Five Ways to Manage Your Post-Surgery Discomfort
Deciding to go through with plastic surgery and completing the procedure are two major steps to becoming the best version of yourself. The last step is also a big one: getting through your recovery and managing your post-surgery discomfort. Each of these steps involves a lot of preparation and planning from you and your surgeon, including the recovery. Here are five things you can do to manage the bruising, swelling, and pain that you may face during this time period.
1.) Stay Elevated
Swelling occurs when fluid builds up around an area after it experiences some trauma, usually after an injury. Fluid rushes to that area to protect it and start the healing process. Surgery involves controlled trauma to your skin, so you will likely have a lot of swelling after the procedure is over.
Since the amount of swelling is related to how much fluid you have around an injury, keeping that area of your body elevated will help keep the level of fluid low. With facial plastic surgery, that means keeping your head elevated, usually with extra pillows or blankets. Your head should be above the level of your heart and should maintain that level as much as possible.
2.) Have a Cold Pack Routine
Bruises occur when tiny blood vessels inside your skin are broken or ruptured due to trauma, causing blood and excess fluid to flood the area. Fluid buildup can also lead to an increase in pain or discomfort in an area. Cold compresses manage that discomfort by cooling the area to reduce the amount of swelling and pain associated with the surgery. Even if you don’t have heavy bruising, compresses can still improve your level of comfort. Develop a routine for using your compresses that involves regular amounts of time with and without it on your body.
3.) Limit Excess Movement
The more you exert yourself, the more your heart pumps blood, the faster fluids move throughout your body. Greater fluid movement can cause more discomfort as it rushes to the surgery area. More swelling is generated which may cause an increase in pain.
Leaving the fluid buildup aside, excess movement of the area can also set back your healing process. Your body needs plenty of time and rest to heal properly and quickly; moving around too much can set that process back.
4.) Take all Your Medications
If necessary, your surgeon will prescribe you some medications to take the edge off the worst of the pain. These will usually only be necessary for the first couple days when the pain is at its worst, but you can always ask your surgeon for an additional prescription if the pain continues to bother you. Your surgeon will also probably give you a prescription for antibiotics to keep infection and other problems at bay when your body is at its most vulnerable.
It’s really important that you take your meds according to their directions and the recommendations of your surgeon. The purpose of these meds is to help you get through your recovery by minimizing your discomfort and reducing your risk of complications.
5.) Maintain a Good Relationship with Your Surgeon
You’ll meet with your surgeon at least once after your procedure so they can check in with you and see how your recovery is going. You can also contact them at any time with questions, concerns, and or any problems that arise throughout your recovery. Remember, your surgeon doesn’t stop helping you once you leave their office; they’re invested you and your well-being until you’re completely recovered.
Schedule Your Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Nassif
World-famous plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Nassif has his own practice in Beverly Hills, CA. At Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Nassif performs all kinds of surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures. From rhinoplasties to Botox injections, Dr. Nassif’s goal is always to ensure the health and satisfaction of his patients. Dr. Nassif is well-known for producing amazing results to help his patients create the best versions of himself.
Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Nassif is easy! Just call (310) 275-2467 or send your information to Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery through our Contact page.