The days following a facial plastic surgery are usually filled with excitement and anticipation of the results. Following a few do’s and don’ts can help you heal quickly from your procedure and feel like yourself sooner after surgery.
In this post, our Portland facial plastic surgeon, Dr. David Magilke, reveals do’s and don’ts after facial plastic surgery.
Do’s
Do arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery. Your companion should help you with preparing meals, fetching recovery supplies and handling household chores as the effects of the anesthesia wear off and you get settled.
Do take your medications as prescribed. These medications are intended to reduce your risk of infection and other complications.
Do follow your wound aftercare instructions to keep your incisions clean and dry. Do be careful when showering and avoid scrubbing your incisions.
Do eat nutritious, balanced meals and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Do keep your head elevated at all times, including while you sleep.
Do apply sunscreen to your face whenever going outdoors. Try to limit direct sun exposure during your initial recovery.
Do plan adequate time off from work to recover. Most patients take one to two weeks off before going back to the office. (With many people working remotely, now is a good time to have and recover from surgery!)
Don’ts
Don’t be surprised by mild to moderate bruising and swelling. Tightness or numbness is also not unusual after facial plastic surgery.
Don’t eat foods that are high in salt or sodium, as they can increase fluid retention and worsen swelling.
Don’t smoke after surgery. Smoking reduces blood flow to the treated area, impedes your body’s ability to heal and can increase the chances of poor scars. Don’t drink alcohol, either.
Don’t engage in strenuous activity. Getting up and moving around is good for circulation, but doing anything to elevate your heart rate could cause complications. Don’t lift anything heavier than 5 to 10 pounds.
Don’t get impatient if your results are not immediately apparent. Although the initial bruising and swelling should dissipate within about two weeks, it can take a few months for the aftereffects to completely resolve and your results to stabilize.
One final don’t: Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Magilke and our team if you have questions or concerns at any point during your recovery. We are here as a resource to help you recover quickly and comfortably. Give us a call or send us an email.
