If you have an upcoming plastic surgery planned, you’ll want to make sure you have some preparations in place to support a healthy recovery. While your surgeon will provide detailed instructions unique to your specific procedure, there are a few general tips you can follow to make yourself as comfortable as possible in the days after your surgery. Discover the best ways to care for yourself and help your body heal below.

5 Ways to Get Ready for Plastic Surgery Recovery

1. Recruit Help

During the first 24 hours after plastic surgery, it’s important to have someone on hand to help you. You may need help getting up and walking if it’s difficult to see or if you’re experiencing any discomfort. If you have children or pets, it might also be a smart idea to recruit a friend or family member to help look after them for the first few days after your procedure.

2. Rest, But Move Regularly

You may feel tired after anesthesia and should allow yourself some time to recover. While you can rest and you certainly shouldn’t do any heavy exercise, getting up and walking every couple of hours can help promote blood flow. Wounds need proper circulation to heal well, so try to take laps around the house when you feel comfortable enough.

3. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well

When you’re not feeling yourself, it can be easy for your diet to go off track. With that said, eating healthy meals and staying hydrated will provide your body with the nutrition it needs to heal. Since you may not feel hungry for a full meal, aim to have nutritious snacks on hand, such as yogurt, apple slices and peanut butter, or veggie sticks and hummus.

4. Watch for Signs of Infection

Your surgeon will provide you with wound care instructions, and it’s important that you follow them. If you’re instructed to remove your dressings before your follow-up, be sure to look out for signs of infection. Some redness and swelling may be normal, so ask your surgeon about any red flags to look for.

5. Attend Your Follow-Up Appointments

Finally, be sure to attend your scheduled follow-up appointments after your plastic surgery, even if you think you’re healing perfectly. Your surgeon will make sure your incisions are healing as they should, and if needed, will remove any stitches. They may also provide instructions to minimize scarring.

If you live in New Haven County, CT, and you’re considering plastic surgery, turn to Mao Facial Plastic Surgery. Johnny Mao, MD, FACS, uses state-of-the-art technology to perform facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including brow lifts and facelifts and neck lifts, rhinoplasty, and facial fat grafting. Explore his full list of facial procedures online, or call (203) 907-0501 to set up a consultation.