What you should expect after the plastic surgery
If you finally made up your mind to changing your appearance and improve your self-image by turning to professional plastic surgeons for operations such as breast enlargement, facial surgery like eyelid surgery or more serious operations that require the most up-to-date microsurgical techniques such as wound surgery, there are always a number of things you have to be ready for after this procedure. Almost all surgeries are done on an outpatient basis. Your first 48 hours are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. IN case of excessive pain or bleeding, you have to call the surgeon immediately. Most plastic surgeons in Grand Rapids will respond day or night.
Please mind the following rules:
- Do not drive within first 24 Hours. You will have been sedated for surgery and therefore your response time is slowed down. Ask a family member or a close friend to drive you home. Ask someone to stay with you overnight and to watch for syndromes like bleeding or pus on the spot of surgery . It is highly recommended to abstain from driving for at least 2 days after general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation or while taking prescription pain pills.
- Your dressings must be kept as clean and dry as possible. Do not remove them unless instructed to do so.
- Use ice packs. Cold packs help to reduce bruising, swelling and pain. You may use crushed ice in a zip-lock bag or frozen peas in the package. This should help though, not hurt. If the ice doesn’t feel uncomfortable, do not use it as often.
- Take it easy and indulge yourself. Avoid any tension or straining. You may go to the bathroom, sit and watch TV, etc., but no matter how well you feel do not resume normal activity such as house chores like cleaning, laundry, etc. Too much activity may result in bleeding, excess swelling and bruising, any one of which may slow down the healing process.
- No smoking or drinking alcohol during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and alcohol dilates blood vessels and thus could increase bleeding. Additionally alcohol in combination with your prescription pain medication may be very dangerous and in some cases lethal.
- Post-operative nausea is a normal reaction. If you experience any nausea, carbonated soda and dry crackers may help. If the nausea persists a suppository may be necessary. If you are not nauseous, start with liquids and bland foods first. If these are well tolerated, progress to a regular diet.