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Healing Takes Time and Patience
You Are Unique & Will Heal At Your Own Pace
Healing from plastic surgery varies between procedures and patients. Don’t expect to look fabulous right away. There are many factors to consider as you begin the healing process. For example, the first few days are critical. Lots of quiet rest is needed for the body to heal. Icing surgical areas as much as possible during the first two to three days helps decrease swelling. Some doctors, recommend taking herbal supplements such as arnica and bromelain, which also help to decrease bruising and swelling. The body will heal itself in time. It is important to remember that inflammation is not always a bad thing. Inflammation is the body’s way of bringing blood and nutrients to the area that needs healing.
Patience is verrry important. You will see immediate changes. Although most swelling and bruising will diminish in the first few weeks, some people hold onto their bruises longer than others. In fact, residual swelling can linger for many weeks. Do not be alarmed and compare yourself to friends who have healed more quickly. You are different. Your body is unique to you. Continue eating well, resting and exercising. It will all be worth it.
Keeping your pain under control is important. Taking pain medication as prescribed actually can help you heal faster. For example, some deep breathing and coughing after your surgery is necessary to keep your lungs clear. If you are in too much pain to cough, you are at a risk for pneumonia. Some patients worry unnecessarily about side effects from the medication. Taking medications for a short time can help the body. Although, some pain medications do have side affects, such as constipation and dizziness, drinking fluids and eating healthy foods will help you avoid dehydration and constipation. Remember, it is better to keep pain under control. If you wait till it is severe, you will have to wait for the drug to take effect. It’s better to keep your pain at a tolerable level. Good pain management makes it easier to sleep and rest, to reposition yourself, and to walk to the restroom during the first twenty four hours.
Moving around after your first appointment is also good for the healing process. Lying around and constantly looking in the mirror is not good for healing. Walking after surgery is one of the best things you can do. Hospitals urge heart patients to walk the halls the day after their surgery. Cardiac procedures are much more invasive than plastic surgery. While it is important to rest, it is just as important to move around. The day after surgery start taking a little walk every hour or two. Walking helps circulation and can decrease swelling. It also prevents serious complications such as blood clots. It will also help constipation. There are many factors involved in healing and recovering. Being with a professional during the recovery period will help you immensely.
Lastly, anesthesia can stay with you for a while. Depending on your age and the amount of time you are in surgery, drugs can stay in your system for weeks. You will, of course, be coherent enough to do daily tasks, but if you speak with surgical patients you will find that returning to work can be stressful. Don’t expect too much of yourself. The synapses of the brain are sometimes affected for months. You may have trouble recalling some things. You may even have trouble doing simple math problems. Resting, eating properly and exercising all help.
Recover with an RN who has had both PROFESSIONAL and PERSONAL experience.
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