7 Tips for Faster Healing After Cosmetic Surgery

Average recovery periods can be improved with proper preparation and aftercare

Cosmetic surgery can help ensure you look your best, giving you a more youthful-looking appearance, an enhanced figure, or fixing perceived imperfections. However, it’s important to remember that the healing process is an essential part of the journey to a better you. There are things you can do to promote faster healing and ensure the best results from your surgery.

Healing tips for breast augmentation

While the post-surgical period is important in the healing process, what you do before breast augmentation also plays a part in your recovery. Medications such as steroids, anti-inflammatories and even some homeopathic medicines and supplements can have an adverse effect on wound healing and bleeding.

Tips for faster healing after breast augmentation surgery:

• Refrain from strenuous exercise for the first 3 weeks, limiting yourself to light walks.
• Begin implant mobility exercises recommended by your surgeon. This can prevent complications and ensure the breast tissue stretches properly, which will enhance your comfort.
• Wait at least 6 months before having a mammogram, and always let the technician know that you have implants beforehand.

Healing tips for facelifts

As with breast augmentation, it’s important to tell your surgeon about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you might be taking. Substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs should also be disclosed, as these can affect healing of surgical wounds.

Most patients can be back at work within three weeks, but it may take longer for the swelling in your face to completely go away and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature.

Healing tips for brow lift and eyelid surgery

After brow lift surgery, it typically takes several weeks before all the swelling disappears and months for a complete recovery.

With eyelid surgery, results generally occur within weeks, although it can take up to a year for incision lines to become refined. There are specific post-op directions that should be followed relating to care for your eyes, including oral or applied medications. Most patients can return to their normal routine after 7 to 10 days.

Healing tips for a tummy tuck

As with other surgical procedures, it’s important to note any medications, supplements or vitamins you are taking prior to having a tummy tuck. Certain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided before surgery – and at least 2 weeks afterwards – as they can cause bruising and abnormal bleeding.

You’ll need to wear a compression garment or abdominal binder for at least 3 weeks post-surgery. Bed rest is important after surgery and you may have to be out of work for about 14 days.

Healing tips after a nose job

For the first week after surgery, splints and gauze are used to provide support for your new nose. You might also have bandages or a splint on the outside of the nose for protection and added support. Oral and topical medications may also be prescribed to reduce the chances of infection.

As for healing time, the initial swelling should subside within a few weeks, but it can take up to a year for the nasal contour to fully refine.

7 tips to help aid faster healing:

1. Protect your skin from the sun – Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
2. Take pain medication if needed – It’s not necessary to be a hero, so take any prescribed pain medications. Be careful though. “It is important to avoid over-the-counter medicines that could affect blood clotting for at least two weeks after your surgery, such as aspirin, Motrin, vitamin E, or herbal medicines,” according to the Smart Beauty Guide by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
3. Keep moving, but skip heavy workouts – Take short, light walks as this can reduce pain and promote healing. However, vigorous workouts should be avoided for at least 8 weeks.
4. Drink lots of H2O – Water is nature’s ultimate healer after any cosmetic surgery.
5. Take measures to reduce swelling – Ice packs or cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Use them regularly, especially during the first 3 days after surgery. In the case of any facial cosmetic surgery, you can also sleep with your head elevated.
6. Keep your skin clean – Make sure to cleanse regularly – being careful to avoid irritating wounds – to avoid build-up in the pores, which can inhibit healing and cause breakouts.
7. No smoking – Smoking is one the worst things you can do after surgery. “Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict…decreasing the blood supply to the tissues…Tissues that are not receiving an adequate blood supply may not heal correctly, which increases the occurrence of complications,” according to the Smart Beauty Guide.

Follow these tips to promote faster healing after cosmetic surgery and ensure you have the best possible results for years to come. For a consultation and to learn your options, contact us today.