A lot of people think that selecting a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon is all they need to do to guarantee the best plastic surgery results, but that’s not the whole story. While doing your research and deciding on the right plastic surgeon is half the battle, it doesn’t end there. After surgery, much of your results depend on your behaviors.
Unfortunately, the best plastic surgeons can’t come to your house and hold your hand while you recover, although they’d probably love to. Since they can’t be by your side as you recover at home, now you’re the one who’s in control.
As tempting as it may be, bending the rules by smoking, resuming exercise too soon, taking a prohibited medication, pushing yourself too hard, or sunbathing can forever compromise the quality of your results.
Taking Your Role Seriously
What you do after you get home from a plastic surgery procedure has a lot to do with your results thereafter. Here’s what you can do to improve your chances of a smooth recovery:
- Closely follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions. If you’re considering hitting the gym early, or taking a medication you were instructed not to take, or getting a tan over your new scar, think twice. Do you really want to forever minimize your results after you’ve come this far?
- Get your home all ready before the surgery. Make sure it’s clean, do your laundry, pay the bills, feed your pets, and go grocery shopping.
- Cook your meals or meal-prep before the surgery so it’s not a mad scramble to feed yourself or your family.
- Make sure you have a close friend or family member lined up to drive you home after the surgery – they’re better options than Uber or Lyft.
- If your plastic surgeon says you need a caretaker, take his or her words to heart and have someone set up, such as a spouse, friend, or family member ahead of time.
- Be patient during the healing process. The body needs time to recover after surgery. You may not see the final results for a few weeks or even months after surgery.
- If you have any questions, call your plastic surgeon’s office. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Next: Weight Management & Plastic Surgery: What’s the Connection?
If you experience emotional ups and downs after your surgery, understand that this is normal but don’t hold them in. It’s best to inform your plastic surgeon and their staff since they’re trained to support you through this journey.