Many patients concentrate all their energy on preparing for the procedure itself, when in fact the plastic surgery recovery is just as important. Recovery time and instructions vary depending on the type of procedure, but there are some basic steps that all of our patients can expect to experience as they recover. If you’d like to prepare yourself before the surgery, here are four things that you’ll want to keep in mind:

Listen to the Instructions We Give You!

After your procedure, we’ll provide you with instructions to help your plastic surgery recovery. This may include what medications to take to ease pain, how to apply ice to reduce swelling, and a schedule for when you can resume daily activities and exercise. To ensure the best results from your procedure, you must follow these instructions to a tee, and call us if you have any questions!

Be Healthy

It’s always a good idea to eat a well-balanced diet, drink enough water to stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep, but when you’re recovering from surgery, it’s even more important. That’s because maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help boost your immune system, so you heal as quickly as possible.

You’ll Need Help

During plastic surgery recovery, you may experience some pain and discomfort, and your activities will be limited according to our instructions, particularly for the first few days after the procedure. It’s important to have someone at home with you who can help with day-to-day activities, such as caring for children and cooking. You may need assistance with keeping the surgical area clean and bandaged, so make sure you have a friend or family member available to stay with you after the procedure.

Your Skin Should Be Protected

When you’re feeling better and can run light errands outside the home, you’ll need to protect your healing skin. The sun can actually make your scars more obvious, so you should always wear sunscreen when you’re headed outdoors during your plastic surgery recovery. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that offers UVA and UVB protection. It’s also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat for added protection.