Florence Mussat, M.D.
680 N Lake Shore Dr. #1030 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-9000

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Category: General

9 Things You Need at Home to Make Plastic Surgery Recovery Comfortable

If you plan to have plastic surgery, preparing yourself well for your recovery is essential for a comfortable experience and optimal results. While the healing process varies from patient to patient and procedure to procedure, there are details that can make the initial phase of your recovery at home calmer and less stressful with a few simple steps.  

Dr. Florence Mussat provides her patients with detailed instructions on what they should do and what they should avoid during their recovery. This information is different for patients having breast surgery from those having a facelift. Most individuals having surgery will need at least a few days to allow their bodies to heal and give themselves time for their energy levels to gradually return.

What Should Be Ready at Home After Surgery  

Here are some helpful hints that will enhance your recovery from plastic surgery, ensuring your comfort and the best possible results:

1. Antibacterial Soap and Hand Sanitizer

It’s impossible to wash your hands too much in the first couple of weeks after surgery. You should wash your hands with proper technique and use hand sanitizer liberally to prevent infection. You should always avoid touching your incisions without thoroughly cleaning your hands.

2. Help 

Don’t feel guilty about having someone pamper you and take care of daily household chores as you convalesce. Whether you seek the help of a family member or friend, you need assistance after surgery to make sure you are monitored and don’t do things that could cause injury. If you are reluctant or unable to have a friend or family member care for you during this vulnerable period, you may consider hiring a home health care professional for a day or two.

3. Ready-Made Meals

Before your surgery, stock up on meals that you can easily warm in the microwave. This convenience is necessary for at least the first few days to keep you out of the kitchen cooking or cleaning. If your family depends on you for meals, having ready-made meals in the freezer can ensure healthy, stress-free eating for you and your family.

4. Loose-Fitting Clothing

When you are recovering from plastic surgery, especially from body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or breast surgery, you should only wear clothes that are comfortable and loose-fitting. It can be easiest to have tops that zip or button up the front to avoid uncomfortable movements when you are dressing. Avoid tight waistbands that could rub against incisions. During surgical recovery, comfort and ease of use are most important!

5. Filled Prescriptions 

Dr. Mussat may give you prescriptions for after your surgery,  such as pain relief pills and antibiotics. You should have them filled before your surgery, so you won’t have to fill them on the way back from the hospital. Take these as prescribed. Also, make sure you have fiber supplements to prevent constipation and over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

6. Emergency Contact Info

You should have the contact information of your surgeon written down and handy. Although many of us keep numbers on our phones, it’s wise to have these numbers on paper somewhere in case batteries die down. A conversation with Dr. Mussat may make the difference between a good night’s sleep or a visit to the emergency room.

7. Entertainment

Because recovery requires inactivity and lying around most of the time, make sure you have plenty of reading material, music, and movies available to pass the time. A good book you haven’t had the time to read is an excellent way to pass the time as you recover. If you enjoy crossword puzzles, you can create a stache. Add movies or series to your watch queue and enjoy the time off!

8. Incision Care Supplies 

If part of your post-surgery instructions is to care for your incisions, you will need specific supplies to make sure you do it properly. Dr. Mussat and her team will let you know what to expect and what you will need before you have surgery, so stock up. You don’t want to have to run any errands during the first few days of your recovery.

9. Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated after plastic surgery is essential to help the healing process and flush out the anesthesia and other medications you will be taking during the recovery period. Perhaps have a cooler filled with bottled water next to your recliner and bed. Straws can also be helpful, especially if you’ve had facial surgery.

Learn More

If you are considering surgery for cosmetic improvement and wish more information about the procedure and recovery, contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

Call 312.751.9000 or contact us today!