Knowing What to Expect is Key to a Smooth Recovery
When our patients come in for their consultations with Dr. Sunde, they have a lot of questions about the recovery process:
- How long will it take?
- Will I be able to take care of my children?
- How can I tell if everything’s healing the way it is supposed to?
Recovery is one of the most important parts of your plastic surgery experience. Of course, you want to stay healthy and safe. But, did you also know that your results are still improving during the weeks, and sometimes months, after your surgery?
Being smart about recovery helps ensure that your newly refined shape continues to look its best. While you’ll have to take a break from your busy lifestyle, it’s well worth it to invest this time in yourself.
The #1 Rule of Recovery: Do not smoke. Smoking is unhealthy, but did you also know smokers are at much higher risk for dangerous complications from plastic surgery? Smoking inhibits your body’s ability to heal, increasing the risk of bleeding, infection, and unfavorable results. If you smoke, quit well before you have surgery.
Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Instructions
While we take every measure to ensure your safety throughout the plastic surgery process, there are a number of important things you need to do before and after surgery to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
- Take care of yourself every day. A healthy body and immune system are better prepared to deal with the stresses of surgery and to heal at an optimal rate. Eat well, stay at a healthy weight, and get plenty of sleep.
- Be honest about your medical history. Certain medications and conditions affect the way anesthesia needs to be performed to keep you safe. Answer all your providers’ questions about your medical history.
- Take it easy after surgery. Dr. Sunde will give you detailed instructions about when it’s okay to resume certain activities. Don’t risk compromising your results and your health by jumping into things too early.
- Know what to avoid before & after surgery. Ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, viatmin E, and many other common items may interfere with the healing processs. Dr. Sunde will give you a complete list of such items prior to surgery.
Expect a Gradual Return to Your Activities
While each patient and procedure requires a different timeline for recovery, you can expect to take some time off from your daily activities after plastic surgery. In general, the more involved your surgery is, the longer your recovery will be. Dr. Sunde will give you specific instructions about your recovery, but to help you get an idea of what to expect, we’ve listed some common milestones below:
- Going home. Plastic surgery is often an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day you have surgery. However, if you have multiple or more extensive procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or more nights following surgery. Regardless of when you go home, you will need someone with you the first 24-48 hours for your safety.
- Going out in public. This is in most respects highly personal. As long as Dr. Sunde says it’s okay and you do not overdo it, you can go out for light errands when you feel up to it, though you may need to have someone else drive you at first.
- Taking care of family. You may need to arrange for someone to help you out with family for a few weeks after surgery. Dr. Sunde will help you understand any limitations on activity such as picking up small children, cooking or giving baths, so you can plan for your family’s well-being.
- Going back to work. When you go back to work depends on the procedure you are having as well as the nature of your job. If you have a desk job, you can return to work much sooner than if your job is physically demanding.
- Resuming an exercise routine. Because elevating your heart rate and blood pressure can increase your risk of bleeding after surgery, you will probably have to wait a few weeks at minimum before resuming heavy lifting or aerobic exercise.
Dr. Sunde is Always Happy to Answer Your Questions
Remember, Dr. Sunde and our office staff are here to support you throughout your plastic surgery experience. No matter how small a concern might seem, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
