Your recovery time after plastic surgery will depend on the procedure that you get and your body’s health overall. Most people are able to return to their normal routines within a couple days, but some may take a few weeks to get back to normal. If you plan ahead for plastic surgery recovery, you will be able to smoothly transition into your day-to-day life. Here are some great tips to help you prepare for your recovery.
Go Grocery Shopping And Cook
It’s best to rest as much as possible after plastic surgery so your body has a chance to heal. With this in mind, you should buy all of the groceries and other household items you’ll need before you go into surgery so you do not have to trek through the store during your recovery. Stock up for at least two weeks, and consider making meals in advance that you can just reheat at home. Do the work before you get the surgery, and you will be able to rest and relax from the start. Pro Tip: Buy some frozen peas to keep on hand. They are easy to eat, and they double as a great alternative to ice packs.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water during your recovery – at least 6 glasses a day. This will optimize your healing abilities and reduce any risks. Avoid caffeine in soft drinks and coffee as these will dehydrate you. If you do drink caffeinated products, then add some extra hydration with water or sports drinks, like Gatorade and Propel.
Take A Multivitamin with Iron
A multivitamin will assist your healing process, especially if you’re not consuming the daily essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. Taking iron or eating iron rich foods will help to build your blood count. Some great iron-rich foods include:
- Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
- Dried Fruit
- Poultry
- Pork
- Red Meat
- Seafood
- Beans
Eat A High Fiber Diet
In addition to staying hydrated, a high fiber diet will help prevent constipation. This usually happens as a result of using anesthesia and pain medication. As long as you are taking pain medication, incorporate extra fiber in your diet. You may also consider taking a stool softener before bed to aid in your digestion.
Get Your Medications Ahead Of Time
Most patients receive antibiotics and prescription pain medication to take after surgery. These medicines reduce the risk of infection and minimize the pain after a cosmetic procedure. Pick up your prescriptions before you get your surgery so you have them when you need them at home.
Arrange For Transportation To And From Surgery
Plan your transportation ahead of time because you will not be able to drive yourself home after your surgery. Talk to a friend or family member about going with you on the day of surgery. You may also need to arrange for transportation for your follow-up appointments, especially if you’re still on pain medication.
Get Someone To Stay With You The First Night
It’s always a good idea to have someone stay with you for the first night after surgery. This will allow you to lay down and rest while someone else takes care of you. If any issues emerge, your caregiver can contact your doctor on your behalf. If you do not have a friend, spouse, or family member who can drive you and stay with you overnight, you may look into a private duty nursing agency.
Schedule Your Surgery Around Your Work Schedule
If you work at a traditional 9-5 job, schedule your cosmetic surgery for a Friday so you have a full weekend to recover before returning to work. If your recovery time is going to take several days, make the appropriate work arrangements and consider your paid time off. The more you can reduce your stress after surgery, the better your results will be. Take the time for recovery and arrange the help you need at work for cosmetic surgery or breast augmentation in Michigan.
