Recovery after Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Tips after Plastic Surgery in Australia

This page contains general Cosmetic Surgery Recovery tips, as well as, information in relation to having cosmetic plastic surgery.

This information is general in nature and does NOT constitute medical advice. Be sure you follow the recommended post-operative instructions provided directly by your Surgeon and contact your Surgeon with any questions or concerns.

Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Tips and Resources for Patients

Ask your surgeon for their specific post-op guidelines and read the post-op recovery guides.

• Use the items provided in your Recovery Pack
• Remember that both surgery recovery time frames and experiences will VARY from person to person
• Complications can delay your normal surgery recovery time estimates, so be patient.

Surgery Recovery Tips

Surgery recovery can be a crucial time for your overall healing and achieving the best results from your procedure. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the recovery process:

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Following your surgeon’s instructions is a crucial aspect of your surgery recovery and can significantly impact the final outcome of your procedure. Your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions are carefully crafted to suit the details of your specific surgery, taking into account factors such as the type of procedure performed, your individual health status, and any unique considerations related to your case.

Take Medications as Prescribed

Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for taking any prescribed medications, including painkillers, antibiotics, and other medications to aid in your recovery. It is essential to adhere to the prescribed dosage and schedule to manage pain, prevent infections, and support healing.

Don’t skip doses or discontinue medication without consulting your surgeon.

Manage Pain and Discomfort

Use ice packs and prescribed pain medications to manage post-operative discomfort. However, avoid using heating pads, as they can increase swelling.

Rest and Allow Time to Heal

Give your body the time it needs to recover. Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep during your recovery period. Your body needs time to heal, and proper rest is essential for a successful recovery.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods

Proper nutrition and hydration support your body’s natural healing processes, help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and boost your immune system.

Hydration: Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining overall health and supporting healing after surgery. Water is vital for transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, removing waste products, and ensuring the proper functioning of various bodily systems. During the recovery period, your body may need more fluids than usual to cope with the healing process.

Nutritious Foods: Consuming a well-balanced and nutritious diet provides the essential nutrients your body needs to heal and recover efficiently. During the recovery phase, your body’s energy and nutrient requirements may increase as it repairs tissues and rebuilds strength.

• Prioritize whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healing, such as;
  • vitamin C (found in citrus fruits and leafy greens)
  • zinc (found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains).
• Include protein-rich foods like; fish, poultry, legumes, and dairy products, they aid in tissue repair and wound healing.
• Consume foods high in antioxidants, such as; berries, spinach, and sweet potatoes, to reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage.
• Avoid processed and high-sugar foods, as they can cause inflammation and impair the healing process.

If your surgeon has provided specific dietary restrictions based on your surgery, such as avoiding certain foods or maintaining a soft diet, it is crucial to follow these guidelines to avoid complications and support healing.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol can hinder healing and increase complications during recovery from surgery. Avoid them to support proper healing, minimize infection risks, and improve your surgical outcomes. These substances can impact circulation, delay wound healing, and affect anesthesia effectiveness. Additionally, they may lead to increased swelling, bruising, and worsen scarring. To optimize your recovery and ensure the best results, follow your surgeon’s advice and prioritize a healthy lifestyle by avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake.

Wear Compression Garments

If recommended by your surgeon, wear compression garments as instructed. These garments provide support, reduce swelling, and improve overall healing. Adhering to the recommended duration and wearing instructions is crucial for optimal results.

The compression garments work by applying gentle pressure to the surgical site, which helps reduce fluid buildup and inflammation. This support enhances blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, assisting the body in flushing out toxins and reducing post-operative swelling.

By stabilizing the operated tissues, compression garments can also aid in maintaining the shape and contour of the treated area. This is particularly important for procedures like liposuction, abdominoplasty, or breast surgery, where maintaining the new shape is essential.

Each surgical procedure may require a different type of compression garment, and your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding its use, including how long you should wear it each day and for how many weeks or months. It is essential to follow these guidelines diligently to achieve optimal results.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. These appointments allow your surgeon to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments to your recovery plan if needed.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Protect surgical incisions from sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation or scarring. Sunlight can have adverse effects on healing skin, and UV rays can lead to darkening of the scars, making them more noticeable. Use sunscreen or cover the treated area with clothing.

Remember that excessive sun exposure not only affects the appearance of scars but can also hinder the healing process. Sun-damaged skin may take longer to heal and may lead to complications.

While protecting your incisions from the sun is vital during the early recovery period, it is a good practice to continue practicing sun safety even after the scars have matured. Sunscreen and sun-protective measures should be part of your daily routine to maintain healthy skin in the long term.

Keep Incision Sites Clean and Dry

Keeping the incision sites clean and dry helps prevent infection, promotes healing, and minimizes the risk of complications.

Address Emotional Well-being

Recovery can be a physically and emotionally challenging time. Be kind to yourself and seek support from loved ones or professionals if needed.

Be Patient and Realistic

Understand that recovery is a gradual process, and final results may take time. Be patient and have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Remember, every individual’s recovery experience is unique. If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon. Their guidance and support are essential in ensuring a successful and comfortable recovery journey.

Take care of your WHOLE self

To ensure a successful recovery after cosmetic or plastic surgery, it’s important to take good care of yourself not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Below are some essential tips:

1. Maintain a healthy diet
   • Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and drink plenty of water.
   • Proper nutrition aids in the healing process and supports your overall well-being.
2. Stay hydrated
   • Drink plenty of water and avoid replacing it with coffee or soft drinks.
   • Hydration is crucial for optimal healing.
3. Get enough rest
   • Adequate rest is essential for a smooth recovery.
   • Follow your surgeon’s advice on movement, as gentle activity can help prevent complications from prolonged inactivity.
4. Emotional well-being
   • Take care of your emotional health by reminding yourself of the reasons for undergoing surgery.
   • Understand that your final results will take time to fully develop.
5. Be prepared for fluctuating emotions
   • It’s normal to experience varying emotions during the recovery period.
   • Be patient with yourself and allow time for healing both physically and emotionally.
6. Avoid smoking and intoxicating substances
   • Smoking can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
   • Avoid consuming intoxicating substances that may interfere with your recovery.
7. Follow post-op exercise guidelines
   • While exercise is important, avoid strenuous activities too soon after surgery.
   • Follow your surgeon’s recommendations on when to resume physical activities.
8. Listen to your body
   • Pay attention to any discomfort or unusual symptoms and communicate them with your surgeon promptly.

By following these tips and your surgeon’s guidance, you can promote a healthy recovery and achieve the best possible results from your cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure. Remember that recovery is a gradual process, and patience is key to a successful outcome.

Download and read the guide e-book

Review the Surgery Procedure Guide book and other materials from your Surgeon both before and after you have surgery.

• Browse blogs and tips from some of Australia’s top-rated Surgeons in Melbourne VIC (Australia)
• Read downloadable pdf e-Books on Cosmetic Surgery.
• Speak with a Dermal Clinician about scar management protocols

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Recovery FAQs

How many nights should I spend in the hospital?

The length of your hospital stay after surgery while depend on both the type of procedure and your individual circumstances. Each patient’s experience may vary, so discussing the expected duration with your surgeon beforehand allows you to plan accordingly.

Complex surgeries or those with longer recovery periods usually require a lengthier hospital stay. In some cases, patients may be able to go home the same day as their surgery or after just one night.

To ensure a smooth and successful recovery, it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions diligently and take good care of yourself during the healing process. By doing so, you can optimize your recovery and return to your regular activities as soon as possible.

In general, hospital stays are as follows;

• Breast augmentation patients, generally stay overnight stay in hospital.
• Breast reduction patients generally stay 1 to 2 nights.
• And Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty patients stay for 2 to 3 nights.

At the time of your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the length of your hospital stay and explain why a longer stay may be required for certain procedures or patients.

How much time will I need to be off work after surgery?

Each patient is different so your time off work will vary depending on your speed of recovery, your level of bruising and pain and also the type of work that you do.

*Note* Smokers and overweight or obese patients generally take longer to recover and have a poorer final result.

• For breast augmentation patients we generally recommend at least 2 weeks off work
• For breast reduction, we also suggest 2-3 weeks off work
• For nose and facial surgeries, depending on your swelling and bruising, your “social downtime” can be around 2-3 weeks

The length of time you may need to take off work after surgery depends on the nature of your job and its activity level. For office or desk jobs or jobs were you work remotely (from home), you may only require around 2 weeks off. If your job involves being on your feet, such as in a shop, you may need 3 weeks or more. For more active/physically demanding professions like Tradies, personal trainers, dancers, or paramedics, it could be 4 weeks or longer.

It’s important to allow your body sufficient time to heal and avoid straining yourself during the early stages of recovery. Your surgeon can provide more specific guidance based on the type of surgery and your individual healing progress. Remember, prioritizing your recovery is essential for achieving optimal results and minimizing any potential complications.

It is often up to you to decide when you are ready to return to work, however you should consult with your surgeon and get their advice.

Some general guidelines for estimating your time off work

For your safety and the well-being of others, we strongly recommend refraining from driving or operating heavy machinery for at least one week after undergoing surgery with general anesthesia or while taking pain medication. Safety should always be the priority during your recovery.

The recovery period can vary depending on the type of surgery you have and individual healing rates. It is essential to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions and guidelines for resuming normal activities, including work.

Please be aware that there is always a slight possibility of experiencing surgical complications that may result in a delay in your return to work. We want to ensure you have adequate time to heal properly before resuming your daily activities.

If you require a medical certificate for time off work, we are more than happy to provide one in a confidential manner. Your well-being is our top concern, and we are here to support you throughout your recovery journey.

When can I start exercising after my procedure?

The recovery period after plastic surgery varies depending on the specific procedure and the individual patient. It is important to take things slowly and not try to do too much too soon. We usually encourage light walking and other light activities after surgery.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the type of exercise you partake in and how long you should wait before returning to that activity.

For those who enjoy more intense physical activity, it may be necessary to wait for 10-12 weeks before returning to heavy weight lifting or high-impact exercises like running. We also suggest starting slow and building back up to your pre-surgery routine.

Listen to your body and if you experience pain or discomfort stop and seek your surgeons advice. It is always best to follow your surgeon’s specific post-op guidelines and take the time needed to properly heal.

More blogs and further information on recovery after plastic surgery

• Common feelings and emotions after surgery
• Can I speed up my recovery after cosmetic surgery? Plastic Surgery Tips and Recovery Guidelines.
• Recovery after breast reduction surgery (‘What’s normal recovery?’)
• Recovery after breast augmentation Surgery with Breast Implants
• Recovery after eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty Recovery)

Surgery Guidelines for Cosmetic Surgery recovery include helpful tips compiled from the experiences of our care team, which supports leading Australia FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) (Plas) Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and eyelid surgery experts (shown below).

Have unanswered questions or want to know how to search for a plastic surgeon or the cosmetic clinics’ reviews?

Type the surgeon or clinic name into google. You will see a knowledge panel on the right-hand side that will contain the surgeon’s reviews.

If you still have unanswered questions feel free to contact our team.

Disclaimer
Please note that any content provided on our website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this website. The author and publisher do not guarantee the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the information presented herein. All actions taken based on the information in this article are at your own risk.