Your recovery from plastic surgery, be it a tummy tuck or a breast augmentation, is never going to be perfectly smooth and comfortable.
As with all surgical procedures, the recovery process from plastic surgery can be be filled with various physical and emotional setbacks - from swelling and bruising to not feeling so happy with your appearance.
All of these things are normal and temporary, and should be discussed with your plastic surgeon as a part of your expectations following the surgery.
At our Kelowna clinic, our team is always available to advise you before and after your plastic surgery procedure to help you recover safely and completely so that you can enjoy your incredible results!
5 Surefire Ways to Speed Up Your Recovery From Plastic Surgery
Contrary to popular belief, your recovery from plastic surgery doesn’t have to be long and drawn out.
In addition to following all the post-op instructions you receive from your plastic surgeon, here are some ways to help you recover faster after your procedure:
1. Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle Before & After Plastic Surgery
There are several ways you can ensure a healthy lifestyle before and after your plastic surgery to ensure your recovery period is smooth and your results pleasing.
Most plastic surgeons recommend that you:
Stop Smoking
Smoking has been shown to significantly delay healing and increase your risk of post-surgical complications such as infections and bleeding.
The same goes for alcohol consumption. You don’t have to completely quit drinking but you may want to reduce your alcohol intake before and after the plastic surgery.
Exercise Daily
Unless your plastic surgeon has recommended that you lose weight before the surgery, make sure you at least do some mild exercise such as:
- 30 minute walks
- Strength training twice/three times a week
- 60 minutes of swimming
Staying active before your procedure improves blood circulation and keeps you healthy & strong throughout your plastic surgery journey.
Get a Good Amount of Sleep
Your body repairs itself (boosts your immunity gets rid of toxins and promotes muscle recovery) when you sleep so try and get approximately 6-8 hours of sleep every night.
2. Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon
Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your surgery is key to getting safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing results.
Working with a surgeon who is less qualified can have some dangerous consequences including:
- Increased surgical risks
- Undesirable results
- Higher financial costs in the long run
A plastic surgeon who is experienced and skilled in the procedure you want will be able to provide you with the right advice and guidance to plan for your recovery. This helps things go along much more smoothly.
3. Take all Your Medication
No matter how good you may feel or how well you can tolerate the pain from your plastic surgery, take your medicine as directed.
NEVER miss a dose of your pain medication as pain increases your blood pressure, which may cause more bruising and create complications with your recovery.
4. Proper Scar Care
Although scarring is unavoidable in any surgical procedure, a good plastic surgeon will make sure the scars are discreet and, when healed, barely visible.
In addition, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the appearance of scars including
- Quitting smoking
- Following a diet that is rich in iron, zinc and vitamin C (including spinach, kale, beans, tofu, kiwifruit and strawberries)
- Losing weight before your surgery
- Avoiding sun exposure
- Not doing any exercise or physical activity that will place stress on your scars
5. Make Sure to Keep All Your Follow-Up Appointments
Regardless of how you feel, make sure you go to all follow-up appointments. Your plastic surgeon needs to monitor your progress to ensure that your body is healing properly.
Because each patient is unique and reacts differently to plastic surgery, your doctor may also need to make some adjustments to your post-op care periodically so make sure you never miss your appointments.
Learn More
To find out more about our wide range of plastic surgery procedures and how we can help you achieve all your aesthetic goals, contact us at 250-868-9099.
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