Cosmetic surgical procedures are on the rise. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon (ASPS), almost 18 million people underwent surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the United States in 2018. If you have been considering making a change to your body through plastic surgery, there are some things you can do to help you plan for an easier surgical recovery. For men and women in the New Orleans, LA area, the first step is to find a reputable and highly skilled plastic surgeon in the area who can expertly guide and assist you with your aesthetic goals.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters enjoys a well-earned and very respected reputation. Offering two convenient locations of Dr. Jules Walters in Metairie and New Orleans, LA, Dr. Walters takes a patient-first approach to each procedure he performs. He is experienced in a wide range of surgical procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, providing patients with beautiful, natural-looking results. If you are wanting to change something about your appearance and think plastic surgery is the right option for you, here is some helpful information about planning for your upcoming procedure so you can have a smooth and quick recovery:
1. Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Instructions
This advice goes for before and after surgery. A surgeon’s protocol instructions are essential and should be taken very seriously. Just like your surgeon is serious about his task at hand, it is your job to ensure you follow the dos and don’ts on the list seriously. Certain factors, such as avoiding certain supplements, abstaining from tobacco use, adhering to proper rest, staying hydrated, avoiding the sun, moving certain body parts, etc., are all part of the process. Essentially, following your surgeon’s surgical care instructions will give you a safer and more carefree recovery so you can enjoy the way you look sooner!
2. Ready Yourself for Your Plastic Surgery Procedure
It also helps to be prepared for your recovery. You will need some time to rest and recuperate. Stock up on groceries, have your medications ready, and in general, have your home ready to go for you to be out of commission for a little while. Also, prepare your “recovery space” with what you will need to rest and relax. If you enjoy reading, have books or magazines ready. Get your favorite shows cued up, so when you get home, you have them readily available. Make sure you have comfortable clothes ready and accessible that are easy to put on or button up. Having what you need ready to make your recovery easier will only make it go smoother.
3. Arrange Help During Your Recovery from Plastic Surgery
Whether you have had outpatient surgery or not, afterward, someone will need pick you up and potentially help you depending on the extent of your operation. When you find someone you can rely on to care for you, your kids and pets will only allow you to rest easier. The recovery process is critical, and pushing yourself too soon because you feel pressure to get things done can quickly backfire.
5. Be Ready to Rest
Experienced plastic surgeons know it can be hard for patients to do nothing but rest and relax, but it is imperative during your recovery. Resting and not doing too much too soon, is incredibly beneficial to your final results. Listen to your body and be gentle with it so you can fully recover. Even if you feel better, it is always better to not do too much so your body can continue to heal. Resting and letting your body heal properly will only benefit your results.
4. Be Patient
While every cosmetic surgical procedure carries different recovery times, one thing is true for all: Be patient with your results and yourself. In some instances, it can take months to reveal the new you. Each week that passes will show signs of improvement, so be patient. Dr. Walters will give you an estimated idea of when you can expect a full recovery from your customized procedure.
5. Take Your Health Seriously
It always helps to minimize the recovery process when New Orleans area men and women are in good shape and healthy before surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Walters, he will get an in-depth view of your health history and advise your best course of action minimizes surgical risks. Avoiding alcohol and smoking is always highly recommended before surgery. Both factors can increase complications post-operative and slow down the healing process.
6. Maintain Your Follow-Up Appointments
A procedure such as a mommy makeover is a customizable cosmetic procedure, and the type of procedures involved varies for every mom. Follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon are essential. You may be advised to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and help with the healing process, but how long you wear them is dependent on what your surgeon assesses at your follow-up appointments. Not skipping these important appointments and being on time allows your surgeon to be a part of your recovery process and determine how you are progressing.
Every patient is different when it comes to recovering from plastic surgery. Many factors go into each patient’s highly customized, unique procedure, which also means every patient’s recovery process will vary. Your post-operative care and surgeon’s instructions are just as critical as who performs your surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters is one of the top plastic surgeons in the New Orleans and Metairie, LA area. Dr. Walters and his professional staff are here to assist you in getting the results you want while helping you with your recovery. If you are interested in finding out more about the different types of plastic surgery offered at Dr. Jules Walters, we invite you to call or schedule a consultation today.
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