Your Top 5 Post-Op Necessities

The process of cosmetic surgery does not end with the incision; the recovery period after the operation is also important to ensuring the best results. Here are five essential considerations to take into account after your procedure.

Nutrition

Though taking high-dose multivitamins can be counterproductive and even dangerous for your recovery, conservative vitamin supplementation can be helpful. These supplements should be carefully reviewed with your surgeon as many can interfere with medications and normal blood clotting. More importantly, adequate protein intake is critical – your surgeon can guide you as to an optimum intake for your recovery.

Comfort Aids

In addition to any pain medications prescribed, a patient can prepare themselves with other products to make recovery easier. Items such as loose-fitting garments and supportive wedge pillows can minimize discomfort and provide relief during downtime. For most procedures, recliners are a tremendous advantage!

Water

Keeping hydrated is a great way to keep a recovering body happy and to reduce post-op swelling. It is also advisable to limit salt intake by avoiding processed foods and other high-sodium snacks.

Walking

Light activity, especially walking, is critical to recovery. Veins and lymphatic vessels are low-pressure systems that rely on gentle muscle contracture and respiration (breathing) to return fluid from swollen surgical sites. Further, gentle walking of 30 minutes, three times daily, reduces risk further of already rare complications such as deep-vein thrombosis (blood clots that can occur after surgery). These walks can also ease the constipation that is a common side effect of some pain medication, improve pain control, and improve mood!

Support

Supportive family and friends can be of great help in the period immediately following your cosmetic procedure. They can help with performing some everyday tasks that might be cumbersome.

It is also vital to rely on an experienced and knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon. They will ensure you receive the best possible care, both during and after your cosmetic procedures. Dr. Sobel, board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Osteopathic Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, has thousands of successful aesthetic surgeries behind his practice and can deliver the support you need. Schedule your free consultation today!