How to Treat Cosmetic Surgery Pain
Pain after surgery is normal. With the right type of care and medicine, the pain should diminish and eventually disappear, usually within a few days. If pain gets worse, it may be an indication of infection or other complications, so it's important to report it to your doctor immediately.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Deal With Post-Surgery Pain
-
1
Take it one day at a time, as bed rest is often recommended for at least 2 to 5 days after major cosmetic surgery. For those who are employed, this means taking some time off work, but also taking it easy when it comes to household chores and other everyday activities. Don't force your body to be normal too soon after surgery.
-
2
Take any prescription as indicated. Most likely, you will be prescribed pain medication to take you through the first few days after cosmetic surgery. Even if you feel comfortable, you should keep up with the prescriptions, as many of them also contain anti-inflammatory properties to help with swelling.
-
-
3
Ask about wraps, corsets or casts that can be used to provide pressure and diminish the chance of awkward movement that can cause additional pain.
-
4
Treat any additional problems that may arise, such as vomiting, constipation (caused by some pain medication) and common illnesses such as colds. Many of these can affect your level and tolerance of pain.
-
5
Treat bruising with high pillows under the sensitive area or by avoiding certain positions while in bed. The presence of bruising can make your post-op pain worse, so it's always a good idea to discuss with your doctor ways to prevent and treat it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
By learning what movements increase or decrease the pain, you may cope with it much better. Some people may find that complete bed rest is a good way to treat pain, while others do better if they keep their muscles moving.
If the surgery is minor and you haven't been prescribed pain medication, find out which OTC drugs are better for you. An anti-inflammatory such as Aleve or Advil is often the preferred choice, but you may do better with an acetaminophen medication (which has no effect on inflammation), such as Tylenol.
Always call your doctor if you experience chest pain after cosmetic surgery. This can be a surgery complication and can lead to heart attacks. Pain that interferes with breathing or causes confusion and serious dizziness should also be considered an emergency.
Pain after surgery may not be related specifically to the area. For example, many people develop kidney stones or pneumonia after long surgeries that require general anesthesia.
