery is still surgery. Even a simple procedure such as New Jersey eyelid surgery or New Jersey liposuction requires recovery and downtime.
Following your doctor’s instructions is a critical part of your recovery. Possible side effects from the procedure are most likely to happen in the first few days. That’s why you need to do everything your doctor tells you.
Most plastic surgeons give their patients a packet of post-op instructions to follow carefully. You should follow these instructions precisely to ensure the best recovery and reduce the chances of complications.
Some of the most common instructions that doctors give after plastic surgery include the following:
Have A Support System
When you have major surgery, such as a New Jersey tummy tuck or New Jersey labiaplasty, you won’t be able to do your usual activities for a few weeks. And if you have small children, you will need a friend or relative to lend a hand with them.
Expect to need help doing things around the home for at least one or two weeks, so let your friends and family know about your upcoming surgery. Then, be sure you have a support system ready before you have your procedure.
You may need people to help you dress, cook, clean, lift heavy objects, and care for children. The first two or three days after plastic surgery can be the most challenging, so have people you can rely on to help out.
Take Time Off Work
Many plastic surgeries, such as New Jersey breast augmentation require you to rest for at least a week. So, you should plan to take time off work. If you go back to your routine too quickly, there could be complications; the last thing you want is to have an infection or revision surgery if you take on too much too fast.
Take The Medications Your Surgeon Prescribes
Depending on your procedure, your surgeon may prescribe medications to help with pain and swelling. It’s essential to take those medications as prescribed to ensure you don’t have complications. Also, if your doctor gives you antibiotics to avoid infections, it’s critical to take all of them according to your doctor’s instructions.
After a few days, you may only need over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil.
Keep A Healthy Diet
If you have plastic surgery, you may need to take it easy for several days, so you may not be able to go to the store to get food. That’s why you should have plenty of healthy food around before your procedure.
Remember that eating a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats is essential to speeding your recovery and avoid complications.
If possible, have loved ones and friends make meals for you to eat healthy without exerting yourself.
Limit Physical Activity
One of the most frequent problems after plastic surgery is that patients engage in physical activity too soon. Don’t overexert yourself; your sutures and incisions usually need weeks to heal. This isn’t the time to run that triathlon!
After a few weeks, you may be able to return to your regular exercise routine, but always clear it with your doctor first.
Drink A Lot Of Water
Being well hydrated is vital for your recovery. Drinking a lot of water will replenish the fluids that were lost during surgery.
Stay Out Of The Sun
Minimize exposure to the sun during your recovery. You want to avoid any adverse effects from the sun to scar tissue or skin. So, wear sunblock and wear protective clothing to protect your body from damaging UV rays.
You may need to wear compression garments, so you also probably want to avoid the heat, so you aren’t sweating in the attire. And getting too much sun dehydrates you, which is also bad for your recovery.
After your plastic surgery, you may see scarring, swelling, and bruising, depending on the procedure. Don’t let this get you down! If you follow what your surgeon tells you, all of this will fade over time. Then, after a few weeks, you should be able to see the final results of your procedure.
Remember that the length of recovery varies by the type of surgery, but your surgeon is always the best source of advice about healing and getting back to your routine quickly.
Request A Plastic Surgery Procedure Consultation
Considering a New Jersey plastic surgery procedure? Dr. Smita. R. Ramanadham can help you obtain the results you want. In your consultation, Dr. Ramanadham will go over your options, goals, and more to determine if you’re a good candidate for a variety of plastic surgery procedures.
References
Cosmetic Procedures and Follow-Up Care. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-surgery-follow-up
Post-Op Care After Plastic Surgery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059