It's safe to say you've undergone cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, and now you need to learn about proper aftercare.
Your doctor has most likely briefed you on urgent post-operative care. However, this procedure is unlike any other. Follow-up care also entails a commitment and your doctor to keep your new look for the long term. The type of cosmetic surgery, your age, your lifestyle, and, of course, your expectations will all influence your post-operative care.
So in this article, we'd be covering the relevant procedures pre/post OPERATION and the importance of on-site care. Plus, we'd be answering most of the post-op frequently asked questions. So keep scrolling.
Checklists for Before and After Surgery
What should you do to get ready for a cosmetic procedure? There are numerous details to consider while planning your cosmetic surgery.
Use the following checklist to assist you in being prepared;
Before Surgery;
● Inform your doctor about any drugs you are now taking or intend to take during your recovery. Medication and vitamins, minerals, and plants can all interact.
● If your cosmetic operation is performed as an outpatient, make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the procedure. And to stay with you at least the first night.
● Fill any prescriptions that will be required post-operatively ahead of time.
● The night before surgery, pack your bag. Bring any personal items you may require.
● The night before surgery, remove any credit cards or valuables from your purse or wallet.
● On the day of the surgery, avoid wearing any jewelry.
● Bring a container to store your glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
● Bring comfortable clothing to change into after the operation.
● Follow all food and drink recommendations; most cosmetic operations include no eating or drinking after midnight.
● Stop smoking at least two weeks before your procedure. Smoking can cause nausea, irritate the lungs after surgery, and hinder your recovery.
● Bring your insurance card, advance directive, living will, or medical power of attorney
documents if you have them.
The Surgery Day;
● Arrive at the time your cosmetic surgeon recommends to allow ample time to prepare for the surgery.
● Make arrangements for someone to accompany you for the duration of your procedure as
indicated by your cosmetic surgeon.
● After being guided to your chosen surgery area, ask any accompanying family members or
friends to wait for you in the department's waiting area.
After Surgery;
You will be taken to a recovery area immediately following surgery until the surgeon determines that you are ready to be discharged home or, less frequently, transferred to a hospital room or hotel for an overnight stay.
Following your operation, you will be scheduled for a follow-up visit so that the surgeon may evaluate the healing process and, if required, remove any stitches. You will also be given a list of discharge instructions and medication instructions, as well as emergency contact information for Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic, Plastic Surgery Center resources. If you have any concerns, you should always contact your doctor.
Facts About Post-Operative On-care Care After Cosmetic Surgery
Your doctor should take an active role in assuring the finest post-cosmetic surgery care and your happiness with the outcomes. Here are some facts you should be aware of:
Additional cosmetic surgery may be required (such as a ruptured breast implant). If you are dissatisfied with the first results, you may need extra cosmetic operations.
You should be aware of the appropriate time to begin assessing your new look. That is, how long after cosmetic surgery should you start analyzing your appearance? This could take weeks or months. Remember that you must allow yourself enough time to heal depending on your procedure before analyzing the outcomes.
Here are some questions to ask your cosmetic surgeon about follow-up care:
How long will your new appearance last? How frequently will you have to return for additional injections to maintain the look if you've had injections?
When should you start thinking about any necessary follow-up cosmetic surgery?
Will you need to have a facelift, neck lift, or other facial lifts done again in your life if you've already had them?
What effect will this have on your insurance? Will your premiums rise, and will your future coverage suffer as a result? What is your doctor's background in this field? What have they observed in other patients?
It's critical that you feel at ease addressing any questions or concerns you have with your doctor. You choose cosmetic surgery to better your life and appearance. Don't give up on attaining the exact results you want.
FAQs
When should I remove the bandage?
Your doctor will tell you exactly when and how to change it. Most wounds don't require one after a few days, although keeping the area covered may help protect the cut from harm and speed up healing.
If you must use a bandage, make sure to replace it every day. Before and after, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
Is it necessary to keep the wound dry?
For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid getting it wet. So, avoid taking a bath or shower on the first day, but a sponge bath is typically fine.
Showering may be possible on the second day, but this depends on the sort of surgery you had, so consult your doctor.
Showering rather than bathing is preferable after you have permission to get your entire body wet. This is because soaking your wound can soften it and cause it to reopen. Inquire if a waterproof dressing is required.
How long will I require someone to look after me following the surgery?
You will need someone to accompany you for the entire 24 hours following the surgery. You will be recovering from anesthesia; therefore, you must have someone drive you home and be with you during this time. You will want more assistance for the first six weeks following your operation because you will be unable to perform routine activities or lift anything heavier than 20 pounds.
What kinds of activities should I avoid following my surgery? And how long will this last?
You should avoid hard lifting (anything over 20 pounds), pushing or hauling large things, and working out for at least six weeks after your operation. You will also need to wear a compression garment during those six weeks. You can resume your normal activities as soon as you feel safe doing so.
How long will I be in pain as a result of the surgery?
This part of healing is affected by the procedure you chose. The peak of inflammation typically occurs three days following surgery, after which swelling and pain begin to lessen.
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