Often when seeking plastic surgery, we are concerned with things such as finding a doctor, preparing for the operation, and enjoying the final results. However, overlooking the recovery period can cause unexpected stress and anxiety. Be sure to ask your doctor about what to expect post-operation in all stages of recovery. Knowing what to expect, from immediately afterward to the ultimate result, will make the process easier and more acceptable as you encounter some of the downsides of your elective surgery. No matter what the procedure, the immediate after result will be painful and not at all aesthetically pleasing. Remember that you are undergoing a major surgery, and your body will be traumatized. It is important to be prepared for what you will look like immediately following the procedure; bruises, incisions, swelling, stitches, etc. are not appealing, and it will take time for them to go away. The best thing that you can do during this phase is to follow your doctor's orders exactly as they were prescribed. Things such as suggested sleeping positions, pain medications, and specific bathing instructions should be followed explicitly. His or her orders are meant to expedite healing and to promote ultimate results. You will be at home and on bed rest for a few days. Take this part of the recovery seriously. Over activity can interfere with your body's ability to heal itself. Treat this time the same as you would treat a hospital stay. Plan pre-made meals, arrange for childcare, have someone with you at all times, and treat yourself as if you have just had surgery; you have. As the swelling begins to go down, and as the incisions heal and the stitches disappear, you will begin to see a glimpse of the cosmetic results, but the end is still not near. Even if your pain medication makes you feel as if you can move about more, stick to the plan. You do not want to pull any stitches before their time. You will be lifted from bed rest restrictions after a few days, but you should not resume normal activity for a few more weeks, and strenuous activities including exercise, physical labor, or sports are off limits for at least eight weeks. Once your final results are visible and all the surgical wounds have healed, be sure to keep a good line of communication open with your surgeon; keep all of your follow-up appointments, and plan on having check-ups even over the course of a few years. Also be sure to include cosmetic and plastic surgeries as a part of your medical history from now on. Even these elective surgeries can affect medical plans of action for future procedures both plastic and otherwise. |
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