Being still is probably one of the hardest things for most people to do, especially if you’re the type of person that was always on the go before the pandemic. Now that life is slowly returning to normal, we bet you are ready to be on the go again, this time showing off a fresh new you. Not so fast. Recovery after plastic surgery is nonnegotiable. But don’t worry, we have some helpful tips to make it go as flawless and quick as possible.
Making sure you have everything you need at home before your plastic surgery procedure helps you get plenty of rest while you recover, and that includes stepping back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and receiving a little loving care from family and friends. Our suggestions will also ease your boredom so you can enjoy every moment.
Dr. Barrett’s instructions on how best to have a smooth and relaxing recovery will differ for each person and procedure we offer from a Brazilian butt lift to liposuction to a male tummy tuck; the rules are primarily the same and that is to do as little as possible. So, let’s get your family and friends ready for your post-op recuperation.
Now that your schedule is clear, you’ve hired someone to clean your home, plus your friends and family have stepped in to make sure you eat a well-balanced meal, let’s look at the other things you might have overlooked that you will need assistance with to lessen the stress.
Your Pre-Op & Post-Op Support System
Being a caretake takes patience, understanding, and kindness while lending support to someone healing from any surgery. Before your procedure, make a list of friends and family who are trustworthy to help you with the following:
- Taking you to and from your operation and follow up appointments as you taper off prescription pain medication
- Stay with you for at least 48 hours as the anesthesia wears off to help you walk around or use the restroom
- Provide a little home maintenance like cooking, cleaning, laundry
- Watching small children and pets. Both are needy, and catering to them may cause you to damage your incisions
- Monitor your intake of pain medication (it’s easy to over medicate)
- Ensure you hydrate and get enough rest
A Short List of Essential Items to Get You Through Recovery After Plastic Surgery
Contact List. Put together a list of whom to contact in case of an emergency. Include our office and your patient coordinator in case you have any concerns or questions after your procedure. Display it where it will be easy to find, like your refrigerator, on the kitchen counter, or bedside.
Antibacterial Soap & Hand Sanitizer. You more than likely have plenty of both on hand because of the pandemic. Both are vital in keeping your surgical area(s) clean.
Pillows. You’re going to need lots of pillows. Breast, body, and facial plastic surgery procedures require a lot of pillows to keep you comfortable as your rest. For instance, a neck pillow to help keep your head always elevated after a facelift is necessary. A backrest pillow with arms is beneficial after a breast augmentation. The Brazilian butt lift even has a pillow to alleviate pressure.
Loungewear. Comfortable athleisure wear shouldn’t be a problem for most of us because of the obvious. The less you move, the better after plastic surgery, and your clothing should be soft and easy to remove.
Technology Charging Cords. You’re going to be bedridden for at least a week. The last thing you want to do is fiddle around with the short 3 ft. cords that come with your cell phone, tablet, or laptop. Head to your nearest online or electronic store and get a longer charging cable to reduce your need to move unnecessarily.
Entertaining Yourself. Again, because of the obvious, you’ve probably already binge-watched your favorite movies and TV shows or caught up on your reading. There is no better time to write a handwritten letter on beautiful stationery, study a new language, or, depending on your age, learn to write cursive. You’ve got nothing but time on your hands. Use it to do something new.
More importantly, take care of yourself with a cheerful outlook to aid you during your healing journey. Emotional ups and downs are normal after plastic surgery. Know that you will look and feel more like yourself once the swelling subsides and have what you’ve always wanted. And Barrett Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills is with you every step of the way.
To schedule a consultation, call (310) 598-2648. If you are more content speaking with our team from the comfort of your home, we provide virtual surgical consultations.