found this online hun, may be useful xx
The day is here and you spent months, maybe years, contemplating cosmetic surgery. You read the articles, and interviewed plastic surgeons. You made the choice and had the surgery. Your recovery may be a few days or a few weeks, depending on the surgery you had.
Your first priority should be your health. Carefully follow all the instructions your surgeon gave you. Give your body every chance to heal. The best rule for cosmetic surgery patients is lots of rest, no strenuous exercise, lots of liquids, and no exertion.
While you’re healing, you have time on your hands. Apart from looking compulsively in the mirror every time you pass it, what else can you do? Until some of the bruising and swelling subsides, you probably won’t want to go out, except for your follow-up appointments.
Here are a few helpful pointers that should help you recovery a little quicker from your procedure, we have found from previous patients the following advice when taken can speed up the recovery period.
Before surgery:
• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications.
• If you smoke, stop smoking for at least 2 weeks pre-op (and do not smoke for the recovery; smoking greatly increases your risk of complications).
• Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the operation.
• Arrange for someone to care for you the first 24-72 hours after surgery.
• Fill prescriptions before surgery.
• Purchase thermometer, antibacterial soap, dressings, gauze, etc.
• Purchase any extra medicines (i.e. Bromelain and Arnica Gel, for swelling and bruising). Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon beforehand.
• Prepare meals. Consider quick snacks: Protein drinks, soup, yogurt, cottage cheese, juice etc. Make sure you have enough protein – the body needs it for proper healing. Talk to your doctor about low-salt foods to reduce swelling.
• Prepare ice packs (can also use packs of frozen veggies or fruit, gel packs, etc.) to reduce post-op swelling.
• Moisturizers, scar reducing creams and petroleum jelly for incisions.
• On the day of surgery, wear loose clothing. They will be easy to get off and on after the operation.
• Above all Follow your surgeons directions carefully.
Heres a checklist for items you may find useful if you are staying overnight in hospital:
• Sleep mask to cover your eyes
• Robe (big, roomy with sleeves)
• Slippers (that you can slide into, and not have to pull on)
• Your own pillow (baby pillows are nice for pressure points)
• Makeup
• Hair brush, comb
• Dry spray hair cleaner
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss & Breath mints or mouth rinse
• Soft tissues
• Books, magazines, etc.
• Lip balm (something that is soothing and healing)
• Shower cap
• Moisturizing body wash
• Massage oil or body lotion
• Oils for scars
Recovery period
One of the biggest aids for a quick recovery is a Positive Mental Attitude!
Prepare the room in your home where you will be recovering. Set up your bedside with all you’re the essentials nearby such as:
• Jug and glass for water/cordial
• TV remote
• Reading and relaxation materials
• Telephone and doctor’s numbers
• Snacks
• Tissues
• Moisturisers, scar reducing creams and petroleum jelly for incisions
• Any medicines you may need
• Apply ice packs or compresses to minimize swelling.
• Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (your doctor can provide you with a list of over the counter medications to avoid).
• Do not smoke or be exposed to secondary smoke during recovery.
• Eat lots of fruit and vegetables; you need lots of vitamins these will speed up your recovery.
• Consider the following: Arnica to reduce bruising, to aid in the healing process, Vitamin C, to help reduce swelling (Bromelain & fresh pineapple, to help boost immunity, and multi-vitamins and post-surgical herbs like St. John’s Wort, can also help
Above all you must try to be patient. You’ll soon be back to your old self, feeling refreshed, happy and confident about your new look.
Depression
Depression is common following cosmetic surgery. Under the circumstances, it’s not uncommon to feel a little blue.
There are several factors that contribute to post-operative depression, including:
• Anticipation and stress.
• Stress and fear regarding complications and disfigurement.
• Refraining from exercise can make you feel tired, and out of sorts.
• Dealing with family and friends reactions to your surgery.
• Financial stress.
• Feeling guilty about having the procedure.
• The medications, anaesthesia and trauma of the surgery have physical effects that will affect your emotional well-being.
• Adjusting to your new look.
Expecting to have a downtime is normal. Take time to relax, and care for yourself. It is important to have support from others, if you feel depressed you must talk to your surgeon.
xxx
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