In 2019, plastic surgery is miles more advanced than it was ten years ago. Innovations and new technology have allowed cosmetic surgery to be as quick and painless as possible. While cosmetic surgery is still a major decision that should be thoroughly though through, if you do decide to have it done, there are certain add-ons and options you can include in your procedure to reduce pain during recovery.
Be in Good Health
Firstly, patients should make sure they are in good health in order to tolerate surgery and have a smoother recovery. At Mia Aesthetics, all patients are required to a series of lab tests that test for certain markers. These markers help us understand how your body works, and alert us if there are any conditions that need to be addressed before you can be cleared for surgery.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions
Then, patients must make sure to follow all pre-op instructions thoroughly. This includes avoiding alcohol and nicotine, as well as any other drugs listed on your pre-op instructions. Patients are advised to eat healthily and exercise in order to maintain a healthy preop weight. Treat your body as well as possible. Many patients who are already fit and in good health going into surgery report having a much smoother and less painful recovery period!
Lymphatic Massages
For certain procedures, surgeons recommend getting a series of lymphatic massages during your recovery time to improve your results. Liposuction, or any other fat transfer procedure, is the best type of procedure to use this type of massage for.
Liposuction usually creates pooling of excess lymphatic fluids, which results in undesired swelling. Lymphatic massage helps maintain the body’s fluid balance, blood circulation, and immune mechanisms. During a lymph drainage massage, a specially trained massage therapist uses a series of gliding, compressing, stretching, and cupping motions over the patient’s body. The light rhythmic movements, applied without massage oil, stimulate the lymphatic system without compressing the vessels – allowing lymph to move easily through the tissues and lymph nodes. By reducing swelling and filtering out unneeded toxins and wastes from the body, you can reduce your overall pain and recovery time.
CBD Oil
As an alternative medicine option, some doctors recommend patients use CBD oil to help reduce pain after plastic surgery. CBD does not produce a euphoric “high” or psychoactive effect because CBD does not affect the same receptors as THC. Instead, CBD influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively. For example, CBD stops the body from absorbing anandamide, a compound associated with regulating pain. So increased levels of anandamide in the bloodstream may reduce the amount of pain a person feels. Cannabidiol may also limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system
Pain Killers
After undergoing plastic surgery, your surgeon will prescribe you a limited amount of prescription pain killers to assist with pain after surgery. These are to be used exactly as directed. Your doctor will only prescribe a specific amount of these drugs because pain killers can be addictive and dangerous when used in high quantities.
Once your pain decreases, you will be able to use regular over-the-counter pain killers like Tylenol or Advil to manage your pain symptoms.
Exparel
Exparel (bupivacaine) is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks nerve impulses in your body and is the most surefire way to reduce your pain after surgery. The narcotic is used as a nerve block after surgery and provides pain relief to the area by numbing it for up to 72 hours. While the sensation of being numb might feel strange, you will very thankful not to have any pain or discomfort from your procedure!
At Mia Aesthetics, Exparel is offered with certain procedures and costs $600 to add on. The narcotic is delivered in a single dose.
Have a Pain Management Plan in Place
As with most things in life, if you are better prepared, you will be better able to handle whatever is thrown your way. Ahead of your surgery, you should make a plan for how you will deal with pain after your surgery. Make sure to have any needed prescriptions on hand and have a caregiver present to help keep you on a regular schedule, as you will likely be very tired after surgery. Additionally, talk to your doctor about any concerns you have and about all your options to make sure you are well informed.
The above options can help make your cosmetic surgery as smooth and painless as possible. While some pain should be expected and prepared for with plastic surgery, keeping yourself well informed and prepared can reduce pain and make any discomfort you experience more manageable. A smoother recovery means you can get to enjoying your new body even sooner!