Do’s & Don’ts of Plastic Surgery Recovery
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Your surgeon should provide you with a list of prohibited substances that are to remain off-limits before and after surgery. Some things commonly found on this list include but are not limited to:
Alcohol: because it dehydrates the body, which can cause additional swelling and acts as a blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Ibuprofen and aspirin: also blood thinners - be sure to read the label carefully before taking anything not prescribed by your surgeon.
Smoking: not great in combination with anesthesia. Smoking impairs the ability of blood to carry oxygen and can decrease blood flow to the operated area, preventing proper healing.
If you want to ensure the best recovery possible and maximize your surgery results take these exclusions seriously.
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Surgery leaves scars. If you want to have the softest, lightest scar possible after surgery, then proper incision care is key. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on caring for your incisions. Follow them. Seriously. The two biggest rules are:
DON’T remove anything that the surgeon put in place. Don’t touch your stitches, ports, or surgical tape until instructed to do so.
DON’T submerge your incisions. Shower them clean and pat dry with a clean towel. No baths, hot tubs, or swimming until those incisions are completely closed. Our goal is to avoid infection.
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Complete healing from cosmetic surgery takes roughly six months to a year before final results are apparent. Be patient. Trust the healthcare team you so diligently selected. And trust that your body is wholly capable of healing itself.
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A healing body needs extra nutrients, so the more you nourish your body with quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals, the better. Processed and sugary foods stress and inflame the body so try to minimize the “comfort foods” as much as possible. Staying hydrated will help you feel better faster, flushing out the residual effects of anesthesia and helping your body deliver nutrients to healing incisions. It also helps keep post-op constipation (a common side-effect of pain meds) to a minimum.
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Recovering from surgery is more than just getting relaxing MLD sessions. Commit to wearing your compression garments, performing self-MLD, and easing back into exercise as recommended by your recovery team. Know that you are not alone and that you should always feel comfortable contacting your doctor or therapist should you have any questions.
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Post-op
Stage 1: Immediately post-op
Stage 2:
Stage 3
Stage 1 faja – First faja after surgery (low compression) - meant to fit loosely – wear 24/7 with lipo foams and abdominal boards. (At night, you may remove your abdominal board)
Stage 2 faja – (3-6 weeks post-op – swelling should subside) (moderate compression) garment that is meant to fit tightly and should be worn without foams or boards (shaping phase)
Stage 3 faja – (6-12 weeks post-op) (Strong Compression) This is the sculpting phase
Lymphedema
Lymphedema Compression Wraps (Replace Bandages: Phase 1)
Lymphedema Compression Garments (Long-term wear: Phase 2)
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Resources
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