Millions of people undergo various forms of plastic surgery each year and end up thrilled with the results thereof. However, not nearly enough of them realize that, in order to enjoy the results of their procedure to the fullest, they need to take good care of themselves after having any surgical procedures performed – especially if they want their new appearance to last as long as possible.
Have a Support System in Place
It is essential for patients to have some form of support system at home for the first two to three days after having surgery performed. This usually includes having someone stay with the patient to ensure that he or she eats regular meals, takes any medication that has been prescribed and gets enough rest for the first few days. In many cases, patients can become depressed after having plastic surgery performed, which is another reason why it is important to have someone around to talk with. It is also important to remember that in most cases, a patient will look a lot worse after surgery due to swelling and bruising. However, this will normally only last a few days at the most.
Protect the Skin
In many cases, plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures can leave the skin extremely red, sore and irritated. Although these side effects do not last longer than a few weeks at most, it is important to take the necessary precautions. These include staying out of the sun for the first few days after procedures such as chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser treatments have been performed and wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30, in conjunction with a wide-brimmed hat if going out into the sun is unavoidable for any reason. In some cases, a gentle moisturizing product can be applied to the area of surgery after a few days to help soothe it.
Follow the Surgeon’s Instructions
After any plastic surgery has been performed, patients will be provided with a list of instructions that will need to be followed regarding post-operative care – regardless of how mundane they may seem. These can include taking prescribed pain medication at scheduled intervals, using ice to control swelling that may occur and restricting physical activity wherever necessary. Advice will also be provided regarding how to keep the area of surgery clean in order to promote the healing process, which should also be strictly adhered to. It is also important to refrain from picking on any loose skin or squeezing at the site of the surgery, as this will also compromise the healing process.
Depending on the plastic surgery that has been performed, patients can expect their recovery period to last anywhere from a few days to a month or two. However, once the swelling and bruising have subsided and full healing has taken place, they can then look forward to seeing their new appearance each time they look in the mirror in the future.
