I'm on a personal mission to get rid of the stigma that still surrounds cosmetic surgery in many regions. Why am I on this mission? A small surgery changed my life, and I have never regretted it. I was a very shy child with little confidence due to my protruding ears. It sounds like such a small problem to many people, but it affected me and my self esteem greatly. I saved up in high school while working a part-time job, and as soon as I could afford it, I got my parents to agree to let me have my ears "pinned back" when I was 16. My confidence skyrocketed immediately, and I finally began enjoying life for the first time. I want to help others facing similar problems know that they are not alone, and I hope I can touch many lives with my new blog!
If you are having plastic surgery and are feeling apprehensive about the recovery period, then it's important you understand this is completely normal. Thankfully, due to advancements in medical science and improved surgical techniques, recovery periods today are shorter and easier than ever before.
Whether you are having a full-blown facelift or minor facial plastic surgery, there are many things you can do to have an easier recovery experience. Some of the most effective are included in the tips below.
Recovery Tip: Be Proactive and Keep Up with Your Prescription Pain Medication
If you had a major procedure, such as a rhinoplasty or facelift, and your plastic surgeon prescribed pain medication, then it's important you take it as instructed—especially during the week after surgery.
While there is a lot of talk about opioid addiction in the news, you aren't going to become addicted by simply treating your post-surgical pain. In fact, appropriately treating your pain is important so your body can get enough rest and heal itself. So, take your pain medication as prescribed and allow your body to heal and rest.
Recovery Tip: Liberally Apply Ice Packs to Sore or Swollen Areas of Your Face and Neck
Second in line after medication, ice packs are the best way to control post-surgical pain. In addition, applying ice to the areas where you had surgery will help to control swelling that can lead to additional pain.
In the week following your facial surgery, liberally apply ice packs to any areas where you have swelling or pain.
To make it easy to reach the areas around your eyes and nose, you can wrap a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and use it as an ice pack.
Recovery Tip: Understand Your Pain Level Will Peak About Two Days Post-Procedure
If you feel great the day after surgery and are tempted to skip your pain medication or ice therapy, this is never advised. Your pain level will peak about two days after your surgery, and it's important your body has a steady amount of medication and swelling control to lessen the severity of the peak pain days.
Recovery Tip: Call Your Plastic Surgeon If You Aren't Healing as Expected
Last but not least, if you notice any redness or other signs of a possible infection or lack of healing progress, then it's vital you get into contact with your plastic surgeon. While the chances you will get an infection or have another complication are low with facial plastic surgical procedures, it does occasionally happen. By treating complications quickly, your plastic surgeon can improve your recovery period.
For more information about facial plastic surgery procedures, talk to a plastic surgeon in your area.
Share5 June 2019
