From LCJSC, a guide to help your recovery from cosmetic surgery procedures

1. Your Guide to Recovery
When it Comes to Recovery, You’re in Charge

3. Recovery Time Line
 All cosmetic surgery requires some degree of
recovery
 Recovery is the one area where you have complete
control
 The #1 Rule- Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s
Instructions

4. Plan Ahead: 2-6 Weeks Before
Your surgery is right around the corner. Now’s the time to get your body
primed for the healing process. This means treating your body well
and concentrating on practical matters of recovery.
 Stay hydrated. A good idea anyway, but it’s especially important to
drink enough water prior to surgery. This will help your body handle
the effects of anesthesia, reducing your chance of nausea and other
side effects.
 Start honoring your list of foods and meds to boycott, such as
green tea, NSAIDs, herbal supplements, etc. This is important to
prevent unnecessary bleeding after surgery.
 Get adequate sleep. Being well-rested will help you stay relaxed
and may reduce pre-surgery anxiety.
 Schedule adequate time off of work. This will be hard if you’re the
smart, driven, and energetic person we think you are, but it’s so
important that you don’t push yourself after surgery.

5. Smoker?
Dangerous when it comes
to surgery because:
1) Smoking prevents
healing by hindering
blood supply
2) Not only compromised
results but also risk of
infection skyrockets
3) Makes anesthesia
riskier

6. Prepare for the Big Day: 1-7 Days
There’s a lot you can do ahead of time to see that your initial recovery
goes as smoothly as possible.
 Prepare meals ahead of time, or arrange for someone to cook for
you. Easy-to-eat foods like chicken noodle soup, oatmeal, or ice
cream are good to have on hand. Plastic straws and a breakfast tray
are a good idea too.
 Stock up on couch-friendly activities. Books, movies, and
crossword puzzles are good options.
 Frontload the housework. You’ll be less stressed and have a nice,
clean home to return to.
 Arrange for someone to stay with you for a few days. You will
need someone at home with you the first 24-48 hours after surgery
while residual effects of anesthesia wear off.
 Fill any prescriptions for post-op medications before surgery.
 Call your plastic surgeon with any concerns. It’s perfectly normal
to start getting nervous about surgery just about now, and your
surgery team will be glad to answer any questions you may have, big
or small.

7. Keep Calm and Rest Easy: Your Surgery
Day
 You’ll need someone you know and trust to drive you home. You’ll
be awake, but very groggy after surgery. It’s not safe for you to drive,
and you’ll need help getting in and out of the car.
 Start drinking water as soon as you can (use those straws you
bought for easier sipping). Hydrating can ward off nausea and help
flush out remaining anesthesia agents. Also, eat as you feel up to it.
 Take your pain medication as prescribed for the first 1-2 days, at
least. Many patients dislike taking meds in general; that’s
understandable. But don’t suffer unnecessarily. You’re not “weak,”
you just had surgery!
 After a day or so, start walking around to help with circulation and
prevent muscle aches caused by sitting too long. Your surgeon will
give you specifics on what’s okay and what’s not.
 DO NOT shower, bathe, or remove your bandaging until given
express permission by your plastic surgeon. For most procedures,
you’ll only have to wait 2-3 days to shower and see your results for
the first time.

8. Looking Good: 1-3 Weeks Post-Op
 Energy and comfort levels improve
 Begin light activity and start transition to normal life
 Emotional aspects of recovery start to come into play
 Be patient and stay positive!

9. Rocking Your GLAM New Look!
You’re getting back to your daily life, with one major
change: you look different than you did a few weeks
ago! You may be on cloud 9, ready to go spend a
small fortune on new clothes, or just feel yourself
smiling a lot more. By now, you’ll start hearing
positive feedback from your friends and family –
they’ll notice how you carry yourself with more
confidence, and you’ll find this very reassuring.

10. Emotional Side of Recovery

11. La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
9850 Genesse Ave Suite
130
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-452-1981