Do’s & Don’ts of Cosmetic Surgery Recovery

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Do’s & Don’ts of Lymphedema

  • Contact your doctor immediately if you have any signs of systemic infection (fever, chills, red skin that is hot to the touch), fungal infection (itching, skin changes, “sweet” smell), or anything else out of the ordinary.

  • This one is especially crucial. Avoid taking blood pressure on the affected extremity. If both arms are involved, use an oversized pressure cuff on the thigh or calf. Injections or acupuncture in your affected extremity should be avoided. Injections should be given in an unaffected arm, thigh, buttocks, or abdominal area. Veins can be accessed through the foot if venepuncture is necessary.

  • Be careful working in the garden, playing with your pets, or doing housework. Be cautious when cutting your nails and DO NOT cut your cuticles (especially at the nail salon). Injuries, even small ones, have a heightened risk of causing infection.

  • Travel often exacerbates swelling. When traveling by airplane, use additional compression (add an additional bandage or higher class compression garment) to minimize swelling caused by decreased atmospheric pressure. Whether traveling by plane or on a long road trip, get up and walk every 1.5-2 hours for 5 minutes to minimize swelling caused by sitting.

  • Treating lymphedema is more than a relaxing MLD session. It is a lifelong commitment that you make to maintain your health. Commit to wearing your compression garments, performing self-MLD, and doing your exercises daily as recommended by your CLT. Elevate the affected extremity as often as possible during the day. Know that you are not alone and that you should always feel comfortable contacting your doctor or therapist should you have any questions about your condition.

  • There is no special diet for lymphedema. Today, most nutritionists recommend a low-salt, low-fat diet as obesity may exacerbate symptoms. You are encouraged to meet with a licensed dietician or nutritionist for guidance.

  • Wear insect repellent while outdoors. Avoid travel to areas where mosquito populations are high. A single mosquito bite has a heightened risk of causing infection.

  • Easier said than done, especially in Florida. But try to avoid things like very hot showers, hot packs, sunbathing, and saunas. Extreme changes in temperature as well as traditional massage on the affected limb may irritate the skin, cause inflammation, and worsen your lymphedema symptoms.

Resources

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