Body contouring in NYC includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Every procedure has its healing time that will differ based on individual considerations and other factors. Though the surgeon’s skill is paramount to achieving optimal outcomes, a lot depends on how you manage the recovery phase, especially when it comes to following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Proper post-surgical care is crucial for a smooth, safe recovery and good results.
Reliable plastic surgeons provide patients with clear instructions on after-care, which will vary based the type of cosmetic surgery they had, age, lifestyle, and individual expectations. Here are some important things you need to know about healing after plastic surgery:
- Watch your diet. Stick to a balanced diet during the recovery phase. Reduce intake of salt and sugar, increase intake of protein, and eat small meals spread out over the course of the day.
- Restrict movement on the first day following the surgery. After that, start off with light walking and gradually get back to your normal workout, depending upon your procedure and your surgeon’s advice. Avoid attempting heavy workouts until you heal completely.
- Take proper rest and don’t rush into normal routine. Importantly, pay attention to the needs of your body. When it comes to rest or eating, do what your body tells you to do.
- Stays hydrated. Instead of drinking just plain water every time, try fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as strawberries, grapefruit and celery.
- The clothes you wear should not pose a hindrance to recovery. It’s also important to follow your surgeon’s instructions on wearing a compression garment, which could greatly help with the recovery phase.
- Take proper care of the incision to minimize risks of infection. Keep the area clean by changing the bandages as necessary.
- Take care of your scar and avoid exposing the scar to sunlight for at least one year. Using your fingers to rub the scar can minimize it as it will stimulate blood flow and increase the flow of skin-rejuvenating oxygen and nutrients to the area. Use topical medications if prescribed by your surgeon.
- To manage pain and discomfort, take the recommended medications.
After the procedure, meet your surgeon as scheduled. Your surgeon will monitor recovery progress at the post-op visits and give you further instructions to speed healing. Follow-up care is an essential element of both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery as it helps you maintain your new look for as long as possible and allows you to enjoy the full benefits of the procedure. A WebMD article recommends that patients who have had cosmetic surgery discuss the following matters with their surgeon at the follow-up appointment:
- How long the new look last and whether further treatment will be needed to maintain the look
- When to think about follow up cosmetic surgeries that may be needed
- In the case of a face-lift, neck lift, or other type of facial lift – whether the procedure will need to be done again at some point of time
- Whether these surgeries will cause insurance premiums to increase and affect future coverage
If you are considering any body contouring in NYC, find an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery practice with surgeons who are skilled in performing the procedure you want. A reliable surgeon will provide you with pre-operative and post-operative instructions to make your surgical experience productive and comfortable, and also ensure dedicated follow-up care for smooth recovery.