The Proper Way to Recover From Surgery

Surgery, whether elective or deemed necessary, requires a certain protocol for recovery. Knowing the proper way to recover from surgery will not only assure adequate healing, but may also decrease recovery time.

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Any surgical procedure, no matter how small, causes some degree of trauma to the body. Understanding this will guide the steps of recovery and help determine what the body needs to heal. Recovery may include instructions such as not to lift anything above a certain weight limit, limitations on bathing/showering, or a particular diet may be prescribed. It is essential that the patients follow the instructions given by their surgeon, despite how well they feel or how insignificant the instructions may seem.

Often, as patients recover from such surgical procedures, they forego the steps of recovery because they feel well enough to do so, or they feel it doesn’t apply to them. It is with a patient’s well-being in mind that the surgeon advises restrictions against certain daily activities. Jumping back into regular work or exercise routines prematurely will not only hinder one’s progress in recovery, but it may actually prolong it.

Healthy Diet

Good nutrition is also necessary for a speedy recovery. When the body has undergone any surgeries, it requires an increased amount of nutrients that will promote healing. It is essential to eat a variety of foods to get all of the calories, lean proteins, minerals, and vitamins needed to recover. Surgeons will often prescribe a specific diet, and it is important to follow it as much as possible, as it will prevent infections and certain complications. If a diet is not prescribed, making healthy food choices will aid in recovery nonetheless.

Keep All Follow-Up Appointments

Last, but not least, it is imperative to keep all follow-up appointments. If a patient’s recovery has progressed without complications, an appointment with the doctor may seem unnecessary. Surgeons need to monitor their patient’s recovery for many reasons, one of which is to assess for less obvious complications. In addition, surgeons must confirm that each patient has been adequately treated and determine whether any additional follow-up care is needed.

If you are considering any plastic surgical procedure, we encourage you to call The Aesthetic Institute in Fullerton, California. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert M. Wald, regularly helps men and women all over Orange County achieve the look they desire. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Wald, please call us at (888) 401-2806 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to meeting you!