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How to Heal Quickly after Plastic Surgery

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By Claire Taylor
eHow Contributing Writer
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Heal Quickly after Plastic Surgery
Heal Quickly after Plastic Surgery

How fast you will heal after plastic surgery depends on a variety of factors, including the extent of your surgery, the area treated and the type of incisions that were performed. It will also depend on your general health before the surgery and your immune system’s capacity to fight infections. Still, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of healing quicker and better.

From Quick Guide: Rhinoplasty 101
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Follow your doctor’s instructions. Depending on the seriousness of your surgery, you may just require rest and ice applications, or you may have to take medications or apply special creams.

  2. Step 2

    Rest as much as possible. This means no exercise, no strenuous movements and no lifting heavy objects, even if your surgery may seem not related to the muscles you are using. Movement can lead to blood pulling towards a certain area and causing swelling and bruising.

  3. Step 3

    Avoid drinking. Not only does it slow healing, but you are likely to be taking antibiotics, which shouldn’t be mixed with alcoholic drinks. Stay away from any supplements or pills, even vitamins, unless approved by your doctor, and avoid smoking, which causes toxins to accumulate in the blood and therefore slows healing.

  4. Step 4

    Try to relax. Stress is a big factor in slow healing after surgery, which is why you should try to avoid it as much as possible. Stay away from stressful situations, both at home and out. Enjoy a movie, listen to soft music or do whatever it is that keeps you stress-free.

  5. Step 5

    Drink a lot of caffeine-free fluids. Staying hydrated will quicken the healing process and help you flush the drugs from your system.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you suffer from certain medical conditions, including diabetes, you are likely to also have a harder time healing after surgery. In cases like this, make sure you discuss with your doctor any additional steps you need to take to up your chances for a quicker recovery.
  • Always call your doctor immediately if you experience serious pain, discharge from the wound, or see the surrounding skin redden or become inflamed.
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