Recovery from plastic surgery is an important period that calls for attention to detail and caution. A consistent approach can help you get through the entire recovery process more quickly and without any problems. First and foremost, this pertains to the patient's personal hygiene as well as the ongoing monitoring and care of the surgical wound. Therefore, we have highlighted a few crucial features to think about following plastic surgery below.
The two subcategories of plastic surgery recovery and care are adherence to personal hygiene and the patient's physical activity level. Following your doctor's instructions for a healthy and natural recovery is part of postoperative care. These guidelines include using painkillers, paying attention to cuts and stitches, and seeking emergency medical attention from a specialist if complications arise.
The patient should focus on getting enough sleep during this time, as this will help them recover more quickly and easily. Avoiding a variety of physical activities, such as lifting heavy objects or doing housework, is crucial.
The plastic surgeon may advise wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling, depending on the type of surgery (breast, abdominal, etc.). In order to reduce pain during the postoperative phase, the specialist may also recommend painkillers, which must be taken as directed without altering the medication type or skipping doses. The patient can visit the plastic surgery clinic to discuss alternative medications if the prescribed ones don't have the desired effect. Because medications can have adverse effects, it is crucial to avoid taking them without first talking to a doctor.
Following the doctor's instructions and exercising patience during the post-operative and recovery phases will help the patient recover more calmly and lower their risk of complications and infections. In this situation, the patient can also visit the medical center to speak with a specialist, get more specific information and personalized advice, discuss any questions they may have, and ensure a safe recovery.
Although we already know that using tobacco and other products containing nicotine is contraindicated during the postoperative period, there are instances in which the patient continues to use tobacco. Smoking causes the blood vessels to constrict, which prevents the wound from receiving enough blood to heal. Consequently, there is a greater chance of infections, complications, and scarring.
For 48 hours following surgery, it is also not recommended to bathe, shower, or wet the wound in any way because this could cause te sutures to become wet and cause the wound to heal longer. It is advised to "bath" with a sponge and refrain from wetting the wound in order to preserve hygiene.
Since painkillers can impair a patient's reflexes and reaction time, it is also not advisable for them to drive a car or any other form of transportation. Contact with animals and sick people is also contraindicated, depending on the patient's recuperation time. This is because following surgery, the patient's immune system weakens and their health becomes more vulnerable.
In order to promote the function of the tissues, the patient should also keep their body's water content at the appropriate level. With the exception of alcohol and caffeine, the patient can use various liquids to prevent dehydration. The recommended daily water intake level based on the patient's weight is shown below.
The amount of water that the patient consumes must be adjusted based on their weight. Following the patient's diet, which should be healthy and nourishing, high in protein, good fats, and complex carbohydrates, is crucial in addition to preventing dehydration. This will support a speedy and healthy recovery. Because they make the recovery process more difficult, alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine must be avoided. Maintaining the patient's proper diet is a top priority for many plastic surgeons in Armenia, including Medines Medical Center. Thus, the patient can receive a customized approach and ask about special foods during the plastic surgery consultation.
Regardless of the surgery type, it is important to recognize the specifics of recovery, dos and don'ts, food and habits. Thus, it is important to consult a specialist to get an accurate and personalized approach.