While many people desire the tremendous advantages of cosmetic surgery in terms of improved confidence and attractiveness, they may find the idea of a stressful recovery daunting and unappealing.
The truth is that recovery can actually feel relaxed and manageable, provided you are well-prepared, and you know what to expect.
Below we will discuss 8 things you can do to set yourself up for a successful recuperation with increased peace of mind. At the end of the day, most patients feel their recovery was a small price to pay for the wonderful benefits of their cosmetic treatment.
Table of Contents
1. Shop beforehand
Because who doesn’t love shopping? If you live on your own, it’s important that you stock up on the essentials. While you are still dealing with swelling and bruising, you may wish to avoid going out to places like the grocery store, so it’s important that all of your must-have items are waiting for you when you get home. Stocking up on food, coffee, toilet paper, paper towels, etc., will give you a lot less anxiety and make the recovery period that much easier on you. Prepping some meals for yourself ahead of time will also help put your mind at ease.
2. Give your house a thorough cleaning (Okay, a mild cleanse?)
Having a clutter-free environment is paramount both for your mental state and your personal safety. Clearing a path for safe passage will help ensure that you don’t have any unexpected slips or falls (the last thing anybody wants while recovering). It’s also a good idea to take care of housekeeping duties, such as doing the dishes, doing the laundry, and taking out the garbage before you have your procedure. You want to be as relaxed as possible while healing.
3. Reorganize your home for recovery
Most surgeries entail a good amount of physical limitation during the healing process. After having tummy tuck surgery, for example, patients are not able to reach as high as they normally can. Your house should be reorganized with these limitations in mind. Moving essential items from high cupboards to the countertop, for example, can help keep you from overextending yourself.
Though you will certainly be encouraged to move and do light exercise during your recovery, the less you have to move, the better. Place things in arm’s reach of your bed as much as possible.
4. Keep important items next to your bed
It’s typically recommended that you keep items such as vitamins, prescriptions, and skincare products next to your bed. Keeping those essential items within reach will prevent you from having to get up all the time. You should also keep hand sanitizer near you to reduce the risk of infecting your incisions.
5. Make arrangements for children and pets
If you have children or pets, you should find somebody that can take over your duties while you are recovering. A spouse, family member, friend, or professional are all good candidates. Heavy lifting is off-limits for several weeks following surgery, and you need to make your children aware of that. Providing your dog with a trustworthy person to take them on walks is just as important.
6. Prepare for relaxation
Since you will likely be unable to leave your house for at least a few days, it is a good idea to plan out some things that you can do at home to keep yourself entertained and relaxed. This is a good opportunity to start a new book or catch up on some shows that you haven’t had time to watch. Think about all the things you enjoy doing at home and make sure that they will be readily available to you after your surgery.
7. Plan for comfort
Considering the strenuous nature of the recovery process, it goes without saying that comfort is of the utmost importance. Make sure that you have loose-fitting clothes and plenty of pillows to give you proper head support. It’s a good idea to invest in some ice packs and a first aid kit as well. Most doctors recommend having gauze, antibiotic ointment, and bandages on hand should you need to redress your incisions.
8. Prioritize hydration
Many people overlook the role of water in recovery. Getting plenty of water helps the body heal in a timely manner. Going back to the first point on our list, it is vital that you stock up on water prior to your operation. Keeping a bottle near your bed is also a good idea.
If you’ve already made the decision to move forward with your plastic surgery, congratulations! It can be empowering to take steps towards achieving one’s ideal self-image, as this can boost your confidence in every area of life. While your doctor will go over what you can expect from your recovery in terms of your limitations, they may neglect to mention the small things, such as stocking up on movies and books and arranging your laptop so you are able to FaceTime with friends, co-workers, and family members while you’re in bed.
This list can help you to experience a seamless recovery journey. The better you prepare, the more well-cared-for you will feel and the less stress you will put on yourself when the time comes.
