Making The Most Of Your Recovery
It’s finally here! After months of researching, internal debate, and consultations, the cosmetic surgery you’ve been dreaming about is fast approaching. You are excited to be that much closer to achieving your aesthetic goals, and even though you know that recovering from surgery may be uncomfortable, the results will be well worth it. Whether you’re having a facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or Brazilian Butt Lift, you will most likely be a bit sore, swollen, and uncomfortable, especially the early days and it’s important to rest so you can heal properly. To make this process as smooth and quick as possible, here are some tips on how to prepare for cosmetic surgery recovery so you can avoid setbacks and feel your best. It is important that you are up and about, walking around your house but not doing laps around the neighborhood or the mall.
Arrange for Child Care After Cosmetic Surgery
After your procedure, you may be on pain medication for a few days, unable to drive, lift anything heavy, or do much physical activity. If you have children, this may be a great time for them to spend some time with their grandparents, a favorite aunt and uncle, or, see if your partner can take a few days off work to be the primary parent. This way you can rest and not have to worry about giving baths, preparing meals, or driving the family taxi.
Also, you don’t want to forget about your four-legged friends. If you normally take your dog for walks, you may want to ask a friend if they can take on the task for some time or hire a service until you can safely resume short strolls around the block. Walking around the house is important but once you leave the yard to take a stroll around the neighborhood, often the blood pressure goes up which we do not want after your procedure as this could impose a risk to healing.
Stock Your Pantry and Freezer with Easy to Make Meals
You aren’t going to feel like cooking for a few days, but healthy, nourishing, low salt foods including fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are all good options. Instead of ordering delivery, make a few simple freezer meals in aluminum foil pans before your procedure. Then, for dinner, you can easily take them out of the freezer and slide them into the oven for a no-prep meal.
Don’t forget to load up on snacks and simple meals like:
- Pre-cut vegetable and fruit trays
- Greek yogurt
- Protein bars
- Trail mix
- String cheese
*Chips and such snacks are higher in salt and often lead to a noticeable increase in swelling. It is best to avoid these during recovery
Have Comfortable Clothes After Your Cosmetic Surgery
If your cosmetic procedure is body contouring, it’s important to have clothes that not only accommodate swelling and wearing compression garments, but they should also be soft enough to avoid rubbing or pressing on tender areas and be simple and easy to put on. Wearing your regular clothes, especially items like jeans or fitted tops, may be uncomfortable or even impossible for a time, so you may want to pick out a few items to have ready for those early weeks.
Consider wearing loose, light garments made from breathable material as you want to avoid sweating or chafing. For breast surgery especially we don’t want arms overhead to put on clothes. Button up front shirts are good, and if it’s cool, zip-up hoodies or cardigans are easier to put on than pullover heavy shirts. Similarly, you want to wear soft comfortable pants that are easy to pull on, don’t tug, pinch, or squeeze tender areas, and are breathable.
Set Up Your Recovery Space
Make sure your home is set up to help you recover so you’re not having to strain yourself or risk injury to do simple tasks.
Avoid stairs and stay on the ground floor, preferably near a bathroom, for the first few days. Stairs are do-able, but they require frequent stops with each flight to avoid exercise. Navigating stairs is uncomfortable at best after a surgery, and the first day or two, you’re at a higher risk of falling.
Move frequently needed items from high places or difficult to reach areas to avoid bending or stretching.
Keep a water bottle close at hand so you don’t forget to stay hydrated.
Keep the area around your recovery space clear to avoid falling.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Cosmetic Surgery Today
If you’re ready to start your path to getting the body of your dreams, our plastic surgery center in Virginia Beach can help. Dr. Hubbard is dedicated to helping you meet your goals and providing you with top-notch care. To learn more about our services or schedule your consultation, reach out to us today at 757-687-1900.