Life today is far more comfortable than it was a century ago. Even fifty years ago there were relatively few drive-throughs. There were no Starbucks to get us going in the morning, and when we wanted to listen to music, we either had to insert an 8-track into the tape deck or sit through commercials and radio banter. The very idea of having to endure such nuisances can feel frustrating. We’ve become so accustomed to the niceties of modern technology that we want to know how we can make all things easier. Recovery from plastic surgery is no exception.
The fact of the matter is that any surgical procedure will incur a bit of downtime. Because many surgical techniques have been improved over time, recovery processes have become less risky and more comfortable. But what about timing? Are there ways to help the body heal? There are. They include:
- Throw out the cigarettes. To get the most from a surgical procedure, including decreased risk of scarring and complications and a faster recovery, patients are encouraged to stop smoking. The sooner that this can happen before surgery, the better. Cigarettes contain toxic chemicals that inhibit tissue oxygenation and therefore slow healing.
- Skip the nightcap. Alcohol consumption is also a habit that would ideally be curbed weeks before surgery. According to research, patients who consume more than one drink a day exhibit slower healing times than those who do not drink.
- Follow pre-surgical instructions regarding medication. We provide a list of supplements and medications that should be avoided to reduce the risk of post-surgical bleeding and bruising.
- After surgery, what the body may need more than anything else is rest. The fast-paced nature of today’s lifestyle makes rest a bigger challenge than many patients expect. If you have a cosmetic procedure scheduled, prepare yourself now for at least a few days of doing very little other than sleeping and eating.
- As much as we promote sufficient rest for surgical recovery, we have to contrast the need for recuperation with the need for physical movement. Activity level will be very low; limited to walking from one room to another at first but will be sufficient to decrease the risk of blood clots.
There are numerous benefits to cosmetic surgery procedures that can be complemented by maximizing the recovery period after treatment. To obtain details on the cosmetic services available in our Chicago office, call (312) 266-6240.