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• What are some helpful tips for recovery after plastic surgery?

What are some helpful tips for recovery after plastic surgery?

When planning for cosmetic surgery, patients take the time to plan for the time they will be taking off, the help they may need at home, and care for their pets, but many times overlook the most obvious in post operative care. Cosmetic surgery, many forget is a process that many times is invasive and painful, and the following tips gathered from post-operative nurses with over 20 years of experience will allow for the things you forget to remember, but are critical in getting you better and back on your feet.

It is critical to adhere to your post - op and recovery instructions - these will help you gauge your pain threshold and healing process. It is imperative to keep a copy near your resting area for those who care for you to access it as well. Suggestions that may be addressed include eating lightly; start with liquids for two days and move to soft solids. When the surgical procedures involve your face, a reminder to keep your head elevated to control swelling may be on the list.

• Pillows, keep several handy, one for the base of their spine and one for your knees.
• Mouthwash/ Liquid Toothpaste, to rinse your mouth out. It is vital to keep hygiene and normalcy as part of the routine.
• Sensitive skin - products, to wash with for the first several days. Taking care to ensure skin care is hypo-allergenic and formulated for sensitive to dry skin will help ease the effects of anesthesia and surgery.
• Gentle, moisturizing creams for use on incisions and laser surgery sites. Triple antibiotic cream for scars, a moisturizer for lips with vitamin E, and possibly petroleum jelly. This will ensure that skin/ lip/ face care is covered.
• A mild laxative, many times pain medications and inactivity are binding.
• An over-the-counter sleeping aid. Reminders that rest and sleep are important to the healing process are needed occasionally. If you have trouble falling asleep under normal conditions, sleep after surgery will probably be strained, even with the pain medication. Ask your doctor for suggestions.
• Homeopathic remedies have been used for healing surgical wounds sporadically with mixed results, many times reducing bruising and detoxification from anesthesia. Patients are unaware of the growing realm of alternative healing products in today's practices. Homeopathy is a natural science that uses extremely small, nontoxic doses of substances from plant, mineral, animal and chemical kingdoms. Homeopathic remedies are curative because they are said to aid in the body's overall defenses rather than treating symptoms. These remedies may stimulate the patient's immune system resulting in strengthening the individual's ability to heal. Discuss this option with your surgeon, their approval in this course of action is imperative to your overall recovery process
• Soft, semi solid foods and water - protein shakes, fruit juices/ purees, applesauce, oatmeal, yogurt, etc.
• Plenty of juice. You should be careful with highly acidic juices like orange and grapefruit that may sour your stomach causing you to feel nauseous or actually vomit. Remember flex straws- these are always nice when having to spend extended amounts of time in the reclined position.
• Hand-held showerheads for tub or shower enclosures with a plastic chair for sitting. Time and again this has been shown to be a very effective way of safely bathing or having your hair washed.
• Mild hair products to wash your hair for the first several times. Keep in mind that a hair pick or an open brush will help manage your hair until you are back to doing it yourself. Brand new items are desired since they will be used over sutured areas that are sensitive.
• A speakerphone near your bed, the ability to communicate on your own, without help, will be priceless.
• Lubricating eye drops for dry eyes from the anesthetic, regardless if the procedure involved your eyes- they aid in making it easier for you to blink and focus.
• All prescription drugs in the house before you need them.
• Several cold packs - Two at a minimum. You could use as many as 2-3 at a time and may need to replace them after 15-20 minutes.

Many patients look forward to the results of plastic and cosmetic surgery, forgetting that the healing process can be at times grueling and painful. The above tips are meant to simplify and make the process easier on both you and your caretaker in the healing process. If you ever have doubts about symptoms you may be experiencing, always consult with your physician - it always better to be safe and in touch with your physician and their support staff.

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