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No matter how excited you are for the results of your cosmetic surgery, the prospect of your recovery period can seem daunting. And while it’s completely normal to feel nervous about this period, recovery is part of the process and, if done correctly, should not be something to worry about.
While the specific process and length of recovery varies for each patient, there are plenty of consistencies among plastic surgery procedures.
Below are five helpful tips to make your cosmetic surgery recovery as easy and comfortable as possible.
1. Choose and Prepare Your Recovery Space
Regardless of whether you are undergoing a single procedure or a combination procedure, you will need to recover in a comfortable environment.
It is important that you prepare your recovery area before your procedure. This means making sure that you have enough blankets and pillows at the ready. Additionally, you will want to make sure that your medication and entertainment options (magazines, books, computer, TV and remote control, etc.) are all within arm’s reach.
You will also want to consider meal prepping before your procedure so that you do not need to spend any effort making food after your procedure.
Lastly, you will need to arrange for someone (family member or friend) to be there to help you during the first 24 hours after your surgery.
2. Have Comfortable Clothing Readily Accessible
When planning out the clothing you will be wearing during your recovery period, it is important to make sure that you don’t choose shirts or tops that go over your head. This can irritate the face, which is problematic if you undergo a facial cosmetic procedure, like facelift surgery, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), nose surgery (rhinoplasty), or ear surgery (otoplasty).
Additionally, pulling clothing over your head causes your arms and torso to extend, which can cause unwanted stress on incisions, especially after breast procedures (breast augmentation surgery or breast reduction surgery) and other body procedures, such as tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) or post-bariatric surgery.
Instead of tops that go over your head, you will want to opt for clothing that button up.
3. Have Your Prescriptions Already Filled
The last thing you will want to do on your way home after your procedure is stop at the pharmacy and fill your prescriptions. Instead, you will want to get home and start your recovery in your prepared area.
Because of this, it is important to make sure that you fill all prescriptions (antibiotics, pain medications, etc.) before your procedure.
4. Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Instructions
It may seem obvious, but it is important that you follow all pre and postoperative instructions from your plastic surgeon. This includes stopping smoking at least six weeks before your procedure, taking all of your prescribed medications after your surgery, and wearing your required compression garments (if needed).
Doing so can help prevent complications from arising both during and after your procedure.
5. Contact Your Plastic Surgeon’s Office if Needed
While complications and unexpected occurrences are rare after plastic surgery, it is important to contact our office immediately if you have any questions or you experience any adverse side effects or complications during your recovery, including prolonged or increased pain. This can minimize your discomfort and any worry you may have as well as help ensure that your aesthetic results are exactly what you are looking for.
Are You Interested in Learning More?
If you have questions about plastic surgery recovery or want to learn more about any of the procedures offered at the Birmingham Specialists, give us a call at 205-298-8660 or fill out our online contact form here to schedule your consultation.