Do These Things for a Smooth Plastic Surgery Recovery

Having plastic surgery is a big decision. If you’re on the cusp of making it, you probably want to know how to make the most of your chosen procedure. Most of our patients also want to know how to make their recovery period as successful as possible. Understandably, patients worry somewhat about comfort and optimal healing. The comfort aspect of recovery is well managed with appropriate pain medication. Optimal healing, on the other hand, is up to the patient to a large degree. Here, we discuss some of the things you must do to help your body recover as well as it can, as quickly as it can, after surgery. 

Rest

We can feel you rolling your eyes at this suggestion. Of course, you know you’ll be tired for a couple of days, right? You’ve read the tips about getting extra pillows and building your Netflix watch list. There’s more to it than that, though. We bring up rest as the number one thing patients must do after surgery for a big reason: they don’t do it. Let’s look at the reality of the situation. Before you have surgery, you may feel great getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. After your procedure, you may stay in bed for 10 hours a night. Then, you may want a nap after a few hours of brief activity. Post-surgical fatigue is real. It isn’t a sign of weakness nor is it an indication that something is wrong. We want you to understand what your body needs so you can be more giving to yourself during the sometimes-emotional days of recovery. 

Eat Well

When we’re not feeling well, many of us want “comfort foods” that bring us a sense of, well, comfort. The danger in this after surgery is that some comfort foods aren’t healthy. Feeling tired and achy after surgery, you also may not feel like cooking. The danger in this is that you may order in from fast food restaurants more often than you want to admit. Your surgical recovery is the time for prioritizing healthy, whole foods. Smoothies can be a tasty and healthy treat. Soups can feel comforting while also delivering the lean meats, vegetables, and healthy fats your body needs to heal. 

Get Moving

This can be a tricky area for many patients. You will have activity restrictions after your procedure, regardless of what you have done. These must be followed. However, it is essential that you walk at least a little bit every day. Whether this is only around the house at first doesn’t matter. Low-impact movement reduces the risk blood clots and ensures that oxygenated blood moves through the tissues that are healing. 

It makes us proud to bring more beauty into the world. To explore your plastic surgery procedure of choice, call our Denver office at 303.399.9609.