3 Common Post-Cosmetic Surgery Questions
Planning your recovery time after cosmetic surgery is just as important as the pre-planning stage. If you do not manage your recovery stages properly, will could risk undermining the effectiveness of the surgery, or even risk injuries or infections. Here are some of the issues to consider.
How soon can I exercise after cosmetic surgery?
The first thing to say is that any advice here will be general, and not medical advice. You should always consult your surgeon for individual advice.
Everyone is different, and the answer to how soon you can start exercising depends on what type of surgery you have had, and your age and overall health condition. Your body has undergone a significant operation, and it will need time to heal and recover.
You will generally be advised to take a rest for the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery and undertake only light activities for a further two to three weeks. This will usually mean not returning to your workplace, or carrying out most household or childcare duties.
Therefore, it is important to have a trusted friend or family member around to help you through the early recovery stages. It is helpful to have your kitchen stocked up with groceries in advance, so that you don’t have to worry about shopping in the first few weeks, and have any other important chores completed in advance of your surgery.
You may experience some discomfort and swelling, which is a normal part of the recovery stage. After the first week or two, your surgeon may advise you to undertake light activity, such as short walks around the house or garden. This aids the blood circulation, and reduces the chance of developing deep vein thrombosis.
Before resuming more strenuous activity, you may be advised to wait for six weeks or more. If you have had breast surgery, you should wear a good quality sports bra and an elasticated crop top to minimise movement during exercise.
How soon can I drive after surgery?
Depending on the type and extent of surgery you have had, it is usually recommended that you resume driving two to three weeks after surgery. Bear in mind that you may be prescribed painkillers which could make you feel drowsier than usual, and you should avoid driving or operating machinery in this case.
Will I need to wear compression garments after surgery?
It is possible that your surgeon will recommend that you wear compression garments for at least two to three weeks after surgery depending on the specific type of operation. This is important to aid the healing process and prevent fluid build-up, blood clots, and inflammation. The compression garment will help the body tissues bind together properly, and the skin will heal more evenly.
Compression garments will also add more protection to the bandaged areas. It is important to wear the right size of garment and to use it correctly, according to your surgeon’s instructions. The garment should feel tight, but not overly uncomfortable.
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