Self-Care After Cosmetic Surgery

Self-care is crucial after cosmetic surgery to ensure a smooth and healthy recovery. The recovery period can vary depending on the individual and the type of surgery, but it typically involves some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Prioritizing self-care can help reduce discomfort and speed up the recovery process. Self-care practices can also help prevent complications such as infection or scarring.

Tips for Self-Care After Cosmetic Surgery:

1. Follow post-operative instructions: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for post-operative care. It's essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and healthy recovery.

2. Rest and relax: Rest is crucial for a healthy recovery. Take time off work, avoid strenuous activity, and relax as much as possible during the recovery period.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential after cosmetic surgery to help flush out toxins and reduce swelling.

4. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help promote healing and reduce inflammation. Avoid highly inflammatory foods, processed foods, and alcohol and focus on nutrient-dense whole foods. This January 2023 Prevention.com article on the best (and worst) foods for inflammation may be helpful.

5. Avoid Smoking and Vaping: Smoking and vaping can have negative effects on the healing process after cosmetic surgery. Nicotine can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the surgical site, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications such as infection, scarring, or tissue death. Additionally, smoking and vaping can compromise the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Therefore, it's essential for those who have had cosmetic surgery to avoid smoking or vaping during the recovery period to ensure the best possible outcome.

6. Get gentle exercise: While strenuous exercise is not recommended during the recovery period, gentle exercise such as walking can help promote blood flow and reduce swelling.

7. Wear compression garments: Compression garments can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Follow your surgeon's recommendations for how long to wear the compression garment.

8. Get Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) treatments: MLD is a gentle technique that helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body. MLD is essential for cosmetic surgery patients because the procedure can disrupt the lymphatic system, leading to swelling and bruising. MLD can help reduce swelling and bruising, promote healing, and improve overall comfort and well-being during the recovery period. Additionally, MLD can help prevent complications such as infection and seroma formation.

9. Practice Mindfulness: If you don’t already practice mindfulness, you may want to start. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions that may arise during the recovery period. Cosmetic surgery can be a significant change, and it's common to experience a range of emotions during the recovery period, such as frustration or disappointment if the results are not immediately apparent. Practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help patients stay present in the moment and focus on positive thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness can also promote relaxation and improve overall well-being, which can help the body heal more effectively after surgery. Incorporating mindfulness practices into the recovery period can help improve your overall recovery experience and enhance the results of the surgery.

Self-care is not selfish. It is a crucial component of your post cosmetic surgery journey and helps to ensure a smooth and healthy recovery. By following these self-care tips, you can promote healing, reduce discomfort, and achieve a better outcome. If you have any questions or concerns about self-care after cosmetic surgery, please don't hesitate to reach out to your primary care provider or the plastic surgeon who performed your surgery.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please know that our team at Wings Wellness is here to support you on your wellness journey with offerings that may be relevant to your post-cosmetic surgery journey!

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the tips and recommendations provided in this blog post from Wings Wellness Bloom Program are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as medical advice. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Wings Wellness is not a medical facility, nor does it provide medical advice. Any reliance you place on the information provided is solely at your own risk.