A Recovery Guide to Amazing Results

Posted August 17, 2015 in Plastic Surgery Advice, Recovery

Achieving amazing plastic surgery result
s depends mainly on two factors. The first is selecting the best surgeon to perform your procedure. You should always choose a well-trained, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. View before and after pictures to see if you like the results he or she can achieve. However, having a skilled surgeon is only half of the equation. The best surgeon in the world cannot give you the results you desire if you don’t play your part during the recovery process. Here are some tips to keep in mind during this vital phase to help ensure you get the best possible results.

Get Plenty of Rest

Following any surgical procedure, your body is working overtime to heal itself. You should always listen to your doctor’s timeline for how long you should take it easy after your surgery. Most procedures require three to seven days of rest. Over-exerting yourself early in your recovery can tire out your body and slow down your recovery process. In other cases, it prevents your body from being able to fight bacteria, which can lead to you getting sick or your incision becoming infected.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated, especially during the first 48 hours after your procedure, can help you overcome the effects of your anesthesia. Water also plays an important function in wound healing. Water helps deliver the oxygen and nutrients that a wound needs to heal. A lack of fluids delays the migration of epithelial cells to the wound, prolonging the healing time. Staying hydrated also improves the tone and quality of your skin.

Properly Clean Incision Sites

Developing an infection at your incision site is one of the most likely ways to ruin your results. Severe infection can result in heavy scarring. In some cases, an infection may result in the need for a facial or breast implant to be removed. You should follow your given cleaning instructions to a “T.” Make sure to always thoroughly clean the incision site and to change your bandages as directed by your doctor.

Avoid Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight can cause your incision site to become red and irritated. In some cases, sun exposure can cause developing scars to turn brown and become more noticeable. The sun may also cause scar tissue to thicken and become more pronounced. For the first few months, you should attempt to avoid direct sun exposure. When possible, use sunscreen, clothing, or hats to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.

Eat a Healthy Diet

During your initial recovery period, a healthy diet provides your body with key nutrients that facilitate in healing, keeping up your immune system, and minimize the effects of scarring. Eating healthy also has long-term benefits for patients who have undergone liposuction, tummy tucks, and other body lift procedures. Maintaining a healthy, stable weight will keep your body looking fit and toned.

Do Not Smoke, and Avoid Smokers

Smoking is the one thing that can not only delay healing, but it can also cause the death of tissue and cause wounds that have healed to break down. Even second-hand smoke can be disastrous for wound healing and obtaining an optimal result. Avoid it at all costs!

Communicate With Your Doctor

If any questions or concerns arise during your recovery, do not hesitate to contact your doctor and his staff. Dealing with any complications early on will help ensure better results and a healthier outcome.

If you are considering plastic surgery, always choose a board-certified surgeon. Dr. Boyd is board certified with over 25 years of plastic and reconstructive surgery experience. Contact our office by calling 310.597.4734, or fill out our online contact form for additional information.