Over the last decade, people from all walks of life have embraced plastic surgery leading to significant growth across the globe. This is in pursuit to enhance their beauty besides the few medical conditions. However, similar to other forms of surgeries, you must get ready for the procedure and get enlightened about the recovery process.
Although recovery after cosmetic surgeries requires some patience, some steps might enhance the recovery period and ensure its outcome is as pleasing as expected. Herewith are ten tips that’ll help you have a smooth recovery from plastic surgery in Wichita.
Adhere to Instructions Given by Your Surgeon
Following the instructions given by your surgeon should not be taken lightly. All instructions are essential and none should be disregarded. For instance, if your physician asks you not to take a face bath after the procedure, don’t ignore him because you are not feeling any pain. Also, ask for clarification on instructions that are not straightforward to avoid creating more harm to your body.
Keep Your Home Ready Early Enough
After surgery, Dr. Stacy L Peterson MD, a plastic surgeon in Wichita, says it is important to take rest for weeks before indulging in tedious tasks. Running house chores and other duties around your home might be cumbersome for you once you are through with the surgery. Therefore, clean every part of the house and employ an assistant who will help keep the house in orders until you recover fully. As such, nothing will interfere with the healing process. Below is a guide into what should be ready before leaving for the surgery:
Buy special pillows
Elevation pillows are more comfortable for people who have undergone this procedure. They keep your face elevated preventing any skin contact with the pillow.
Equip your home with safe skincare products
Purchase all your preferred skincare products days before the scheduled surgery. Items like water sprays and cleaning wipes will ensure you stay fresh when recovering.
Take care of kitchen equipment
Homemade food needs early planning especially if some of the gadgets are not working. Ensure the juice blender and the cooker are all functional to prevent unexpected disappointments. However, a food delivery service can be organized for people who cannot cook.
Don’t Skip any Appointment
Attending all the scheduled appointments is necessary if you want a complete recovery. Do not be deceived by the healing and not painful wound to ignore an appointment. A physician uses that time in checking the healing progress and finding out whether you need additional care or medication. Remember, some medications may need adjustments due to allergic conditions or non-performance and this could be the right time to make a change.
Stay Active but Don’t Overdo it
Once the surgery is over, you don’t have to spend weeks in bed. Most doctors advice patients to take some strides and indulge in light activities each day. Such exercises help ease stiffness, ensure there is good blood circulation, and prevent blood clotting. Therefore, stop spending the whole day sleeping and take a short walk every day.
Stay Away from Alcohol and Avoid Smoking
Use of nicotine and alcoholic products after cosmetic surgery is not recommended. Studies show that nicotine consumption after surgery is responsible for the slow healing process and can cause more effects to your body. To avoid complications after undergoing surgery, quit smoking 4 weeks prior to the operation and continue with the trend for another 4 weeks after the successful operation.
Be Diet Conscious
It’s normal to loose appetite once you have undergone a surgical procedure. Although you may not feel hungry, eating a balanced diet and taking enough water will hasten the recovery period. Moreover, it will keep most of the side effects felt from the treatment at bay. By eating healthily, your body gets sufficient energy necessary for a quick recovery.
Seek Assistance
Asking for help from your close friends or family over this period is a wise decision. The incisions in your body require ample time for healing to take place, and that cannot be achieved when you’re lifting heavy items. Remember, straining can lead to stretching of scars or cause bleeding.
Include an Ambulance Contact on Your Speed Dial
The first few days after a cosmetic surgery may not be so smooth. Keeping contacts of an ambulance from the treatment facility is a great backup plan. With such contacts, anyone with access to your phone can make this important call to the facility saving you from extreme pain or other agonies that may arise.
Any difficulty in breathing, bleeding, failure to urinate, or other abnormal signs is an indicator that you need medical attention. In such cases, reach out to a primary care doctor or rush to an emergency room for treatment.
Don’t Compare Yourself With Others
Every surgery is unique, and so is the recovery process. Some people take a long time to heal while others take double or more period. As such, don’t despair when people who came after you in the surgery room recover before you. Focus on healing and use the energy in seeking positive ways that can enhance your recovery.
Avoid Supplements or Intake of Unsubscribed Drugs
Mixing supplements with the issued medication can complicate the healing process. Some supplement such as turmeric and anti-inflammatory substances increase bleeding risk. Avoid all substances that a physician has banned for 2 weeks to prevent any unexpected reaction.
Bonus Tip
How do you take care of the incision once you’re home? Besides touching it with clean hands, taking more care is a must. Avoid removing scabs which form around the operated skin without the consent of the responsible physician.
When sneezing or coughing, do it cautiously to prevent any harm that can occur to the incision. Incisions open when intense pressure is applied and this should be avoided. However, if these coughs become persistent, seeking medical attention is paramount.
Wrapping Up
The above steps will make your recovery from plastic surgery in Wichita a painless experience. Your body needs time to heal and cannot withstand any form of rush. Therefore, take it slow and you’ll be back to your normal life in no time.
Are you in Wichita and are wondering where to get a facelift? Dr. Peterson is the real answer. Whether you need a nose reconstruction, breast augmentation, liposuction or eyelid surgery among others, we’ve got it all covered. Please schedule an appointment with us today to have your confidence restored.