Recovery from cosmetic surgery depends, of course, upon the type of operation performed. Certain rules are best followed after all types of surgery, however, and are enumerated below. Thereafter, we provide some guidelines for certain specific procedures.
This page helps to enumerate what to expect after surgery as well as some of the rules we like patients to observe during recovery from surgery. Post-operative care is both an "art" and a "science," and good and reasonable physicians may use different protocols for their patients. The ideas herein presented are those used by Dr. Norman Godfrey and Dr. Philip Godfrey.
The menu below will open recovery information specific to some common cosmetic procedures. Below this are listed some general rules of interest.
Cosmetic Surgery: General Rules of Recovery
Rest and avoidance of strenuous activities are important to early recovery after all surgeries. Patients should not engage in things that markedly raise the pulse or respiratory rate as these will be accompanied by sustained elevation of blood pressure which may contribute to bleeding. Gradual return to usual activities including athletics may take place between two and four weeks post-operatively.
For the first day or two after surgery, one should eat lightly, but take care to drink enough fluids. Resumption of a well-balanced, solid diet should take place as soon as the patient feels ready. Use of a multivitamin supplement is a good idea both pre-operatively and during the weeks after surgery.
Unless you have in-dwelling suction drains or have been specifically instructed by the doctor to stay dry, you may shower beginning the second day after surgery. Wounds should not be scrubbed, but may have water run over them and then be gently patted dry. To further dry a wound on the body, one may use a blow dryer on a cool setting to force air over the suture line.
All surgery leads to swelling and sometimes to bruising (called "ecchymosis"). Swelling ordinarily reaches its peak about 72 hours post-operatively and should be soft in character. If swelling becomes wooden and particularly painful, the physician should be notified. Elevation of the affected part in the early days will help to minimize swelling. If you have been given a compressive garment, continue to use it until instructed otherwise by the doctor.
Most surgical wounds will weep at least small amounts or serum and blood during the first day or two. They can be gently cleansed with saline or with half-strength hydrogen peroxide solution.
