5 Tips from a Plastic Surgeon for a Smoother Recovery
Are you considering having plastic surgery? Do you wonder what you can do to ensure a smoother recovery? Most people approach plastic surgery with a combination of excitement and anxiety.
In that light, Dr. Bajaj wanted to discuss some things you can do to help prepare for your big day and recovery!
There are some things that you can do to prepare for surgery and others that will help you after surgery. At Bajaj Plastic Surgery, we make it our priority to help you feel ready for your procedure, from your consultation to your post-operative appointments.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
During the weeks leading up to your surgery, Dr. Bajaj encourages everyone to eat a healthy, high-protein diet. Eating a high-protein diet will assist with wound healing after surgery. Low-sodium choices can help minimize swelling.
Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids—water and electrolyte drinks—in the days before your surgery. Many people experience dehydration following surgery, which can contribute to postoperative nausea.
In the same vein, plan your grocery shopping before surgery, so you have everything you may need at home.
2. Wear the Right Clothes
On the morning of your surgery, make sure to wear the right clothes—it’s definitely not the day to dress to impress. Instead, it’s usually best to be comfortable. Joggers and a shirt that opens in the front, particularly if you’re having breast surgery, are typically a good choice.
Another subtle detail is to braid your hair or place it in a ponytail if you have long hair.
3. Study Your Pre-Op Materials
At Bajaj Plastic Surgery, we want you to feel prepared before your surgery. Read all of your pre-op materials. We have prepared a pre-op packet based on your procedure that will provide information on what to expect leading into the surgery and post-op.
You can also view our Preparing for Surgery page to watch videos from Dr. Bajaj in which she discusses our ERAS protocol and minimizing your infection risks after surgery.
4. Skip the Narcotics If You Can
Dr. Bajaj uses a Rapid Recovery or ERAS—Enhanced Recovery After Surgery—approach to surgery. We try to manage your pain using multiple types of medications including Tylenol, Celebrex, Gabapentin—a muscle relaxant, and Exparel—a long-acting local anesthetic. This combination typically means that you will require fewer narcotics, which is good advice whether you’re having surgery or not.
Surgeons are getting better with pain management, but in some cases, you really need the narcotic. However, most patients only use them for one or two days at most.
With new ERAS and Rapid Recovery techniques, it’s common for patients to skip narcotics altogether. Narcotics frequently have side effects, including constipation, nausea, and feeling loopy. Prolonged narcotic use can also lengthen your recovery.
5. Take It Easy, But Not Too Easy!
It’s important to remember that after surgery you should get plenty of rest, but not bed rest. This tip is operation-specific, but generally, we want patients up and walking around almost immediately after surgery. Essentially, the quicker you are up and walking independently, the better your long-term recovery will be.
Blood flow and oxygen are important to your recovery. The best way to achieve this is by walking. Walking allows our bodies to resume their normal bowel functions and minimize your risk of other complications, such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis or blood clots) or pneumonia.
Our Final Thoughts
Preparing for surgery can be overwhelming, but we’ve found that the more prepared a patient is, the easier their recovery typically is. With proper preparations and a proactive pain approach with ERAS and Rapid Recovery protocols, patients typically have a smoother recovery and a limited need for narcotic medications.
It’s Dr. Bajaj’s goal to help you have a great recovery, so you can resume your daily life quickly.
Schedule Your Consultation at Bajaj Plastic Surgery Today!
The experts at Bajaj Plastic Surgery strive to help each patient prepare for their surgery to achieve a smooth, healthy recovery. Let us help you accomplish your aesthetic goals!
Contact Bajaj Plastic Surgery at (405) 810-8448 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation today!