Choosing a reputable plastic surgeon, undergoing a successful procedure, and following recovery guidelines all contribute to achieving your desired look. But the results don't stop there. Like any investment, maintenance is key. These tips can guide you on how to live a healthy, stress-free life during recovery that will help you maintain your new look for years to come.  

Sleep

Sleep is an integral part of your overall well-being. During the healing process, quality sleep boosts your immune system and allows your body to focus on repairs. Allow yourself to get plenty of rest for the first week after your procedure.  This is a great time to adopt good sleep habits that you can continue long after you have healed. Make your bedroom a relaxing, sleep-inducing environment. Try to avoid looking at your devices an hour before bed and read a book or practice relaxation techniques instead. Sleeping pills are okay during the recovery period if you have trouble falling asleep but shouldn't be relied on in the long-term. 

Exercise

While the post-surgery recovery period requires you to become less active for a short time while your body heals, exercise is a great way to keep you looking and feeling great once you have recovered. Most procedures require you to avoid exercise for a period usually ranging from 2 weeks to 1 month. When you return to exercise depends upon how your recovery has progressed. Some patients can start exercising at 50% of what they normally do at 2 weeks, while others must wait 1 month. Once you are able to resume exercise, make sure to balance your exercise routine with rest and recovery days. As you learn during the post-procedure healing phase, your body really does need time to repair itself.

Nutrition

In conjunction to living an active lifestyle, a well-balanced, nutritious diet will keep your skin looking fresh and youthful, which will help enhance your surgery results. For the first week post-surgery, we recommend a  nutrient-rich soft-food diet with low salt and sugar. Excess sodium and sugar contribute to skin aging, so keeping up with this low-sodium, low-sugar diet even after that first week will benefit your results. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, avoiding excess alcohol & caffeine, and quitting smoking are all elements of a healthy lifestyle that promotes youthful looking skin.

Skin Care

Pollution and sun exposure are bad for your skin overall but you are especially susceptible to the negative effects during recovery. Stay out of the sun and away from pollutants (especially second-hand smoke). Do not use any products on your incision sites that we have not recommended or approved (including makeup). Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers, moisturizers, and sunblocks.  Our team can assist you in finding a good medical-grade skin care regimen  specific to your procedure and needs. We offer advanced treatments and products to enhance surgical results and allow our patients to experience continuously healthy skin. 

Socializing

For the first few weeks post-surgery, we advise patients to avoid work and social obligations. We also recommend only associating with close family or friends who will be supportive and positive. We cannot emphasize enough how positive outlook correlates to excellent healing. 

Following these tips will help you heal faster and help you live a happy, healthy life. If you have any questions on our procedures or skin care treatments, feel free to contact us any time.