Plastic Surgery Procedure Post Op Information

Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California

Depending on the type of procedure you elect, if it is a full-fledged plastic surgery, you will have to account for significant recovery time. Cosmetic surgical procedures are real surgeries and in many cases, you are under general anesthesia for several hours. As a result, it is a good idea to plan ahead of time for your postoperative care.

Set up a recovery space

In most cases, barring complications, the recovery time for your procedure is fairly standard. A facelift may take two weeks, rhinoplasty a week or so, and abdominoplasty approximately two weeks. Setting up an area in your house prior to surgery can make recovery much easier.

Some things to do to create a good recovery include:

• Keep pain medication nearby
• Create easy access to the bathroom
• Keep a telephone handy
• Have a comfortable place to lay down
• Have props available to elevate your legs
• Keep plenty of fluids handy
• Maintain a stock of dressings, if necessary

If you live alone, you might want to have a friend or relative check in every so often to see how you are doing. Having a visitor after your surgery helps time go by and can help keep your mind of the pain.

Exercise

It is important to start walking as soon after your procedure as possible. Even if you had a facelift or breast augmentation surgery, walking helps speed recovery by increasing circulation to the surgical area.

Recommended exercises:

• Short walks – Not just trips to the bathroom, they should be real walks around the block, or at least down the street for a short distance
• Stretching – Many small stretches can be conducted while relaxing with a book or watching TV
• Light weights – Keep any weights you might use by your bedside or couch and put yourself on an exercise schedule

Exercise is another way to keep your mind off any pain you might be experiencing.

Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet during recovery is very important. Avoid saturated fats and other heavy foods. You will need a lot of energy and protein to ensure adequate recovery.

Time off

Stress doesn't help when you are trying to recover from surgery.

Some ways to reduce stress include:

• Take plenty of time off from work
• Get somebody to look after the kids
• Read and listen to relaxing music

Rushing back to work before you are ready is no way to recover.

Arranging your recovery space ahead of time will go along way toward you getting back on your feet. To find out more about cosmetic surgical procedures, please contact San Francisco Plastic Surgeon Dr. Randall Weil today to schedule an initial consultation.