Follow These Helpful Tips for Plastic Surgery Recovery this Summer

At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, we find that many of our patients choose to schedule their plastic surgery procedures during the summer months because they have more time and fewer responsibilities. Teachers and college students, for example, have a two-to-three month summer break, making it much easier for them to fit in time for surgery and recovery. Professionals often see their workflow slow down during the summer months, which enables them to take extended breaks as well.

If you’re among those that would prefer to have their plastic surgery procedure scheduled during the summer, then be sure to follow these seven tips for plastic surgery recovery.

1. Make plans to stay cool: You may be heavily bandaged for days or weeks after your procedure and may even need to wear a compression garment. Some patients find that these extra layers can be uncomfortable even when it’s not warm out, so wearing them during the heat of summer can be downright unbearable. Plan on spending more time indoors and make sure you have sufficient air conditioning to keep your environment comfortable while you heal.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Proper hydration is always important after surgery, but it’s especially important during warmer months when we may lose moisture more easily. Proper hydration can speed healing and may reduce uncomfortable post-surgery symptoms like nausea. Aim for 64 to 100 ounces of water a day. Feel free to add lemon slices, cucumber slices, or other fruits for flavor.
3. Enjoy fruits and veggies: Summer is the peak season for all kinds of fruits and vegetables. The good news is, fresh produce is filled with vitamins and minerals that can help your body heal. Also, many fruits and vegetables including watermelon, celery, and cucumbers, have a high water content, which can help you stay hydrated. So feel free to use your recovery as the perfect excuse to munch away on your favorite summer produce.
4. Stay out of the sun: Be sure to keep your incisions out of the sun until they are no longer pink. Too much sun can lead to a permanent darkening of scars. In addition, many patients are more susceptible to sunburn right after surgery. It may be tempting to get out there and show off your new face or body, but it’s important to stay out of the sun and use lots of sunscreen when you do go out.
5. Avoid swimming: This tip for plastic surgery recovery is a bit of a bummer if you like swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean, but you may need to forgo swimming for the season to reduce your risk of infection. Showering at home according to your doctor’s instructions is fine.
6. Stop smoking: Granted, this isn’t a “summer only” recovery tip but it’s one of the most important tips for plastic surgery recovery. Smoking interferes with your body’s healing process. At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, we recommend that all of our patients with a smoking habit stop smoking prior to surgery, and remain tobacco free post-surgery for best results and optimal overall health.
7. Avoid destination surgery: Finally, we wanted to warn against destination plastic surgery. Many people may be tempted to jet off to an exotic locale such as Costa Rica, Mexico, or Thailand, save some money on the procedure, and recover at a luxurious resort. It rarely works out that way. In reality, people are often disappointed to find inadequate facilities, less-skilled surgeons, and no follow-up care. Plus air travel after surgery should just be avoided altogether due to an increased risk of dangerous blood clots forming during the flight.

If you are interested in plastic surgery this summer, speak with talented Dr. Fodero. He can answer all of your questions and discuss these tips for plastic surgery recovery in more detail. Please contactNortheastern Plastic Surgery today to learn more about the services we offer.