Proper preparation and the support of your surgical team can aid the recovery process.
If you are considering cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, there are a lot of factors to consider before you go ahead with your treatment of choice. One of the most important considerations is the recovery period that you will go through following surgery. Thoroughly preparing for your recovery can go a long way when it comes to enjoying a smooth and successful healing process. Read on for our top tips on how to get through your recovery as well as you can…
Seek support
One of the best things you can do to enjoy a smooth post-surgical recovery is to ask for the support you need. Chat to your family and close friends about your treatment and let them know that you may need their help and emotional support as you get through the healing process. Their support may come in many forms — driving you home after surgery, for example, or keeping you company while you rest at home.
Prepare yourself
Part of preparing yourself for a good recovery means getting your home ready for your return from hospital. It is a good idea to stock your fridge or freezer with some healthy meals — whole foods that are rich in nutrients can aid the healing process. Get your bedroom ready before you head off to the hospital — it’s helpful to arrange an area to store all your dressings and medications, as well as your post-operative instructions and anything else that you might need within easy reach from your bed.
Be patient
Although you will likely be eager to see the results of your procedure as soon as possible, it is important to remember that this takes time. You might find it helpful to avoid looking in the mirror at all during your first week or so of recovery. Once your swelling and bruising has subsided, your results will become more noticeable. Take the first stage of your recovery to rest and heal and try and put your results out of your mind for the time being.
Listen to your surgeon
When it comes to a smooth and successful recovery, it is crucial that you adhere to any instructions that your surgeon and their team have given you. Any post-operative instructions and wound care information should be carefully followed as this will help to ensure that possible complications are prevented. If you have any questions about how to take care of your surgical wounds or about the recovery process in general, feel free to raise them with your surgical team.
Get some exercise
Although it is important to rest and recuperate after surgery, it is also a good idea to move your body as soon as you feel able. This promotes circulation and blood flow and aids the recovery process. Start slow — short walks around the house are fine, to begin with — and gradually increase your distance and speed as you begin to feel stronger. As well as regular exercise, it is a good idea to eat a healthy diet during your recovery and to drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you stay hydrated.
How can we help?
Dr Mark Hanikeri and his team provide a range of plastic and reconstructive procedures, as well as post-operative care and support. Dr Hanikeri has many years of experience in his field and loves to help his patients achieve results with which they are genuinely satisfied.
The procedures that Dr Hanikeri offers include breast augmentation, lift, reconstruction and reduction; otoplasty, facelift and blepharoplasty; abdominoplasty, body contouring, brachioplasty, labiaplasty, liposuction and body makeovers. To find out more about the range of procedures that are available, please have a look here.
To arrange an appointment to meet Mark and his team, please get in touch here. Dr Hanikeri works from locations in Subiaco, Murdoch, Bunbury and Albany. To see each of these locations, please have a look here.