You can choose an excellent plastic surgeon but if you don't take proper care of yourself during the healing process, you may not have the experience or results you expected. Here are some mistakes to avoid while recovering from facial plastic surgery to ensure a successful recovery and results you are happy with for years to come.

1. Exercising During Recovery

Most procedures require you to avoid strenuous exercise for up to one month after surgery. We know this is difficult for many patients, but it is crucial for avoiding complications. Returning to exercise too soon puts strain on incision sites and may prolong swelling and bruising. Light walking can be beneficial but avoid exercise that involves straining, lifting, sweating, or a rise in your heart rate and/or blood pressure. Remember, your body needs rest in order to heal itself so please follow your surgeon's recommendations and only return to exercise when approved by your surgeon.

2. Not Eating A Nutritious Diet

A healthy diet is always a good idea. It is even more important leading up to and following a plastic surgery procedure. Nutrient-dense foods promote faster healing and help the body avoid infection after surgery. Plan out your recovery meals before your surgery and make sure your post-surgery diet includes whole nutritious foods, enough protein to aid in tissue repair and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Here are some more tips to follow when planning your pre- and post-surgery meals:

• Start eating a healthy diet before your surgery.
• Avoid processed foods to keep sodium levels low, which will in turn keep inflammation low.
• Limit refined sugar.
• Avoid alcohol in the weeks before and after surgery.
• Follow your surgeon's advice on which vitamins & supplements to avoid.
• Stay hydrated.
• Do not dramatically raise or lower your typical caffeine intake.
• In the first week of recovery, choose easy-to-chew foods that will put less strain on incisions.

3. Getting Poor Sleep

Your body does most of its healing during sleep, so not getting enough during recovery can slow down the healing process. This can be a bit tricky in the first few days of discomfort. We suggest preparing your home to be as comfortable and relaxing as possible to make it easier to relax. Clean linens and a clean home will help with this. During the first week, we often ask that you sleep on your back with your head elevated so make sure to have comfortable pillows. If you need to take sleep medications, please discuss this with your surgeon during your pre-op visit.

4. Returning To Work/Socializing Too Soon

Just like physical stress, mental and emotional stress can have negative effects on your recovery. For this reason, we advise avoiding work and social obligations during the first few weeks. Only associate with positive, supportive people.

When you return to work depends upon the amount of physical activity and public contact your job involves, and also the amount of swelling and discoloration you develop. Many patients return to work and go out socially 2 or 3 weeks after their procedure.

5. Sun/Pollution Exposure

Stay out of the sun and away from pollutants and irritating products. Why? Your skin is extra sensitive after plastic surgery. Exposing your skin to these elements can lead to more swelling & inflammation and scar discoloration. 

Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers, moisturizers, and sunblocks for 4 weeks after your procedure. Do not use any products on your incision sites that we have not recommended or approved (including makeup). Our ZO Skincare line has many post-procedure products to shield your skin from pollutants/UV rays and promote skin regeneration for minimal scarring.

Most importantly, follow all of your surgeon's instructions! At Visage Facial Plastic Surgery, we help you plan and prepare for your recovery before your surgery. If you are interested in a procedure by Dr. Anand Patel, please visit this page to set up your initial phone consultation.