How To Care For Your Skin Post Undergoing a Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is a discipline of medicine focused on improving appearance through surgery. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on the head, neck, or the body. The surgery might be intended to change the structure, position, color or texture of the body part and is typically undertaken by an individual who is not happy with his/her appearance and wants cosmetic amendments.
Popular plastic surgery procedures like abdominoplasty, facelift surgery, and liposuction often produce life-changing results, improving how a person feels both internally and externally. Fantastic final results make all the time, energy, and money patients spend on cosmetic surgery worthwhile.
However, like most other surgical procedures, to maintain the results of your cosmetic surgery, you need a great aftercare regime:
1) Have a caretaker help you, during the first few days:
You should have a family member or a friend to take care of you after surgery. There should be someone with you to drive you home safely after your surgery, give you medications on time as told by the doctor and cook and do other chores for you especially for the first 72 hours.
2) Protest yourself against damage from sun exposure:
The UV rays from the sun can cause damage to your skin as your skin is more vulnerable in the initial weeks of surgery. Avoid going out in bright sunlight, at least for first couple of weeks. In case you have to go out, use a high SPF sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat.
3) Stay hydrated:
Consume a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated will help your skin to recover fast and improve your metabolism process.
4) Avoid makeup as much as you can:
Don’t apply any kind of make-up to your skin for a first few days post the treatment. Keep your skin clean. Use a mild cleanser that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Take advice from your doctor, on when you can start applying makeup.
5) Quit smoking and alcohol consumption:
Say no to alcohol and smoking before as well as for the first few weeks of cosmetic surgery. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict and restricting blood supply to organs and tissues which can slow down a wound’s healing post-surgery. Alcohol can also interact with anesthesia and increase risks of bleeding.
6) Eat healthy:
Consume healthy foods and a balanced diet. Include dairy products, fruits, vegetables and foods rich in protein in your diet. Avoid junk food.
7) Elevate your head:
Keep your head elevated for two to three days to minimize swelling and for a speedy recovery. Failure to do so may cause a delay in recovery and may create facial asymmetry.
8) Apply Ice pack:
Apply ice bags to the exposed areas of your face for the first 72 hours to reduce swelling post-surgery.
9) Avoid irritating the targeted area(s):
Do not wear pullover clothing or hair clips for a couple of weeks, as these could potentially disrupt your earlobe or hairline incisions.
Most importantly, follow all instructions of your surgeon. Take all medications as directed, on time.