This page includes patient instructions outlined in our Post Operative Care Guide tailored for individuals undergoing cosmetic plastic surgery. Remember, every individual’s recovery process is unique. It is crucial to communicate openly with your surgeon and their medical team, following their guidance closely to ensure a successful recovery.

Please note that these instructions are general in nature and should not be considered medical advice for every patient.

Post Operative Recovery after Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Recovering from cosmetic surgery requires careful attention to your body’s needs and following your surgeon’s advice. While specific instructions may vary based on the type of surgery you had, here are general steps to aid your recovery:

Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to the post-surgery instructions provided by your surgeon. This includes medication schedules, wound care, wearing support garments and activity restrictions.
Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest in the initial days following the surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and give your body time to heal.
Proper Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support your body’s healing process. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive salt, sugar, and caffeine.
Pain Management: Manage pain and discomfort as directed by your surgeon. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help control pain.
Wound Care: Keep your surgical wounds clean and dry. Follow the instructions for cleaning and changing dressings as provided by your surgeon.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Refrain from smoking at least six weeks before and after surgery.
- Limit alcohol intake as it can also impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your scars from direct sunlight. Use sunscreen or cover the area when you need to go outside.
Gradual Resumption of Activities: Gradually reintroduce light activities into your routine as advised by your surgeon.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises until you receive clearance from your surgeon.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. These visits are essential for monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns.
Manage Expectations: Understand that the final results may take time to fully manifest. Be patient and realistic about the outcome of your surgery.

Managing Your Surgery Risks during Recovery

Approaching surgery demands a profound understanding of it’s significance and the potential risks linked to your procedure. Choosing to undergo surgery is a deeply personal decision that warrants careful consideration. During the recovery phase it is vital to maintain a keen awareness of any changes in your body that are not considered normal.

Your surgeon will guide you through the risks and potential complications specific to your surgery. They will also provide you with a list of warning signs to watch out for and instructions on how to care for your wounds as they heal.

If you are concerned about any symptoms, unusual sensations, or other issues it is important to inform your surgeon promptly. If it is outside of clinic hours and you are feeling unwell you will be provided with an after hours number to call and your questions and concerns can be addressed. It is always important to contact your Surgeon or nursing team straight away if you have any concerns.

Recovery Pack

The Recovery Pack Guide was created to support the safe recovery and surgical outcomes of our patients. This is possible by adhering to your surgeon’s tailored guidelines and adequately preparing for both the surgical procedure and the post-surgery period.

Frequently Asked Questions about Recovery after Cosmetic Surgery

When Can I start exercise after surgery?

Walking post surgery aids circulation, prevents blood clots and promotes healing.
- Surgeons provide specific instructions based on surgery type and individual factors.
Patients are encouraged to start light walking early, gradually increasing distance.
- Listen to your body; avoid over-exertion. If pain or swelling worsens during or after walking, consult your surgeon.
Every recovery is unique, follow your Surgeon’s advice for a safe and successful outcome.
- Optimal recovery involves adherence to guidelines and allowing ample time for healing, ensuring the best results from surgery.
Post-surgery exercise is crucial for recovery, but avoid lifting and strenuous activity until cleared by your surgeon.
Progress slowly, especially if movement is challenging initially.
Follow surgeon’s specific instructions; stop if pain or discomfort arises.
Consult your surgeon for concerns about sutures or any issues.

Can I smoke after surgery?

Avoid smoking post-surgery as it can interfere with healing by reducing blood flow, causing delayed wound healing and infection risk. It weakens the immune system, leading to complications like poor scarring and blood clots. Adhering to your surgeon’s advice and refraining from smoking before and after surgery is crucial. Quitting smoking well before the surgery may enhance recovery chances. Consulting your surgeon or healthcare provider for guidance on quitting smoking is advisable.

What should I eat after Surgery?

Maintaining a balanced diet before and after your surgery ensures your body is receiving the necessary nutrients and Vitamins it needs to assist with recovery. A diet rich in protein, iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D and E and fibre, along with drinking plenty of water (aim for 1.5 litres a day) is recommended.

Scar Management and Healing

Scars are a natural consequence of healing, arising from injuries or surgeries. These are areas of fibrous tissue that replace the normal skin in the affected area. Although scars are a common outcome of wounds, their appearance and prominence may differ from person to person.

A scar can take over 12 months to fully settle. During this time, the scar may undergo changes in colour, texture, and overall appearance. It is important to be patient and allow your body sufficient time to heal and the scar to mature.

The Surgeons at Coco Ruby employ advanced techniques and technologies to reduce the appearance of scarring, focusing on optimal wound closure and enhanced healing. Various aids and treatments exist to assist scar healing. Our Surgeons provide specific advice and recommend measures to reduce scar visibility. Although total scar elimination is impossible, proactive scar management, adherence to Surgeon’s guidance and good wound care practices enhance the outcome of the scar.

Advice and Guidance for wearing Garments post-surgery

Face Lift and Neck Lift
For the first two weeks whilst you are recovering at home, be sure to wear your facial strap at all times, day and night. This helps to control and minimise swelling.

Rhinoplasty / Nose Surgery
Your splint should remain in place for seven days, at which time an appointment will be arranged for you to return for a further consultation where you will have the bandaging removed. You will need to continue to wear tape on your nose for the following five days.

Breast Augmentation, Mastopexy (Lift) and Reduction
For the first three weeks following your procedure, be sure to wear your compression bra as recommended by your surgeon. As much as possible, stay wire-free for at least three months.

Brachioplasty – Arm Lift Surgery
You will have been fitted with a sleeved vest which you are recommended to wear for six weeks following your Surgery. Ensure that you wear your vest both day and night for the first three weeks of your recovery period. You can opt to wear your vest during the day only for the final three weeks of recovery. If you would like a second garment, you are welcome to be re-measured and re-fitted at your own expense.

Liposuction
You will have been fitted with a garment for your area of treatment which you are to wear for the first six weeks or longer if advised by your Surgeon. Ensure that you wear your fitted garment both day and night for the first three weeks. You may wear your fitted garment during the day time only for the final three weeks. If you would like a second garment, you are welcome to be remeasured and refitted at your expense

Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
For the first three weeks after surgery, be sure to wear your abdominal garment both day and night. You can wear your abdominal garment during the day time only for the following three weeks of your recovery period, with a total of six weeks wear.