Five Recovery Tips After Cosmetic Surgery

Author: Kendra Wagner

Recovery time after cosmetic surgery varies widely from person to person. The amount of time it takes to fully recover often depends largely on the type of surgery that was performed, but there are steps patients can take to ease the process and ensure the best possible results. No matter what procedure was performed, the recovery process involves both physical and emotional issues. The following five recovery tips can help you through this crucial period after cosmetic surgery.

1. Understand the Recovery Process

One of the most important things to remember is that the recovery process can be tough. In many cases, you will likely end up looking worse before you’ll look better. Bruising, swelling, drainage and soreness are all possible after effects of any cosmetic surgery. Because of this, the positive impact of your surgery may not be evident for several days or even several weeks. Depending on the seriousness and invasiveness of the surgery, you might need to remain in bandages for an extended period of time. By understanding exactly how your recovery is expected to proceed, you will be better able to cope with this process. As the swelling and bruising begins to recede, you will then be able to see the results of your surgery.

2. Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations

The exact nature of your recovery will depend greatly on which surgical procedure you have chosen. In some cases, your doctor may order bed rest or direct you to keep the affected area elevated. Always follow your doctor’s suggestion precisely. Brushing off this valuable medical advice can seriously impact the overall results of your surgery. Your doctor is in the best position to understand your unique needs as well as the possible effects of your surgery, so following his or her recommendations is absolutely essential.

3. Talk to Your Doctor Before Trying New Recovery Techniques

In some cases, people might be tempted to start taking vitamin supplements and herbal remedies to hasten the recovery process. However, you should always discuss the matter with your doctor before attempting such a strategy. The pain medications and other prescriptions you are taking can have an impact on how these additional supplements act on your body, which means that you must inform your doctor of any non-prescription vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking. In some cases, combining medications with vitamins and herbs can have a devastating impact on your health or even cause major complications such as organ damage or failure.

4. Enlist the Help of Friends and Family

The period immediately following your surgery is crucial to your recovery. During this time, it is important to have the help and support of friends and family. This support system can help you with basic after-care and ensure that your basic needs are met. With some surgeries, you may actually need someone to provide care for a two to three day period after your surgery. By getting the support that you need during this critical time, you will be able to focus the proper attention on your recovery.

5. Consider the Psychological Impact of Surgery

While cosmetic surgery has obvious physical implications, the emotional and psychological impact is often more subtle yet equally important. All too often, people expect an immediate boost in self-confidence and personal esteem. In truth, any type of surgery is often following by a wide array of emotions, ranging from happiness to depression. The best way to cope with the psychological elements of cosmetic surgery is to have realistic expectations as well as to understand the possible emotions you might experience after surgery.

There are many different procedures in use today, each with its own range of advantages, risks and limitations. Before having any type of surgery, always consider factors such as what you need, what you expect, and the possible cosmetic surgery cost. All of these issues can not only have an impact on your recovery, but they can also impact your results and an ultimate satisfaction with your cosmetic surgery experience.