As you approach your surgery date, you’re likely focused on all the things you can do to ensure you have a successful procedure. However, Ozark Surgical Group reminds patients that it’s also highly important to prepare for a successful recovery. This general surgery team in Mountain Home, AR, offers a few key tips to healthy healing after surgical procedures.

5 Surgical Procedure Recovery Tips

1. Stick to Your Instructions

Every surgery comes with different instructions for recovery, so it’s important to review them with your doctor before and after the procedure. For example, your surgeon may advise against bathing for a period of time after you have abdominal surgery, or you may have restrictions against lifting. 

Other surgeries, such as colorectal surgery, may require you to follow a special diet until you’re healed. Even if it may seem like instructions aren’t necessary, following them exactly is critical to a positive recovery.

2.  Nourish Your Body With Healthy Food

If you aren’t required to follow a special diet after your surgery, it is important to consume healthy food on a regular basis. While many patients may not feel hungry or thirsty immediately after surgery, getting essential nutrients into the body will help the healing process. 

3. Keep Things Clean

Following doctor’s instructions is especially important when it comes to surgical incisions. Your doctor may instruct you to clean your incisions with soap and water, or you may be told to leave the incision completely covered until your first office visit. In some circumstances, your physician may order Home Health for you, especially if the incision is hard to reach or requires special care. Following your doctor’s orders regarding your incisions is critical to ensure healing and prevent infection.   

4. Don’t Put Off Moving

While you may be bedridden for a time, your doctor will give you permission when you can start moving. Getting up routinely will help promote healthy blood circulation and prevent dangerous clots. Usually, light walking is all that’s required. At the same time, it is also important to move correctly and not strain any part of the body that may be affected.

5. Always Go to Followup Appointments

As you recover, you’ll start to get your energy and mobility back. But even if you start to feel better, you can’t put off your followup appointments. During these scheduled visits, your doctor will make sure you are healing properly and make sure that there are no developing complications from the surgery.

Although preparing for all stages of surgical procedures can be overwhelming, it helps to have a qualified healthcare team by your side to guide you through the process. If you are exploring your options for general surgery in Mountain Home, AR, Ozark Surgical Group is happy to offer their expertise and quality care. To schedule a consultation with one of their four surgeons, contact their office at (870) 425-9120.