How To Take Care Of The Skin After Plastic Surgery

Perhaps the most important stage of cosmetic surgery is the recovery stage since it takes an ample amount of time for the skin to heal itself and this is when it is at its most vulnerable. As such, it’s very important that people take care of their skin during the recovery period. Here are few tips on how to do it.

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Block the sun.

While patients are urged to stay out of the sun while recovering from cosmetic surgery, sometimes, it’s inevitable that they need to leave the house during the day. During this time, sunscreen is enough to do the job. Choose products with SPF 30 or 40. Don’t go higher as those kinds of sunscreen tend to block pores.

Stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated during recovery is very important. Be sure to drink the usual six to eight glasses daily. This helps skin heal from underneath, and it also expels toxins from the body through urination. Stay away from alcohol as it dehydrates the body.

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Follow the doctor’s order.

When surgeons prescribe meds, the prescription usually comes with instructions. There is no room for interpretation with this. It should be followed explicitly. For face cleansers, mild, hypoallergenic products and natural moisturizers should do the trick.

Alton Ingram, M.D.’s practice focuses on reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.  He is also involved with several nonprofit organizations, including Operation Smile, Doctors Without Borders, and Habitat for Humanity.  More articles on cosmetic surgery can be found here .

Road To Recovery: Postoperative Care For Breast Augmentation

A breast augmentation procedure is considered a major surgery; therefore, it requires extensive postoperative care for weeks after the operation.

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The first thing to remember is to make sure that the support garment (gauze dressings and elastic bandage or support bra) is worn at all times or as instructed by the attending surgeon. The only time that it can be removed is when the incision sites are cleansed or when ointment needs to be applied. However, plastic surgeons may vary in their directions, so it is important for patients to listen to them carefully.

Then for at least six weeks, patients should take it easy and not perform strenuous tasks, such as household chores or doing heavy lifting – not even their children. Also, if they are still on pain medication, they are better off not driving yet.

Just like in any other surgeries, patients should get enough rest, sleep, and sustenance as they recover after the procedure. This means that they have to sleep in a comfortable bed with plenty of pillows available so they can prop themselves up at a relaxed angle.

And for the first few days, the patient may not have that much of an appetite, so light, healthy food should be prepared and kept ready. It is also important to drink lots of water as it is easy to become dehydrated during the recovery period.

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Dr. Alton Ingram, a plastic surgeon currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, is a renowned expert in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and Tennessee Medical Association. Follow this Twitter page for more discussions on the industry.