Plan your surgery close to the weekend so you have the weekend to recover before resuming your activities.

Have products on hand to reduce swelling and minimize discomfort.

Elevating your head after facial procedures can reduce swelling. Either have several pillows accessible that can be placed behind your head or buy a backrest to elevate your head. Crushed ice or ice packs should be used to minimize the swelling and discomfort. There are also products that can be purchased to assist in your comfort after surgery. Click here to view these products by plastic surgery procedure. It is also important that you have a compression garment to wear immediately after surgery. These surgical garments are designed with the appropriate amount of compression to reduce swelling and flush out potentially harmful fluids. Ask your doctor for the appropriate compression garment to purchase. Sometimes your Plastic Surgeon will provide a surgical garment but it is recommended to purchase a second garment because you will need to wear this continuously for several weeks.

Prepare your Surgery Recovery Area

Have a phone nearby in case you need to contact someone. Put the remote, magazines or a radio with in reach of your bedside.

Arrange transportation

You need to plan to have someone available to drive you home after surgery and for your follow up appointments. Remember you will probably be taking pain medication for several days after your surgical procedure.

Have someone stay with you for 24 hours.

Have a friend or family member stay with you overnight. They can help refresh your ice packs, prepare food, and call the doctors office if there are any problems or questions. The plastic surgeon can direct you to a nursing agency if no one is available

Fill your prescriptions before surgery.

It is important to have all your prescriptions filled and ready the day of surgery. Your doctor’s office will ask that you start taking them immediately.

After the Surgery

Swelling and Bruising
Plastic Surgery procedures nearly always cause you to bruise and swell so don’t expect to see results immediately following surgery. In fact swelling can last several weeks or even months depending on the type of surgical procedure.

Drink Plenty of Water

Surgery of any kind can reduce fluids in your body. Drinking water frequently will help replenish these lost body fluids

Facial Surgery Recovery

It is very important to keep your head elevated after facial procedures to reduce swelling. Also wear your facial wrap or facial garment continuously to minimize discomfort and swelling.

Showering after surgery.

Ask the plastic surgeon how soon you can bathe or shower after surgery. Usually the doctor will allow you to shower within a couple of days following your surgery.

Resuming activities

Depending .on the type of surgery you will be able to resume minimal activities within 3 days to 2 weeks. It is important to consult your doctor about amount of activities you are allowed to resume. Exercise too soon can worsen swelling and cause complications.

Taking Pain Medication

Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking pain medications. Your judgement is usually impaired while on medications.

Scar Treatments

If you have scarring ask your doctor for recommended products. There are several medical grade silicone treatments that are very effective reducing the appearance of scars.

Sun Exposure

During the first year you will need to protect you surgical sites with sun protection.

Aesthetic Products to have on Hand

There are options available to make assist during Plastic Surgery recovery: camouflage makeup, compression garments, and other accessories. Compression garments and accessories are an essential part of recovery in most plastic surgery procedures. Camouflage makeup can help hide the bruising and swelling so you feel confident to go outside in public. Hats, Sunglasses and Scarves can also assist in hiding undesirable swelling and Bruising.