It is very important to know that having plastic surgery requires more than just money. There are certain lifestyle changes you will have to make before the surgery and after. Every body is different and we all have different genetics and, because of this, the recovery process of every patient is a story of its own. There are many emotional and physical side effects a patient can go through during the recovery period. It is not possible to rush the recovery process, and if you try doing so, you will just cause it to last even longer. The better option is to allow your body to heal properly without forcing things. This way, the recovery will be more successful. It is crucial that you consult your surgeon each step of the way. In the text bellow, you can read more about this topic.

1. Rest

Like any other surgery, a plastic operation is a traumatic experience for your body. Because of this, your body will be worn out and fragile, and prone to many diseases and injuries. You will not be 100% as you were before the surgery. This means that you will have to take some drastic steps concerning your lifestyle. It is important to rest a lot, drink a lot of fluid and eat healthy. Do not strain your body after you had an operation and avoid activities like exercising, playing sports, lifting heavy things, etc. Depending on what kind of operation you had, the resting period could stretch from days to weeks. Before even deciding to have a cosmetic surgery, think about the post op period and how it will affect your life. You might have to cut down on work, social activities and family gatherings.

2. Talk to your surgeon

It is highly important that you and your plastic surgeon have good communication. Ask everything you want to know in order to get all the necessary information concerning the operation and the post op period. Many procedures require taking medicine after the operation and your surgeon will write you a prescription you will have to honor. After some procedures, there are certain medications you aren’t allowed to take in order to prevent swelling or excessive bleeding. Like I’ve said before“, consult your doctor” and he will explain how your rest period will look like, what you will need to give up and what new habits you will have to make. Knowing what to expect can help you get through stressful times when your body is going through pain or swelling. You are not alone and your surgeon is there to guide you through this process, so whenever you experience something unfamiliar, call for an immediate consult.

3. Take care of your skin

If you had any kind of skin operation, there are various steps you can make in order to ensure a safer recovery. The first thing you should do is apply ice, and a lot of it. Ice can cool off your skin and ease the pain you are going through, while at the same time controlling the swellings. If you notice that your skin is really red, you might be risking pigmentation. To prevent this from happening, use nurturing creams that can have a positive effect on your skin – things like moisturizers and cleansers. However, make sure that you are using products which are mild, soap-free and hypo allergic. Protect your skin from the sun and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. In the first 48 hours after surgery, it is advisable not to go out in the sunlight, and after that, you can expose your skin but only if you use sunscreen which blocks beta and alpha rays. Use a sunscreen with a maximum of 40 SPF – the ones with higher SPF can block your pores, and this can cause even more problems.

Have patience for your post op period. Don’t make any moves on your own, thinking that you can speed up the process. Your surgeon knows what he is doing so have faith in him. Realize that, before you look better, you will probably look worse. This period can cause depression so have someone around to help you get through the whole process. After the whole process is finished, you will have more confidence than ever.