Deciding to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure can be an exciting time. Whether you want to look or feel better, it’s important to be aware of the proper surgery recovery steps you’ll need to follow after any cosmetic procedure.
After a cosmetic procedure, it can be tempting to want to rush off and show the world your new look, but surgical recovery can take time, and it’s essential to keep in mind that rushing your recovery may cause complications in the short and long term.
So the first and perhaps most important tip for recovering from cosmetic surgery is don’t rush it! With this first important step in mind, let’s explore some of the other key recovery steps you should be aware of.
Listen to medical specialists
Your surgeon will most likely have a clear recovery plan for you to follow post-surgery, particularly if you are undergoing a common cosmetic procedure. It’s important to follow the recovery plan step by step and not skip any part of it, even if you feel a particular step is over cautious.
For example, if you exercise regularly, you might be tempted to start exercising again before your recovery is complete, particularly if you feel well or feel that you’ve recovered from your procedure.
If you do have this temptation or feel 100% recovered before your advised recovery time has passed, make sure you contact your surgeon, surgeon, or healthcare provider to get professional guidance on whether it’s safe to start exercising or going about your daily routine again.
Don’t take any medication without your surgeons permission
As part of your recovery plan, your surgeon will most likely have a list of medications for you to take and a list of medications to avoid. Don’t be tempted to diverge from your surgeon’s recommendations.
Certain medications may increase the chances of a complication occurring post-surgery or interact with your prescribed pain medications. You may also be asked to avoid certain foods or substances for a certain period of time post-surgery, such as alcohol.
Try and move in moderation
While you generally won’t want to partake in any form of exercise that’s particularly strenuous post-surgery, you don’t want to become a complete couch potato either! Steady movement can help get your blood flowing and also sometimes result in reduced pain levels.
If you do feel comfortable, then light or moderate movement should be fine, but it’s important to remember not to take this as a sign to start partaking in intensive exercise too soon after surgery. Of course, if you’re unsure what level of movement is advised in your recovery, consult your recovery plan or your surgeon.
Have realistic expectations
Undergoing a cosmetic procedure can be exciting, daunting and gratifying all at the same time, but sometimes unrealistic expectations can get in the way of reality. The results of your surgery that you see immediately may not be the end product, and it’s important to understand this concept so that you’re not left feeling unsure or unsatisfied post-surgery.
Again, before your surgery, make sure you’ve taken the time to speak to your surgeon or surgeon so you have a clear idea of what you can expect post-surgery, so you’re not left feeling disappointed or dissatisfied.
Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated
We’ve already discussed the importance of following a recovery plan and not rushing the recovery process; however, there are still sensible steps you can take that will boost your body’s natural healing process.
The two easiest steps to take are eating healthily and staying hydrated. Your surgeon may recommend certain foods to eat or to avoid as part of your recovery process; if they don’t and you’re at all unsure what to base your diet around in recovery, then contacting a dietician or nutritionist is recommended.
You may also want to complement your diet with certain supplements, vitamins and minerals, but again it’s worth taking the time to get professional insight about which vitamins, minerals or supplements to take to complement a healthy diet and promote the healing process.
Make sure you drink plenty of water as well. Water helps flush out toxins from the body and transports nutrients into your cells, promoting healing and regulating body temperature and pH balance. Water can also help relieve muscle soreness and tension if you’re experiencing it.
Avoid alcohol and smoking
It’s common sense, and your surgeon or healthcare professional has probably already advised you against drinking too much or smoking when you’re recovering from a procedure, but it never hurts to reiterate the point.
Smoking, in particular, can really inhibit the healing process. For example, nicotine can slow healing and increase the risk of post-surgery complications. If you are a smoker, your surgeon or surgeon may recommend that you quit before undergoing any cosmetic procedure; this is mainly due to the adverse effects that smoking can have on sensitive tissue within the body.
Other problems that smoking, particularly nicotine, can cause in the recovery process include:
- Possible infections
- Scarring
- Death of fat cells
- Prolonged healing time
- Increased pain
- Increased likelihood of life-threatening complications such as blood clots or strokes.
While alternatives to smoking such as vaping, nicotine patches or nicotine gum are less harmful, they should still be avoided if possible.
Wrapping it up
Following the above tips, alongside a clear recovery plan from a medical professional, should ensure you have a smooth recovery from any cosmetic procedure you undergo. Remember not to rush; seek professional advice and do everything you can to promote your body’s natural recovery abilities during your recovery from cosmetic surgery.
If you’re based in the UK and looking for cosmetic options, there are cosmetic clinics in the London area that are there to help you.
