Undergoing cosmetic or plastic surgery is an exciting, “milestone” treatment for most patients, as it leads to improved self-esteem and better aesthetics. Understandably, many patients wish to fasten their healing process to experience these changes and return to their normal daily activities and routines sooner. Nowadays, a lot of cosmetic or plastic surgery operations are less invasive. But cosmetic or plastic surgery is still surgery – and even relatively basic procedures like facelifts often require recovery and healing periods.
The amount of recovery time required after undergoing one or more surgical operations depends on various factors unique to each patient and procedure. The good news is that one can significantly impact their recovery by attentively adhering to all post-operative recommendations given by the plastic surgeon.
Dr. Medha Bhave, a renowned best plastic surgeon in Mumbai at Lasercosmesis, has compiled this list of 6 recovery guidelines to aid in the understanding of the cosmetic surgery recovery process. One can recuperate more rapidly and return to regular life by heeding these recommendations and depending on family and friends for post-operative care!
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Make no effort to “tough it out.”
It’s common to suffer pain, bruising, and swelling after surgery, as these side effects are all a normal part of the body’s natural healing process. It’s common for patients to try to endure or ignore their pain, but it’s crucial to take the prescribed medications. Don’t let the discomfort overcome one; doing so will make recovery more complex.
Aside from potentially thinning the blood, over-the-counter painkillers and herbal medicines should be avoided since they may also interfere with prescription drugs. ‘Be mindful that constipation is a frequent adverse effect of prescription painkillers when taking them. To prevent this, it’s crucial to consume a lot of fluids and walk around often’, says the best plastic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Medha Bhave.
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Be Active.
One will need to rest a lot the first 48 to 72 hours after the surgery, but don’t interpret the advice to relax as meaning that one should spend the entire time in bed. Moving promotes physical healing and may lessen discomfort.
Even if one might not feel like going for a five-mile walk, stand up at a few intervals to keep the blood flowing. It’s preferable to move around the home for a few minutes or take a few modest stretching breaks than to do nothing at all. One might want to set a timer to remind oneself to get up and move about once each hour.
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Skip the Gym.
Yes, many people think this advice could seem illogical given- what is just said about the advantages of moving around. Running or weightlifting, for example, might be rigorous exercise and delay recovery. Many cosmetic surgery patients are eager to resume their regular fitness schedules, but it’s best to hold off on strenuous activity for a few weeks after surgery to speed recovery.
Exercise raises blood pressure, which can cause more bleeding, bruising, and inflammation. Patients who begin rigorous exercise routines too soon after surgery risk catastrophic problems, including incisions and reopening. Even if one believes one is prepared to resume the pre-surgery levels of activity, speak with the surgeon before doing so.
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Possess Realistic Expectations.
Remember that the recovery process is only—a process. One may look and feel worse after any type of surgery before one starts to feel better. The majority of cosmetic or plastic surgery treatments result in some degree of swelling and bruising. The full impact of the results may take a few days or longer to become apparent. Don’t freak out because stress can slow down the body’s natural healing process.
One’s recovery period could be a few days to a few weeks, depending on the procedure(s) one decides to undergo. Consider how the post-surgery recovery period will impact one’s employment, family obligations, and social plans. One should also make plans for someone to look after them for the first 48 to 72 hours following surgery. Even though one might think one can return to the regular routines immediately, having someone there to help can bring comfort and let one concentrate on recovery.
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Avoid Smoking.
Patients who smoke should typically give up for at least eight weeks before having cosmetic surgery. That doesn’t mean one should start the habit again once the procedure is completed. Smoking greatly slows the healing process and can cause severe difficulties during recovery because of how it affects one’s circulation.
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If Directed, Put On Compression Clothing Or Cold Packs.
Applying ice will help reduce swelling after any kind of facial surgery, such as a facelift, eyelid lift, or nose job. One might sometimes need to ice the surgery area even if bandages are covering it.
One might need to wear a compression garment for many weeks after several surgical operations, including a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or a breast lift. Don’t undervalue the role these clothes play in assisting one’s body in reducing swelling and bruising. By reducing skin wrinkles and promoting skin retraction, they also aid in body contouring. Additionally, the compression provided by the clothing may make scars smoother, flatter, and less obvious, says the best female plastic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Medha Bhave.
One can contact Dr. Medha Bhave at Lasercosmesis Clinic, the Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Thane, to schedule a consultation with the best plastic surgeon to get an effective and customized manual for post-operative care. Dr. Medha Bhave is a leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon having an overall experience of 25 years. The skilled doctor is particularly interested in helping her patients deal with psychosocial impacts with the help of her plastic or cosmetic surgical procedures. She believes it is crucial not to rush the healing process, as any surgeon will advise, as doing so will produce far more satisfying results.
