Widder Plastic Surgery Blog

What Are the 3 Biggest Post Surgery Recovery Tips?

While plastic surgery approaches and techniques have evolved considerably over the years, it is still surgery, which means it often requires some recovery time. Whether you’ve chosen a faceliftliposuctioneyelid surgerybreast augmentation, or a tummy tuck, these procedures will require some period in which you’ll need to heal and recover before returning to your life.

To help you better understand the plastic surgery recovery process, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shlomo Widder has put together three of the best post-surgery recovery tips to help you get back on your feet faster and with less risks of complications.

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Potential side-effects are most likely to occur immediately after your operation. Because of this, you must follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. You will be given a comprehensive packet of post-operative instructions, so be sure to follow them carefully to ensure a healthy and quick recovery. Also, never hesitate to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about your recovery process.

2. Have A Strong Support System Ready

Not only will you need assistance immediately after your surgery, but you will also need a caretaker to take you to and from your procedure and stay with you until after the anesthesia wears off completely. Also, you probably won’t be unable to move around on your own for at least 24-48 hours after your plastic surgery procedure. Inform your family and friends about your upcoming operation, and make sure that you have a healthy and robust support system in place. This includes people who can help you cook, clean, bathe, and do other tasks since you may be limited in the amount of activity allowed during your recovery period. The first 2-3 days after surgery will be the most difficult as you may experience swelling, soreness, and fatigue. It’s best to have someone who can assist you during this time.

2. Maintain A Healthy Diet and Drink Plenty of Water

Due to limited activity, you may not be able to make quick runs to the grocery store or cook a nice meal for yourself for a while, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time. Remember, a nutritious, high-calorie diet can help speed up your recovery. If you can, ask friends and family to help you prepare ready-to-eat meals for you that you can toss into the oven or microwave for easy preparation and clean up.

Also, adequate hydration is essential for post-plastic surgery care. Drinking plenty of water or gatorade will help replenish fluids lost during surgery, relieve swelling, and help flush harmful toxins from your system.

Plastic Surgery in Northern Virginia with Dr. Shlomo Widder

During your recovery from plastic surgery, the most important thing you can do is be patient with yourself and rely on your surgeon and support network to get you through the process. You’ll be back on your feet before you know it, feeling more confident and ready to show off the new you!

For more information on procedures and offerings at Widder Plastic Surgery call us at (703) 506-0300 or fill out an online form to schedule your consultation.