Regardless of the specific procedure, patients can benefit from mental preparation techniques. These typically include healthy lifestyle choices, preparing the recovery space, and practicing mindfulness.
It is essential to develop realistic expectations of the results. Depending on the procedure, it can take weeks to months (or even years) for final results to reveal themselves.
Sleep Well
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Getting plenty of rest is crucial to your overall health and the success of your Bellevue plastic surgery. It boosts the immune system, reduces stress levels, and promotes collagen production, all of which can aid in a faster recovery from surgery.
You can start to prepare for sleep by preparing your bedroom or recovery area ahead of time.
Set up a comfortable place to relax with blankets, pillows, and entertainment on hand. Having help available to take care of kids or household chores during the first few days after surgery is also a good idea.
Many patients find that their ability to sleep well after cosmetic surgery is affected by pain, swelling, and discomfort in the surgical areas.
Limiting daytime naps and scrolling through your phone after slipping into bed may be helpful to avoid waking up in the middle of the night. Some patients prefer a simple evening routine, such as reading or sipping unsweetened herbal tea.
Eat Healthy
Eating a healthy diet will help you to recover faster after your surgery. Before your procedure, focus on consuming lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Drinking plenty of water will also be helpful as it flushes toxins and aids digestion.
Depending on your doctor’s instructions, you may be able to start introducing soft foods into your diet gradually. This can include yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies, which are easier to digest. Over time, you can eat more solid foods, and your body can absorb more nutrients.
In addition to eating well, it is important to exercise. This will help you maintain a healthy weight, promote overall health, and reduce stress. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid smoking and excessive drinking as both can increase post-surgical complications and reduce your overall recovery results.
Developing these healthy habits before surgery can significantly improve your recovery experience and ensure that your plastic surgery results look their best.
Exercise
Whether you have had a simple brow lift or a full mommy makeover, it is important to remember that exercise can be good for you and improve your results. It also boosts the body’s natural healing response.
That said, it is important to take it easy after surgery and not jump back into your regular workout routine right away. Trying to exercise too soon can increase swelling and bruising and even cause complications like incision separation.
In general, patients are encouraged to start walking and work up to more intense cardio. They should avoid anything that requires using the arms as this can put too much strain on the chest area.
Especially for breast implant patients, wearing a supportive bra during exercise is vital. This helps prevent capsular contracture, which can change the shape and feel of the implants and can only be corrected through revision surgery.
Relax
As you make final preparations, take steps to calm your nerves. Educating yourself about your procedure can help, as can talking to others who have undergone a similar journey.
Consider attending a support group or finding a friend who has undergone the same procedure. They can answer any questions, provide reassurance, and teach you how to care for yourself after surgery.
Finally, commit to following your surgeon’s pre-surgery instructions. This includes abstaining from alcohol (which can lead to easy bruising and interfere with the body’s ability to absorb medications) and other items like sunbathing self-tanning products, or hot baths.
Also, prepare your home base for recovery by lining up a bed or recliner, arranging for a caretaker or someone to pick you up after surgery, and stocking your cupboards with essentials. This could include single-serving snacks, moisturizing skin wipes, ice packs, traction socks, and any other necessities you may need during your recovery.