Even if you work with a world-class surgical team, an invasive procedure is still going to take a toll on your body. Following your operation, you will need to focus on your recovery if you want to avoid unnecessary post-op complications. Not following your surgeon’s post-op instructions could result in damaged soft tissue, infections, or second-rate results. Here is a quick look at a few steps that you can take to prepare for your plastic surgery so that you can enjoy a quick and stress-free recovery.
Research Your Operation
Spending a little bit of time researching the operation that you are interested in is one of the best things that you can do as a potential patient. Online research is a great start, but you will also need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kao to learn more about each individual step of your procedure. That first appointment will give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have as well as get more information regarding the recovery period. Dr. Kao is also going to provide you with comprehensive pre-op and post-op instructions that you must follow as closely as possible.
Focus on Your Health
Sticking to healthy lifestyle habits is going to greatly reduce your risk of surgical complications and streamline the recovery process. While every situation is slightly different, most surgeons suggest that their patients get plenty of rest, follow a healthy diet, and avoid tobacco products in the weeks leading up to a cosmetic operation. You might also need to make some adjustments to your medication schedule if you are currently taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
If you are planning on undergoing a fat removal procedure, then maintaining a healthy weight is going to be very important as well. Fat removal operations are incredibly effective, but patients must be dedicated to staying at a healthy weight. In many cases, the surgeon will require the patient to maintain a consistent weight for at least a few months before they even consider undergoing liposuction or another similar procedure. As long as a patient is able to stick to healthy lifestyle habits, they should be able to maintain the results of a fat removal procedure for the rest of their life.
Establish a Comfortable Recovery Area
Another important step in this process is establishing a comfortable area where you can recover. While every procedure and situation is slightly different, most patients are going to spend at least a few days in bed following a cosmetic operation. After undergoing plastic surgery in Los Angeles, you should be prepared to relax in bed for three to five days and avoid all strenuous activities for at least five or six weeks. Your recovery area should have plenty of snacks, some type of entertainment, and easy access to a restroom. By the third or fourth day, you should be able to move around on your own, but you will still need to be very careful.
Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment
Once a week or two have gone by, your surgeon will most likely suggest that you schedule a follow-up appointment. During that appointment, your surgeon is going to take a closer look at the treatment site and discuss your overall health. As long as the soft tissue and incisions are healing properly, you will most likely be cleared for most everyday activities. The surgeon will also give you further instructions on how you can take care of yourself to reduce your risk of infections and other unwanted complications.