5 Common Post-Op Mistakes to Avoid After Cosmetic Surgery

Apr 2

When it comes to plastic surgery, your journey towards achieving the body you’ve always wanted doesn’t end once you’re out of the operating room. In fact, post-op care is just as important as the procedure itself. One of the most critical phases in your recovery is avoiding the common mistakes that can hinder your healing, prolong discomfort, or even negatively affect your results.

At Vital Massage & Bodywork, we understand the intricacies of post-surgical recovery. As a mobile lymphatic massage therapy practice serving Orlando, we specialize in helping you heal quickly and effectively after surgery, all from the comfort of your home. We know that time is precious, so we’ve put together this guide to highlight 5 common post-op mistakes and offer practical advice on how to avoid them.

1. Skipping or Delaying Post-Op Massage

Starting strong, it’s tempting to think that recovery will naturally occur over time, but the reality is that post-op massage is essential for achieving the best possible results after cosmetic surgery. Whether you’ve had liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a BBL, your body needs extra care to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and help flush out the cellular waste and excess fluids that build up during surgery. Without proper lymphatic drainage, your healing process can be delayed, and your results may not be as refined as you hoped.

Many women make the mistake of either skipping or delaying lymphatic drainage massage sessions, thinking that they’re not necessary or that they can wait until later. In truth, the sooner you start lymphatic massage after your procedure, the better. This treatment helps to reduce swelling, alleviate discomfort, and promote faster healing by stimulating your lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering out toxins and excess fluid.

At Vital Massage & Bodywork, we offer mobile post-op lymphatic massage therapy that comes directly to your home. Our experienced therapists are trained to gently help your body heal, relieve tension, and improve circulation—critical components of post-surgery recovery.

What can you do?

Don’t delay your post-op massage sessions. Begin lymphatic drainage within the first few days after surgery to accelerate healing.
Schedule a consultation with Vital Massage & Bodywork to learn more about how lymphatic massage can benefit your recovery.

2. Ignoring Rest and Overexerting Yourself

After surgery, it’s normal to feel the urge to get back to your regular routine as soon as possible. However, pushing yourself too hard too soon can lead to complications. Your body needs rest to heal effectively, and overexerting yourself can interfere with your body’s ability to recover, causing swelling, discomfort, or even injury.

One of the most common mistakes women make after surgery is rushing to resume activities such as exercise, heavy lifting, or even household chores. While light movement, like walking, can help with circulation and prevent blood clots, intense activities should be avoided during the early stages of recovery.

What can you do?

Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least the first few weeks after surgery. Always follow your surgeon’s advice regarding activity restrictions.
Take plenty of time to sleep, put your feet up, and allow your body to recover fully.

3. Not Following Compression Garment Guidelines

Compression garments are the secret to a great result. These garments help to support your new contours, minimize swelling, and ensure that the skin adheres to the underlying tissue during the healing process. Not wearing your compression garment as directed—or worse, removing it altogether—can lead to complications like uneven healing or increased swelling.

Some women make the mistake of thinking that they can stop wearing their compression garments once they start feeling better. However, your body is still in the process of adjusting to its new shape, and the support from these garments is essential for maintaining the results of your surgery.

What can you do?

Follow your surgeon’s recommendations regarding when to wear and how long to wear compression garments after surgery.
Don’t remove your compression garments too soon, even if you start feeling better. It’s essential to wear them for the recommended amount of time to ensure optimal healing.
Get a garment that fits well for the specific stage of healing that you are in. This means you’ll likely need to invest in more than one garment.

4. Neglecting Your Diet and Hydration

The role that nutrition plays in the recovery process cannot be overstated. Your body needs proper fuel to heal, and the foods you eat can either support or hinder your recovery. Consuming a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein will give your body the building blocks it needs to repair tissue and reduce inflammation.

In addition to eating well, staying hydrated is key. Proper hydration helps flush out toxins, reduce swelling, and keep your lymphatic system functioning optimally. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to slower recovery, increased discomfort, and even complications.

What can you do?

Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, to support your healing process.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help your body eliminate waste.

5. Ignoring Mental and Emotional Recovery

While physical healing is critical, mental and emotional recovery is just as important. Cosmetic surgery can be an emotional journey, and many women experience feelings of disappointment, anxiety, or even frustration as they wait for their final results to emerge. Ignoring the mental aspect of recovery can impact your overall well-being and may even hinder physical healing.

Many women also feel pressure to “bounce back” immediately after surgery, but it’s essential to give yourself permission to take things slow and process your emotions. Talk to loved ones, seek professional support if needed, and be kind to yourself during this phase.

What can you do?

Take time to rest emotionally as well as physically. Give yourself permission to relax, process your thoughts, and engage in self-care.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, consider talking to a therapist who specializes in life transitions and the difficulties that come along with them.

Your healing journey is unique, and Vital Massage & Bodywork is here to guide you every step of the way. Avoid these common post-op mistakes and ensure that your results are nothing short of spectacular. Reach out today and let’s get started!