Key Takeaways
- Returning to exercise too soon raises blood pressure and increases circulation, which can strain incisions, cause internal bleeding, and enlarge scars.
- Smoking after surgery restricts blood flow and reduces oxygen levels in the blood, impairing wound healing and increasing anesthesia-related risks.
- Taking over-the-counter blood thinners like aspirin can cause internal bleeding and major complications during the surgical recovery period.
- Eating junk food during recovery causes stomach upset when combined with pain medications and does nothing to support the healing process.
- Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully is the most reliable way to ensure a swift, comfortable recovery with minimal complications.
We all want the same thing from our plastic surgery: a short recovery time, excellent results, and little to no discomfort! Following your surgeons post-operative instructions is the easiest way to get all three of those things, but there are certain choices you can make during your recovery that can alter your results for the worse. Here are a few ways to sabotage your recovery, possibly making it longer or altering your results:
1. Working out before your surgeon gives you approval. Being in good shape is important and will help your recovery be easier, but returning to the gym too soon will do more harm than good (or any physically exerting activity). Working out raises your blood pressure and increases circulation, which can put strain on your incisions and increase the risk of internal bleeding during your healing process. This isnt just risky to your health: it can also cause your scars to be larger than they otherwise would. Dont go back to the gym until you have the go-ahead.
2. Smoking. While working out causes too much blood to flow to incision sites, smoking will cause not enough blood to get there. Smoking restricts blood flow and also decreases the oxygen levels in your blood, so the blood that does make it to your surgical sites is doing little to help you heal. Smoking can also increase your risk of complications with the anaesthesia. Dont smoke for at least four weeks after your surgery.
3. Taking over-the-counter blood thinners. Your doctor will give you a list of medicines and herbal supplements that are off-limits during your recovery. These blood thinners (like aspirin) can cause internal bleeding, which can lead to major complications.
4. Eat junk food. Eating healthy foods during your recovery will help support that recovery. Junk food often causes stomach upset when mixed with pain medications, and does nothing to promote fast healing. Ask your surgeon for a list of what foods will best support the recovery from your specific surgery.
Your Board Certified surgeon will be sure to outline exactly what you need to do to have a swift and healthy recovery with little risk of complications. If you have any questions about plastic surgery in Northern Virginia or would like to schedule a consultation, please call our offices at (703) 574-2588.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is working out too soon one of the biggest mistakes you can make after surgery?
Exercising before your surgeon clears you raises blood pressure and increases circulation to the healing incision sites. This puts stress on the wounds and can cause internal bleeding, larger scars, and delayed healing. No matter how eager you are to return to your routine, always wait for explicit approval from your surgeon before resuming any physical activity.
How does smoking after surgery affect the healing process?
Smoking restricts blood flow and lowers the oxygen content of the blood, both of which are essential for proper wound healing. The reduced oxygen reaching your surgical sites significantly slows healing, increases the risk of complications, and can also interfere with anesthesia. You should avoid smoking for at least four weeks after surgery.
Which over-the-counter medications should be avoided during recovery?
Your surgeon will provide a specific list of medications and supplements to avoid during recovery. Common blood-thinning products to watch out for include aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements. These can cause internal bleeding at surgical sites, which can lead to serious complications and extend your recovery time significantly.
Why is diet important during plastic surgery recovery?
Eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods during recovery provides the raw materials your body needs to heal efficiently. Junk food often causes stomach upset when combined with pain medications and provides no nutritional support for healing. Ask your surgeon for specific dietary recommendations based on the procedure you have had.
What is the single most important thing I can do to have a good surgical recovery?
Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions precisely and consistently is the most important factor in achieving a smooth recovery with excellent results. Your board-certified surgeon's guidelines are specifically designed to minimize your risk of complications and maximize the quality of your outcome.