Going through any type of cosmetic surgery requires proper healing time. Whether the operation is considered minor or major, you need to factor in that is might be a few days before you can go back to your normal routines. With some surgeries, the recovery time can be prescribed for a few weeks. Your surgeon will be able to go over all of the post-op instructions that are specific to your procedure. However, there are some things to know about your recover that will be common across all procedures.
The First 48 Hours:
A lot of plastic surgery procedures will be performed under sedation. That means having anesthesia. The effects of that anesthesia could linger for up to two days after your operation. Here’s what you should avoid:
• Drinking any type of alcohol
• Driving
• Making important decisions
• Being alone
• Taking a shower
While the effects of the anesthesia begin to taper off, you will want to get as much rest as possible. When you start to go back to eating, start with liquids like smoothies before moving onto solid foods. Be sure to chew your food well and slowly when you take in solids. It is common after anesthesia to feel bouts of dizziness and nauseous. That is why you shouldn’t be alone. Let someone be there to help.
Managing Pain
As you might expect, feeling pain after a surgical procedure is expected. This is probably the one aspect of the operation that you are most apprehensive about. Fortunately, there will be ways to manage your pain starting with medications. It is important to follow the instructions with those prescriptions. These might be the firs time that you are taking these kinds of medications and they need to be taken carefully.
Ice packs can work wonders when it comes to reducing swelling and pain. Tylenol is also a good option but you should avoid aspirin or ibuprofen. Above all else, you need to rest. That probably won’t be much of an issue in those first 24 hours and you will still feel sleepy from the anesthesia. But be prepared to spend a lot of time in bed. Make sure you have all you need within reach.
When to Call Your Doctor
Although rare, complications can happen after a procedure. You should always call your doctor if you develop a fever over 101 degrees or there is a large amount of bleeding or drainage from any incision.
Although the post-op recovery is nobody’s idea of fun, it will pass before you know it and you’ll be able to get back to your regular routines and proudly show off the “new you.”
