The one thing about facial plastic surgery that many patients dread is the recovery period after the procedure. Recovery periods can vary based on the type of surgery you choose, lasting anywhere from a few days for a cheek or chin augmentation to two weeks or more following a surgery such as a facelift.
While recuperating from facial plastic surgery does mean pressing pause on your life for several days or weeks, it doesn’t have to be an entirely unpleasant experience. Here’s what you can do to make your recovery after surgery as comfortable as possible.
Advanced Preparation is Crucial
If possible, get ready for your recovery period well in advance of the date of your surgery. Even if you’re able to return home just a few hours after the procedure, you’re not going to be in a state or mood where you’ll want to have to run to the pharmacy for medications or otherwise prepare your home.
It’s a good idea to plan out meals for after your surgery and to have those meals ready to go, in the refrigerator or freezer. For the first few days after your procedure, it’s likely that you’ll want to stick to eating soft foods without a lot of kick or flavor to them. Yogurt, pudding, rice and soups are all perfect for after surgery. Plus, they’re easy to prepare.
You’ll also want to ask your surgeon for any prescriptions and fill those prescriptions before you go in for surgery. That way, your medications and pain relievers will be at home, waiting for you to get back.
Since you’ll need a ride home from the surgery, it’s a good idea to make plans with a relative or friend in advance. You might also want to have a backup driver, just in case your first pick has to cancel at the last minute.
Get Help Around Your Home
While you’re most likely not going to be bed-bound after your surgery, it is likely that you’re not going to want to keep up with chores and other responsibilities. Your recovery period can be an ideal time to hire someone to help keep your home clean or to recruit your family for certain chores. For example, perhaps your spouse can take on more chores and responsibilities while you rest up. If you have children, they might be able to pitch in, too. The important thing is not to feel that you need to do everything yourself.
Make Your Home As Comfortable As Can Be
Let’s talk comfort. It’s likely that you’re going to be sitting or resting a lot more than you’re used to during your facial plastic surgery recovery. There are a few things you can do to make sure you have comfortable areas to rest up.
First, you might need to get a few more pillows for your bed. It’s important to keep upright as much as possible after facial surgery since doing so helps to reduce swelling. You might need to stick another pillow or two on your bed to keep your head propped up.
It’s also important that you sleep on your back after surgery. If you’re usually a side or stomach sleeper, that can take some getting used to. You might need to stick pillows on either side of your body to keep yourself from rolling over on your side or stomach as you sleep. If you usually share a bed, you might need to sleep alone for the first few days back, for both your sake and your partner’s.
Ask Your Surgeon if You’re Not Clear on Instructions
After your surgery, your surgeon is likely to give you a list of instructions to follow to help ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery. The instructions might include information on how to care for the surgical area, what foods are good to eat, and how much activity you can participate in. They are also likely to let you know what medications are OK to take and which ones you should avoid.
It’s important to follow the instructions your surgeon gives you as closely as possible. That means that if anything isn’t clear, or if you’re not sure about a particular thing, you should feel free to ask for clarification. Your surgeon wants you to have as a comfortable a recovery as possible and will be happy to clarify any confusion.
About Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He performs a variety of facial plastic surgery procedures, as well as non-surgical treatments, at his practice in Manhattan. Whatever your goals, he can work with you and help you choose the cosmetic treatment that will help you reach them. He’ll also help you plan and prepare for a comfortable recovery after your surgery. Dr. Rubinstein offers his patients a variety of procedures, from fillers to rhinoplasty, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC in Newburgh, New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, call 845-863-1772 today.
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