How Can I Heal Faster From Plastic Surgery?

Your surgeon’s post-operative instructions will greatly improve your chances of a quick recovery after plastic surgery. For example, for a few days avoid smoking and take prescription pain medication. Drinking plenty of water is essential, as well. Avoid hot showers, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption during recovery. Here are some other ways you can improve your recovery and reduce the chance of complications.

Avoiding hot showers

After having plastic surgery, you will be instructed not to take a hot shower for 48 hours. Hot water can cause irritation, infection and slow recovery. The sutures may also be damaged by the hot water from the showerhead. Ask your plastic surgeon to determine if you can take a hot shower. However, you don’t have a right to avoid hot showers.

Avoid smoking

It is not easy to quit smoking entirely, but it can make a difference in the outcome of your plastic surgery. Nicotine, found in cigarettes reduces blood flow and can increase the risk of developing vascular complications. Smokers experience more pain and discomfort after surgery. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of serious complications like increased blood pressure or swelling. It can also make recovery much quicker. There are many options available for quitting smoking, including counseling from a doctor.

Avoiding prescription pain medications

The topic of opioid abuse has been a hot issue for many years. While these powerful drugs can be prescribed responsibly, they can also contribute to the problem of opioid addiction. In plastic surgery, it is important for patients to understand the risks of opioid abuse and how to properly store these medications after surgery. Despite the risks associated with prescription pain medications, there are a few ways that patients can avoid them and still recover faster from surgery.

Hydrating

It is important to stay hydrated if you are considering having plastic surgery. Water can help you recover quicker after surgery by helping to transport nutrients throughout your body and flush out waste products. Water can also help heal the wound and drain. The average adult needs six to eight glasses per day. If you have a bigger body, live outside in hot environments, or are very active, then you will need to drink more.

Avoid eating foods that can interfere with anesthesia

Some doctors recommend avoiding certain foods before undergoing plastic surgery. These foods contain solanaceous glycoalkaloids. These compounds can cause anesthesia to last longer and interfere with the process of reducing anesthetic drugs. It is best to avoid these foods for several days prior to your surgery. Vegetables, whole grains, and fruits should also be avoided on the day before the procedure.

Avoid eating foods that can interfere with your immune system

The diet after your surgery will have an impact on your recovery. You should continue to drink plenty of water following your surgery. However, you should avoid refined sugars or processed carbohydrates as they can increase inflammation and slow down the healing process. Your body’s ability for blood to clot can be affected by vitamin and herbal supplements. Avoid caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and fried food.