Preparing Yourself For A Beautiful Recovery
Through The Healing And Transformation Process

Your doctor will recommend the best course of action for your specific needs. However, we believe, "The More Informed you are, the more positive your experience will be." We have some great suggestions for you below to help you get educated and prepared for the pre and post-op stages of your transformation:

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How to Plan Your Recovery

• If you work weekdays, schedule your operation on a Friday to give you an extra weekend of recovery before returning to your job.
  
  

• Expect to have blood drawn at a hospital or lab prior to surgery. A mammogram is usually obtained before breast surgery. If you are over 40 or have medical problems, you may also need an EKG or chest x-ray. The preoperative testing process usually requires a separate visit and will take 30 minutes to two hours.
  
  
• Purchase two weeks of groceries and household supplies. Prepare single-serving meals and freeze them.
  

• If you are uncomfortable telling your friends and coworkers you are having cosmetic surgery, then you may wish to tell them you are taking vacation at home, you are having reconstructive surgery, or you are having "female surgery." Each of these explanations may be true, given your situation.
  
  
• Arrange transportation for the day of surgery and for your follow-up appointments. Anticipate that you will not be able to drive on the day of surgery or while you are taking pain medication.
  
  
• Ask a friend or family member to stay with you during your first night at home. This person should be willing and able to refresh your ice packs, prepare your food, check on you through the night, recognize problems, and call your doctor. If no one is available, consider hiring a private duty nurse. H.E.E., Inc. can direct you to a reputable nursing agency such as www.makemeheal.com. We invite you to visit their website for more information.
  
  
• Another popular recovery alternative that encompasses all of your post-opperative needs are Medical Spas and After Care Facilities. Med-Spa's and After Care Facilities are wonderful a way to recover in luxury and style. These facilities made specifically for recovery from a surgical procedure. Most Med-Spa's and Aftercare Facilities are designed to pamper and nurture you through the healing process in a luxurious environment. Their suite attendants have a highly skilled clinical staff, licensed RN's and 24 hour nursing services. Many of these facilities are equipped with amenities such as car services for transportation to and from your surgeon's office, personal assistants, in room massage services, spa and fitness centers, many of our clients find Medi-Spa's and After Care Facilities to be a great way to relax and fufill their post-operative needs.
  
  
• For Healing and Compression Garments, visit our friends at www.makemeheal.com for all of your post-operative needs. You can also anticipate the need to reduce swelling following facial surgery by applying ice and elevating your head. Crushed ice can be placed in a plastic bag, wrapped in a small towel, and freshened regularly. Alternatively, frozen peas are tidy, reusable, and maintain their cold temperature. For elevation of your head, stacked pillows are prone to failure, but a dependable backrest can be purchased in department stores for less than $25. A recliner is a reliable way to elevate your head but may be uncomfortable for sleeping.
  
  
• Fill prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication prior to the day of surgery. You may pick up the prescriptions from your doctor's office before surgery and have them filled when you stock up on groceries.
  

How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?

The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.

• Eyelid Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, may feel comfortable going to the store by day 3-4, and with makeup could return to work by 5-7 days.
  
  
• Facelift Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.
  
  
• Breast Surgery - Usually can get around independently by the second day. May return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.
  
  
• Liposuction - Usually can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas treated. One can return to work and normal activities in 5-7 days.
  
  
• Abdominoplasty - Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to C-section. One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14 days.
  

Note: The above guidelines are intended to give you a general idea of the average recovery time for some common procedures. H.E.E., Inc. does not make medical judgements. Procedures and recovery periods vary for each individual. Please be sure to consult with your doctor for a more accurate approximation.

What to anticipate after surgery

• Expect to look worse before you look better. Nearly all cosmetic surgery procedures involve swelling and bruising. As swelling and bruising fades, you will begin to see your result.
  
  
• If you had surgery on your face or neck, keep your head elevated for two to three days to minimize swelling and speed recovery. Do not underestimate the importance of elevation: keeping your head elevated will reduce your recovery time, whereas failure to do so will prolong it and may create disturbing asymmetries.
  
  
• Ask your doctor when you may shower, bathe, and wash your hair. Often this is allowed within a day or two of surgery.
  
  
• You will be able to return to work between three days and two weeks following most cosmetic operations, depending on the procedure and your occupation.
  
  
• Do not drive while you are taking pain medication because it will alter your judgment and delay your responses. Following most operations, you will be able to drive once you stop taking pain medication.
  
  
• Consult with your doctor before taking any vitamins or herbal medications which you may believe are harmless. Some of these medications may cause problems.
  
  
• You may resume exercise once your doctor allows it. Do not exercise before that time, even if you feel able. Exercise may worsen your swelling and confound your final result.
  
  
• Vitamin E is falsely perceived to minimize scar visibility. Whether taken in pill form or as a topical cream, there is no evidence that it improves scar appearance.
  
  
• Use extreme caution when exposing yourself to the sun following surgery. During the first year, protect all surgical sites with potent sun block (SPF 15-40).
  

Be sure to discuss the proper post-opperative procedure with your doctor first. Your doctor will make to proper decisions as to the best recovery process for you. If you follow your doctor's recommendations, your recovery process will enhance the beautiful transformation that begins after surgery. The guidelines above are to provide you with a general understanding of the recovery process and to give you a general overview of what to expect. Ask your doctor before following any recovery regimen.

From: http://www.infoplasticsurgery.com/recovery.html

This symbol designates surgeons who are active members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. They are certified in the specialty of plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are dedicated to the highest standards of patient welfare and surgical excellence.
© Copyright American Society of Plastic Surgeons
From: http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ8PMXOX8C&sub_cat=98

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