Activities to Avoid after Plastic Surgery: Tips for Recovery By on April 26, 2017

A cycling classThe team at our Minneapolis cosmetic surgery center believes that many of the best surgical results are achieved by patients when they heal properly. Good healing and recovery can enhance outcomes and improve patient satisfaction, whether the procedure involved facial plastic surgery or body contouring and sculpting.

We'd like to take a few moments to focus on the healing process. Here are some activities that you should avoid after surgery until you get the go ahead from your surgeon.

Rest Is Crucial After Undergoing Surgery

After you've undergone a plastic surgery procedure, it's of the utmost importance that you get ample rest. Rest is one of the keys to proper recovery after a surgery is performed, especially in the first days after surgery. Pushing yourself too soon is a bad idea when a problem-free recovery is the goal.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise and Activities

You may have led an active lifestyle prior to you surgery, but after your procedure, you'll need to take things easy for a little while. Light walking just a bit for the first few weeks after surgery can help prevent blood clots and promote good circulation. As for proper exercise, you'll need to wait around five weeks after surgery before you consider light lifting or cardio.

Be Sure to Take Time Off From Work

One of the keys to a problem-free recovery is to take time off from work. For facial plastic surgery procedures, that means about two weeks off from work. For other kinds of surgeries, you may need as little as one week or as much as four weeks. This allows you to be well enough to do simple tasks and for visible swelling to have gone down.

Keep in mind that you may need to avoid certain duties when you are back on the job, especially if you work in a physically demanding field. Avoiding these duties will help you prevent aggravating incision sites and causing serious harm to yourself in the process.

Avoid Sexual Activity

Sexual activity can lead to serious complications and can potentially affect incision sites and overall surgical outcomes. Be sure to follow you surgeon's instructions about rest and recovery before you engage in sexual activity again. Better to abstain for the moment and ensure full and complete recovery.

Do Not Smoke or Use Tobacco Products

Smoking and tobacco products make infection more likely and slows down overall healing times. It's important that patients avoid tobacco products for at least two weeks before surgery and for a few weeks after. In fact, the surgery might be a great excuse to quit for good.

Abstain From Drinking Alcoholic

Alcoholic beverages can have a similar effect on healing as tobacco products. Be sure to avoid alcoholic beverages for a few weeks before surgery and a few weeks after surgery to ensure the best possible surgical outcome.

Avoid Being Out In the Sun for Too Long

After surgery, it's best to avoid direct sub exposure, especially when it comes to parts of the body that have been worked on. This can lead to more visible scarring and other serious issues. Cover up with long sleeves and sunglasses and hats with brims when you head outdoors.

Do Not Take Certain Medications or Supplements

Medications and dietary supplements can have an adverse effect on surgical recovery, especially if these items lead to the thinning of the blood. Follow your pre-op and post-op instructions carefully to ensure you do not take any harmful drugs or supplements before or after surgery.

Learn More About Plastic Surgery Recovery

For more information about proper plastic surgery recovery, be sure to contact an experience cosmetic plastic surgeon today. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters with you in greater detail.

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Dr. Gregory T. Mesna

Mesna Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center

Gregory T. Mesna MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of top-level experience. He performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures to enhance and rejuvenate the face, body, and breasts. He is proud to be affiliated with:

  • The American College of Surgeons (Fellow)
  • The American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • The Minnesota Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons

You can request a free consultation at our office in Minneapolis, MN, by contacting us online or calling (952) 927-4556.

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