A sure-fire way to delay healing after cosmetic surgery is to follow your own feelings instead of your surgeon’s advice. Too often patients want to bypass the time needed for successful recovery by doing too much too quickly. While you may be encouraged to return to work early or resume physical activities, stick with what your doctor advises that you do; or in some cases, what not to do. Overdoing it can not only cause setbacks but may alter your surgical results. 

Slow down and allow your body to heal. You want to take proper precautions to ensure incisions, drains, compressions and bandages are kept clean and cared for to prevent infection. While surgery recovery timelines can vary by procedure and by patient, you can anticipate at least a couple of weeks of true downtime. The 3 biggest post-surgery recovery tips, in addition to following the discharge instructions provided by your board-certified plastic surgeon, are rest, nutrition and mobility. 

Make resting your full-time job. Although you may begin to feel restless it is necessary to let your body recuperate. You will find that you will heal faster as you allow your body to heal itself in its own time. The body requires the opportunity to mend incisions, adapt to its new shape and contours and restructure internally; 8 hours of sleep is recommended on a normal day, but you will likely need more sleep time as the physical toll your body has undergone will leave your feeling more exhausted than usual. Some patients begin to feel anxious and ready to incorporate regular activities, even household chores, to feel productive again but this is where you should allow others to help so you can focus on resting. Remember that even when you are given the green light to return to your pre-surgery routine, overall recovery will likely take months not weeks. 

Choosing cosmetic surgery is a giant step toward significant changes in the appearance and health of your skin. Nutrition is key in recovery. Lean protein, fiber-rich foods, probiotics and prebiotics are great ways to fuel your body as it heals. Avoid high-sodium foods and sugar. Antioxidants such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C will fight free radical growth brought on by the stress of surgery. Hydration is just as important as good nutrition. Water will help flush toxins, ease constipation, carry nutrients throughout the body and keep skin plump, youthful and hydrated. 

When allowed, start moving. Usually within 24 hours of any major cosmetic surgery like an abdominoplasty, patients can sit on their own and begin to slowly stand, but these should be the only exercises early after surgery. After the first day, very slow walking will be beneficial to help with blood circulation. Depending on your elective procedure, physical therapy may be suggested as part of your recovery. Low impact activity, usually walking, is great to incorporate as part of the recovery process. 

For more surgery recovery tips, visit our website at WEBSITE. To schedule a consultation to learn more about the procedures offered by David W. Allison, MD call our office at 703-754-8228.