Plastic Surgery - Accelerate Your Recovery

The amount of pain, swelling and recovery time is determined by the extent and type of plastic surgery you have. However, no matter what the procedure, you can be sure that there will be some kind of recovery involved. Fortunately, there are ways to make this time easier and the healing faster and less painful. The following are a few steps that you and your surgeon can take to make your recovery as easy as possible.

Follow all of your doctor's instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is easy to get lazy and skimp on some of the steps. For instance, if he tells you to ice the incision site for twenty minutes, three times a day, just do it. Icing helps to reduce swelling. Also, take the prescribed pain killers and any other medications he has given to you. If there is a salve or cream he wants you to apply to the site, make sure to do this as prescribed. All of these steps will help reduce your pain, swelling and bruising and move your recovery along.

Talk to your surgeon about types and locations of incisions. Sometimes there is a choice, depending on the type of plastic surgery procedure, about where your incisions are made and certain places heal faster than the others. Also, smaller and fewer incisions will make your recovery faster and less painful.

Learn about the types of anesthesia. If you do not absolutely need a general anesthetic for your procedure, then you can choose a local. The risks are lessened and your recovery will be better. Have a general talk with your surgeon beforehand about the medications called prophylactic anti-emetics that you can take to reduce the effects of the anesthesia as you come out of it.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage: The lymphatic system's job is to rid the body of waste products like bacteria, fatty acids and dead cells. These things tend to gravitate to injured spots like your surgical site. The presence of these waste products in the tissue slows down the healing process and actually promotes swelling and irritation. Massaging the lymph nodes increases the circulation of the lymphatic fluid and thereby sweeping out the waste products from the surgical site. If you choose this type of treatment, make sure the person administering it, if not your doctor, is familiar with the technique. It is a very specific process, using gentle strokes and light pressure.

Be prepared. Before going in for your procedure, have all the items needed for your recovery at home and ready for you. This includes prescriptions, ice, pillows and a supportive family.

Wanting to accelerate your recovery is fine as long as it is done in a safe and sensible manner. Following all pre and post-operative instructions is extremely important. But, before you even get to that point, you need to do your homework. Find the right doctor for you and make sure he is board certified to perform plastic surgery. Check out the facility. Are they using state-of-the-art equipment? Is the staff friendly? Is the facility clean? During your consultation, you can address your options for a safe and speedy recovery with your doctor. Let him know what your expectations are and he can help devise a plan for you to get back on your feet as soon as possible. Do not cut corners when it comes to taking care of your own self.

By A Aaronson