At Radiance Wellness MediSpa, our physician, Carrie L. Morris, MD, is a skilled cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon focused on procedures involving the eyes. A nationally recognized oculofacial specialist, Dr. Morris knows the importance of the post-surgical recovery phase in the overall success of a plastic surgery procedure.
Healing well after your surgery is about more than simply staying comfortable. Following the instructions matched to your procedure not only speeds healing, but it can also be an important part of how you heal, assuring that swelling subsides in the desired way.
We’ve prepared a list of five tips that can help you heal well and quickly after your plastic surgery. This list isn’t a replacement for the specific instructions our team provides you following your procedure. Instead, it offers an overview of the recovery process and the things that generally contribute to successful healing.
You’ll need help to ease through recovery, particularly in the first 24-48 hours after your surgery. You can provide your own aid by preparing ahead of your procedure. For example, fill prescriptions beforehand so you have antibiotics and pain medications available when you return home.
Setting up your own “recovery room” before surgery is another way you can remain as comfortable as possible. Adapt a bedroom or other space within your home where you can gather extra pillows to prop yourself up, keep bottled water, and have a speaker for music or another source of entertainment.
You’ll need help from a family member or friend to get to and from your surgery appointment. Count on needing help for two or three days after your surgery for things like food preparation, help moving around, and supervision in general, in case there’s a problem or complication.
Take medications following the instructions you receive from Dr. Morris. Follow the schedule of antibiotics until you run out of pills, and take pain medications as directed — skipping doses because you feel fine may reveal just how well the pain relief was working. Eat something before taking medications to avoid upsetting your stomach.
Cold compresses help relieve pain and swelling. Wrap ice packs in a soft cloth and limit compress sessions to 15 minutes, every few hours, unless directed otherwise by Dr. Morris. You may need to change dressings. If so, follow the instructions and the schedule we provide.
Your primary responsibility in the days following your procedure is rest. Your body needs time to recover and conserve its resources because it does most of the repair work after surgery. Your downtime varies by procedure, but count on resting for a week, with no housework, exercise, or driving, unless Dr. Morris has approved it.
Resting doesn’t mean complete inactivity. Getting up and moving around encourages circulation and reduces inflammation. The key here is “gentle.” Keep movement to easy-paced walking over short distances, increasing as you go. Don’t carry loads or push yourself as you might in other circumstances. Light activity supports faster recovery at this stage.
We thoroughly discuss both your procedure and your recovery when you consult with Dr. Morris ahead of your plastic surgery. You can book a visit by phone or online to arrange your consultation at Radiance Wellness MediSpa today.
