To get the best results from a plastic surgery procedure, it's important to let the body heal before resuming a normal lifestyle. In this article, we're sharing our general guidelines on how soon normal activities can be resumed after undergoing facial plastic surgery.

Exercise

For a lot of patients, being less active is the most difficult part of recovery. But rest is necessary to minimize swelling & bruising and to allow the body to heal from surgery. The sooner you recover, the sooner you will be able to resume activity. Some patients are able to start exercising at 50% of what they normally do 2 weeks in, while others must wait 1 month. This completely depends on the extent of your surgery and the progression of your healing.

Driving

At the very least, you will not be able to drive for the first few days after your surgery but it's best to arrange for a driver during the first week post-op just in case. General anesthesia persists in the body for a few days and decreases reaction time. Even if you didn't receive general anesthesia, you will not be able to drive while taking opioids. Likewise, if you have swelling that impairs your field of vision or have a limited range of motion in your neck, do not drive until you are fully able to see and move.

Bathing & Showering

Bathing and showering can be a little tricky but you will be able to resume your normal bathing routine fairly quickly. 48 hours is the typical time frame. However, if you have a non-removable dressing like a nasal splint or ear bolster, you cannot get the dressing wet until it is removed.

Skin & Hair Products

Avoid any products containing fragrance (check the list of ingredients) around incisions or resurfaced areas for 4 weeks after the procedure. We recommend ZO Skin Health products to our patients. Do not dye hair if the procedure includes hairline or scalp incisions until 4 weeks after the treatment.

Makeup

Makeup can be applied right away after a procedure as long as it is kept away from incisions. Hypoallergenic mineral-based powders are best for avoiding irritation. It's best to not apply makeup over incisions or resurfaced skin (after a chemical peel or laser) until 2-4 weeks after the procedure, as approved by the doctor. To cover bruising, a thick makeup base or concealer with yellow undertones can be used.

Clothing

Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to change in and out of is recommended for two weeks after your procedure. To avoid accidentally injuring the surgery site, opt for button-up tops rather than ones that needs to be pulled over your head.

Eye Glasses/Contacts

Contact lenses shouldn't be worn until swelling around the eyes decreases. If eyelid surgery was performed, contact lenses shouldn't be worn for 4-6 weeks unless advised otherwise. Glasses should be worn during this time instead. On the other hand, rhinoplasty patients should not wear glasses until about 4 weeks after the procedure.

Household Activities

Recovering from plastic surgery is a good excuse to get a break from some household activities for a few days. Feel free to resume non-strenuous household tasks whenever you feel ready, as long as you avoid straining, lifting, or elevating your heart rate/blood pressure.

Work & Social Activities

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 feel comfortable returning to work and going out in public 2 or 3 weeks after their procedure.

Alcohol, Smoking & Vaping

It's best to avoid alcohol for a few weeks before and after surgery, especially while taking strong pain medication. Alcohol thins the blood, therefore increasing risk of bleeding, inflammation and swelling which will prolong healing. We advise quitting smoking in general, but it is highly advised to avoid both smoking & vaping before and after surgery, as it can cause many complications.

Changing your lifestyle in the short term may be a little difficult but the results will be worth it. The more you allow your body to heal, the happier you will be with the results of your procedure. If you'd like to inquire about a facial plastic surgery procedure at Visage Facial Plastic Surgery, visit this page to schedule a free consultation.