If you are preparing for cosmetic surgery, it is normal to be nervous about the recovery process. After all, recovery from surgery is uncomfortable and comes with many challenges. However, our experience in plastic surgery also makes us experts in supporting our patients through recovery, and our work does not end when we discharge you. We are here to make sure you have the resources and information you need at every step, and we are always just a phone call away.
While the following guidelines are a great start, we can give you even more advice when you schedule your consultation at one of our Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso.
Arrange for Help
Recovering from cosmetic surgery is never something you should do alone. At our office, we are your foundational support team, but you will also need other people to come alongside you. Your first need after surgery will be a friend or family member to give you a ride home. Anesthesia can make you groggy and you may be feeling nauseous or sore, so you will not be able to drive yourself home. Arrange a ride ahead of time so they are there when you need them.
Other needs will vary depending on your situation at home. If you have small children or pets, make arrangements for pet and childcare so you don’t have to do any heavy lifting or bending. You should also have someone to help you with housework, meal preparation, and other similar tasks. If you live alone, we recommend asking a trusted individual to stay with you for the first 24-48 hours so you can focus on your recovery.
Prepare Your Home for Recovery
Recovery Space
When you get home from your surgery, the first thing you will want is a comfortable place to recover. This should be set up ahead of time so you don’t have to wait to get comfortable. Choose an area where you’ll spend most of your time, whether it’s your bedroom, a cozy spot in the living room, or a reclining chair. Make sure it’s stocked with everything you’ll need within easy reach: your phone, water, snacks, some light entertainment like books or magazines, and plenty of comfortable pillows and blankets. Having these items close by means you won’t have to get up frequently, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Purchasing Groceries
Before your surgery, make a grocery run and get everything you will need for the first week. You may feel queasy after anesthesia, so items like popsicles, Gatorade, and crackers are perfect. For meals, look for foods that are easily digestible and don’t require much preparation—think pre-made soups, soft fruits, or yogurt. Having these essentials on hand allows you to focus on recovery without worrying about meal prep.
Cleaning Up Your Home
Take some time before your procedure to clear away clutter, especially in areas you’ll be walking through. This simple step can help you avoid any trips or falls. Make sure hallways, bedrooms, and any pathways you’ll frequently use are free of obstacles like cords or loose rugs.
Preparing a Sleeping Area
You will need to sleep in a specific position to avoid putting pressure on the area that’s healing. This will be different for each type of surgery. Keeping the area elevated can help with swelling and provide extra comfort. If you find it hard to stay propped up in bed, a reclining chair might be a great option as it naturally supports an elevated posture without extra pillows. Set up a comfortable sleeping area before your surgery so you can rest as comfortably as possible during the healing process.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
We always try to balance comfort with our patients. One way to reduce discomfort after surgery is to focus on the appropriate use of ice and elevation. We will give you instructions for how often and how long to ice the area. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth or towel to protect your skin, and don’t ice the area for too long.
We recommend filling any prescriptions ahead of time so everything is ready and waiting for you at home. Having your medications, including any over-the-counter options, set up in advance means you won’t have to make any extra trips when you’re supposed to be resting. Try to rest as much as possible, avoid bending or straining the area, and keep it elevated whenever you can.
Nausea is something you might experience from anesthesia, and it’s completely normal. Keeping crackers or ginger ale nearby can help settle your stomach, and sipping on small amounts of clear fluids like Gatorade or water can keep you hydrated. Sometimes, medications can be prescribed specifically for nausea, so if you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Nutrition and Hydration for Healing and Recovery
As you recover, think of food as medicine—nutrient-rich options like lean proteins, fresh fruits, leafy greens and whole grains give your body what it needs to heal. Protein sources like chicken, eggs, and beans support tissue repair, while antioxidant-rich foods, like berries and spinach, help reduce inflammation.
Constipation is common post-surgery, often due to anesthesia and pain medications. To ease this, focus on fiber-rich foods like whole grains and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Avoid sugary snacks and processed foods, as they can cause inflammation and slow recovery. If needed, we can prescribe medication to help with constipation.
Restoring electrolytes after your surgery can be important. As you focus on proper hydration, consider incorporating electrolyte-rich drinks like Gatorade or coconut water. You should aim for eight to ten glasses of water every day to support blood flow and healing.
Caring for Your Incisions and Scars
In the short term, caring for your incisions prevents infections and other complications. In the long term, it can help minimize scarring. As you rest and recover, one of your main focuses will be keeping incisions clean and properly dressed. Our instructions will be different depending on the incision, but you will want to avoid submerging the incision in water until it is fully healed. Once we clear you to gently wash the area, use gentle patting motions rather than scrubbing. Showers are usually fine after the first 24-48 hours.
Certain products, such as silicone sheets, scar gels, and other topical treatments, can help reduce the visibility of scars, but make sure you check with your surgeon before using any products. Avoid direct sunlight on scars since UV exposure can darken the healing skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, increased swelling, or unusual drainage. If any of these symptoms appear, call us right away.
How To Increase Activity
In the days following surgery, prioritize rest but also take short, gentle walks to prevent blood clots and promote circulation. In the beginning, a quick walk to the restroom is enough to get your blood flowing. Stand up and walk around every couple of hours, keeping your movements slow and controlled.
As you begin to feel stronger, gradually increase your activity level. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel tired or sore. Avoid any heavy lifting or bending over until you have received clearance from us. Gentle activities like stretching or light household tasks can be added as you heal, but you should never feel pain when doing them.
Managing Comfort During Recovery
During recovery, our focus is on ensuring your comfort through proven methods like appropriate use of ice and elevation. We will provide detailed instructions for how often and how long to ice the area. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth or towel to protect your skin and don’t ice the area for too long.
We recommend filling any prescribed medications ahead of time so everything is ready and waiting for you at home. Having your medications, including any over-the-counter options, set up in advance means you won’t have to make any extra trips when you’re supposed to be resting. Try to rest as much as possible, avoid bending or straining the area, and keep it elevated whenever you can.
Some patients experience nausea after anesthesia, which is completely normal. Keeping crackers or ginger ale nearby can help settle your stomach, and sipping on small amounts of clear fluids like Gatorade or water can keep you hydrated. If you’re concerned about nausea, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Your Recovery Timeline
Every recovery will look different, especially since some surgeries are more invasive and involved than others. Combined surgeries usually involve a longer recovery process than others, and other factors such as patient age and health can impact the timeline. Here is a general timeline for what to expect from the day of your surgery to complete healing.
Day 1–3: Immediate Post-Op
In the first few days after surgery, rest and initial wound care are foundational. This period tends to bring the most discomfort, so focus on pain management using any prescribed medications and ice packs and keeping the area elevated as instructed. If you have drains or tubes, they may be removed during this time, depending on fluid output and your doctor’s assessment.
Week 1: Initial Follow-Up and Dressing Changes
Within the first week, you’ll likely have a follow-up appointment to check on your incisions and overall healing progress. Your doctor may provide additional instructions for dressing changes or wound cleaning to help with healing. If you have non-dissolvable stitches, they might be removed around this time, although this varies depending on the procedure. Dissolvable stitches, however, will continue to fade on their own. Swelling and bruising may still be prominent, so continue any recommended care to reduce these symptoms.
Weeks 2–3: Reducing Activity Restrictions
By the second and third weeks, you may gradually begin light activities, though heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and bending should still be avoided to prevent strain. Swelling and bruising should start to lessen during this period, although you may still notice some puffiness around the treatment area. If you work in a less physically demanding job, you may be able to return around this time with your doctor’s approval, as long as your energy levels allow for it.
Weeks 4–6: Gradual Return to Normal Activities
Around weeks four to six, many patients feel ready to ease back into more of their regular activities. However, it’s essential to avoid any intense workouts or heavy lifting until your surgeon gives you the all-clear. By now, most swelling and bruising will have reduced, and your scars may start to settle. This may be a good time to begin using any scar treatments recommended by your doctor to support healing and reduce visibility.
Month 2–3: Most Restrictions Lifted
At this stage, most physical restrictions can be lifted, and you may return to a full range of activities, including regular exercise and lifting, depending on your procedure and your doctor’s guidance. By this time, the majority of swelling should have subsided, giving you a clearer view of your results. Incisions will continue to heal, and scars should be gradually fading, although scars may still have a pink coloration.
Month 6–12: Final Healing and Results
Patients usually see the full results of their procedure around six months to a year after the surgery. Any remaining swelling or sensitivity should be resolved, and scars will continue to fade, although they may still be visible.
Helping You Feel and Look Your Best After Surgery
Every patient’s recovery journey is unique, and at Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso, we’re committed to supporting your individual needs throughout the process. Our experienced team of board-certified plastic surgeons will work with you to create a personalized recovery plan that helps you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively through recovery and beyond.
Don’t wait to start your transformation journey. Contact Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso today at 915-543-5600 or visit our website here to schedule your consultation. Let us help you achieve the results you’ve been dreaming of with the expert care and support you deserve.
