Recovery time from cosmetic surgery varies, but people can help facilitate the process, boost results by taking extra-special care of their skin in the initial days and weeks that follow.
In actuality, there are four basic guidelines to apply post-surgery:
1. Use mild, hypoallergenic products to prevent pigmentation
2. Avoid direct contact with the sun as directed by your surgeon
3. Allow your wounds to heal and take lots of rest!
4. Drink lots of water
To explain the process that accompanies specific operations, and how you can do your part to guaranteeing a swift recovery, Samuel Lin MD has reviewed some of the major, popular procedures.
Cosmetic Surgeries
Cosmetic surgeries necessitate more of a commitment from the patient in the recovery stages, as they will be tasked with treating wounds, managing swelling and maintaining skin care on a daily basis for optimal results. For swelling, Samuel Lin MD recommends frequent use of ice or cold compresses, emphasizing the first two days after the surgery as being imperative depending on the area of surgery, for instance following nasal surgery, and so check with your surgeon. By sleeping with your head positioned above your heart, you will fend off potential overnight swelling. Consult your doctor to find out if you should take Arnica Montana, an herbal supplement, for bruising or discoloration. Although your face will experience soreness in the aftermath of cosmetic surgery, you must try to cleanse your skin regularly to assist with healing and circumvent build-up in your pores, something that can cause breakouts. One method is washing with mild astringent pads to cleanse sore areas and, afterwards, applying a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Makeup
In the event that your skin is intact, and no open wounds are persistent, you can commence utilizing makeup a mere days after your procedure. However, deep chemical peels and ablative laser operations require you to wait until your epidermis, which is the top layer of your skin, has completely reformed. As always, talk to your doctor about using makeup after cosmetic surgery if you are concerned.
There are several other makeup instructions to heed for beneficial care. Samuel Lin MD recommends mineral-based products since they are gentler on your skin and assure remarkable coverage. Additionally, red skin or purple bruising from cosmetic surgery can be counteracted with a green base that will bring you a natural-looking skin tone. However, ensure that you are cleansing your skin routinely and that goes for your night-time preparation as well, as you should be washing your makeup off, preferably with a non-soap cleanser.
Resurfacing Treatments
Sun protection is vital after microdermabrasion procedures, as overexposure can leave you with hyperpigmentation. Similarly, chemical peels of the mild form call for such skin care tactics. Microdermabrasion usually permits patients to return to their workplace within 48 hours, while medium-depth chemical peels might call for you to take up to a week off from regular activities. All skin resurfacing treatments, whether it’s microdermabrasion or ablative laser procedures, involve delicate cleansing and moisturizing. Samuel Lin MD concludes that bothersome peeling skin, also, can be handled by placing moisturizing lotion on a warm, wet washcloth and gently massaging the area.