The recovery period after plastic surgery can be tedious, but it is necessary to allow your body time to heal after an invasive procedure. By making sure to prepare both physically and mentally, you can ensure you have the smoothest recovery period possible. Below are our top post-op tips for a successful surgery recovery:
1. Use Scar Cream as Directed
Although most procedures utilize small, discreet incisions, with some procedures, large incisions are unavoidable. For procedures with large incisions, a good scar cream can help reduce the appearance of scars and even out skin tone. The tried and true method for eliminating surgical scars as well as scars from regular run of the mill cuts, Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is proven to reduce the appearance of scars when used consistently. The cream can be purchased over the counter at your local drug store. Priced at only $20 to $30, this cream is as affordable as it is effective! If Mederma is not your favorite, there are tons of other effective scar creams available for a reasonable price.
2. Get any Needed Drainage Massages
Massage therapy can make or break a person’s post-surgery recovery period. Targeted massage is known to help put pressure on scar tissue to loosen the muscles around it, reducing their appearance and smoothing them out. Additionally, massage therapy can increase circulation to help flush metabolic wastes out of the body to relieve pain and swelling. It can also help drain excess fluids that cause swelling and help relieve numbness and soreness. This is vital to achieving smooth, long-lasting results and avoiding unforeseen complications in the future.
3. Walk Around Throughout the Day
Walking around after your surgery can help reduce your risk of blood clots by improving your circulation. Additionally, walking around can actually help speed up your recovery by getting your body back in the habit of moving around. The more you do it, the easier it will become!
4. Take CBD for Pain Relief
One of the most popular natural remedies for a smoother, less painful recovery is the incorporation of CBD products. CBD interacts with a core component of the ECS, the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain and immune system. These receptors receive signals, mostly chemical ones, from different stimuli and help your cells respond. CBD interacts with these receptors to create anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that help with pain management. CBD is available for purchase at Mia Aesthetics in the form of an oil, a body cream, or edible gummies to give you the pain and stress relief you need.
5. Wear any Necessary Garments
Most plastic surgery procedures require that patients wear some type of compression garment, or a faja, after surgery. The light compression provided by a faja promotes healing and helps the body absorb any fluid that may cause unwanted swelling. Fajas are also known to reduce bruising, decrease scarring, and aid in overall pain reduction. Lastly, a faja helps contour your body into the desired end result.
6. Drink Pineapple Juice
Pineapple contains bromelain, which is a powerful enzyme that has many surprising and helpful properties. Bromelain has a centuries-long history of being used to treat medical ailments, primarily throughout Central and South America. One of the main benefits of bromelain is that it speeds healing by reducing inflammation. Bromelain also minimizes the occurrence of bruising, which is particularly beneficial for recovery from plastic surgery. Pineapple juice is also known to fight nausea and aid in digestion, making it the perfect surgery recovery drink!
7. Pack Comfortable, Easy to Wear Clothes
After surgery, you will likely be sore and uncomfortable. A fluffy robe and comfortable pair of slippers will go a long way in making your recovery period more enjoyable!
8. Do not Smoke or Drink Until Given the Clear
Smoking and drinking make it harder for your body to heal during the sensitive recovery period. Both cigarettes and alcohol can cause circulatory issues and increase your risk of infection and avoidable complications. By waiting at least a month after surgery before smoking or drinking, you will heal more quickly and achieve your final results sooner.
9. Be Patient and Trust the Process
Although before and after photos show incredible, transformative results, these are typically taken after the patient has had time to heal. You should mentally prepare for the fact that you will likely not look or feel like yourself after surgery. In fact, final results typically take anywhere from six weeks to three months to settle in. There may be swelling and bruising as well as manageable pain. But this is temporary. If you go into surgery with the patience and understanding that your results will take time and healing to fully settle, you will better be able to manage the recovery process.