Are you thinking about scheduling a procedure with Edina Plastic Surgery? Do you already have one booked with us? If so, it’s important to realize the crucial role your recovery will play in your final outcome. Plastic surgery requires careful planning to ensure a comfortable and smooth recovery. Whether you’re having a facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or liposuction, being well-prepared can make all the difference in setting the stage for a successful and stress-free healing process. Below are ten vital things every patient should have after their procedure to enhance comfort, promote healing, and minimize stress during recovery.
#1 – Support from Friends and Family
Recovering from plastic surgery can be physically and emotionally taxing, which is why having a strong support system is crucial. The first 72 hours after your surgery are especially vital. Friends and family members can assist with daily activities, provide emotional reassurance, and help manage medication schedules. Some procedures require limited mobility in the initial days, so having someone to help with basic tasks like cooking, cleaning, or even assisting with getting in and out of bed and to the bathroom is invaluable. Knowing that you have a reliable support system can help alleviate any anxiety or worry you may have about the recovery process.
#2 – Cushions and Pillows for Recovery Positions
The right pillows and cushions can significantly enhance comfort during your recovery. Depending on your procedure, you may need to sleep in an elevated position or support specific areas of your body. For example, a wedge pillow can help keep the upper body elevated after a tummy tuck or breast surgery, reducing swelling and tension on incisions and promoting proper circulation. Body pillows and extra cushions can also provide much-needed support while sitting or lying down.
Ask your surgeon about what positions and pillows they recommend for your recovery. Many post-procedure specialty pillows can be found on Amazon. Have your bed and couch prepped with these pillows for your return home from surgery. Also, consider traveling with these pillows if you’ll be spending the night of your procedure in a hotel near Edina Plastic Surgery.
#3 – Prepped Meals Ahead of Time
Preparing meals in advance ensures you have access to nutritious food without the hassle of cooking while recovering. Stock your fridge and freezer with easy-to-reheat meals rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. Smoothies, low-sodium soups, and pre-portioned meals with lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains can provide the essential nutrients your body needs for healing while minimizing the stress of meal preparation.
Eating nutrient-rich foods provides your body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for tissue repair and wound healing after surgery. To support muscle and skin recovery, incorporate foods in your prepped meals that are high in protein, such as eggs, fish, lean meats, and beans. Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil can help reduce inflammation, while fruits and vegetables provide essential antioxidants and fiber. A well-balanced diet speeds up healing and enables you to regain strength faster.
Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir contain probiotics that support gut health, which plays a crucial role in immune function and recovery. After surgery, your body’s ability to fight infections and reduce inflammation is vital, and probiotics can enhance these processes. If you’re taking antibiotics post-surgery, the probiotics in fermented foods can also help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut.
#4 – Books and Movies for Entertainment
Recovery from plastic surgery often involves a lot of downtime, so keeping yourself entertained is important to avoid boredom and frustration. Stock up on books, audiobooks, magazines, or a list of movies and TV shows to binge-watch after your procedure. Having a selection of entertainment options can make the recovery period feel more enjoyable and help distract you from any discomfort.
#5 – Comfortable Clothes
Wearing soft, loose-fitting clothing is essential for post-surgery comfort. Avoid tight, restrictive clothing that may irritate incisions or put pressure on sensitive areas. Button-up or zip-front tops are particularly useful if you have limited arm mobility after surgery. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton to prevent sweating and skin irritation, and consider having a robe or oversized hoodie for added coziness.
Many patients will be required to wear compression garments after surgery, and some will have drainage tubes. These drainage tubes are often fed through the opening of the crotch area of your compression garment, and the drainage pouch will be clipped to outside clothing. Having loose-fitting pants is essential to accommodate the added bulk of the drainage tubes. Our surgeons recommend soft, wide-legged, elastic waistband pants that can easily slide up and down and over compression garments and drainage tubes. Have at least three pairs of these pants on hand to cycle through during your recovery.
#6 – Filled Prescriptions and Pain Medications
Pain management is a crucial aspect of post-surgical recovery. Ensure that your prescriptions, including pain medications and antibiotics, are filled the day of your procedure so you have them readily available. Most of our patients have a trusted friend or family member run and pick up their medications while they are in surgery so everything is readily at hand after their procedure.
Staying ahead of pain by taking medication as prescribed can make recovery far more manageable. In addition, having a pill organizer can help you keep track of dosages and timing, preventing missed medications. Edina Plastic Surgery provides a tracking chart for you and your support network to keep notes on drainage volume after surgery and to list times that medications are taken.
#7 – Magnesium and Senna Tea to Combat Constipation
Pain medications, anesthesia, and reduced activity levels can lead to constipation, which can be uncomfortable and even painful after surgery. To keep your digestive system moving smoothly, many of our patients find magnesium citrate supplements, like CALM Natural Vitality Drink Mix, and Senna tea, like Smooth Move, very helpful. Magnesium helps relax the bowels, while Senna tea is a natural laxative that can promote regular bowel movements. These supplements are safe and effective when used as directed, and staying ahead of constipation can prevent unnecessary discomfort during recovery.
#8 – Water and Electrolytes
Hydration is key to a successful recovery from plastic surgery. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Adding electrolyte-enhanced beverages, such as coconut water or electrolyte packets, can help maintain balance and prevent dehydration. Electrolytes are minerals that help regulate various bodily functions, and maintaining their balance is crucial for overall health and recovery. Keeping a reusable water bottle nearby makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day without frequent trips to the kitchen.
#9 – Surgical Tape
Most likely, your incisions will be taped after surgery and your surgeon may recommend that you keep them taped for weeks, if not months, after your procedure. This technique protects incisions as they heal and inhibits tension on incisions, which may cause them to heal poorly. It is important to regularly check that your tape is fully adhering to your skin, especially after you begin showering.
Your surgeon will discuss when to change out the tape and how to correctly apply it. You will also be given an extra tape supply during your first check-up. Future surgical tape can be purchased from a drugstore. Be sure to ask your surgeon what kind they recommend for your procedure and when they advise you to begin using any topical products to minimize the appearance of any scarring.
#10 – Patience!
Patience is key to a successful recovery after plastic surgery. While it’s human nature to want immediate results and instant gratification, healing is a gradual process that takes time. Swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort are normal parts of recovery, and rushing the process can slow healing or even affect your final outcome. Your body needs time to adjust, tissues need to settle, and scars need to fade. Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions, allowing yourself plenty of rest, and avoiding strenuous activities will help ensure the best results. Trust the process, be kind to yourself, and remember that the wait is worth it!
Are you interested in learning more about a specific procedure at Edina Plastic Surgery? Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals! We’d love to partner with you! Start your journey by calling (952) 234-6145, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE.
