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Some plastic surgery procedures only take days to recover from (the more minor ones), while others take weeks or even months. It is important to speak to your plastic surgeon prior to the procedure to know what to expect in terms of your recovery. It will likely impact many other spheres of your life, such as your work life and ability to go out with friends, so it is important to be able to plan for this. It is key that you follow the specific instructions for recovery, which may include any of the following: Medication use to control the pain and swelling, and to promote healing. Icing the affected area as needed. Elevating the affected area as needed, to diminish swelling. Avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during the healing period. Effective use of "drains" (tubes), which are sometimes inserted to help drain excess fluid in the initial healing phases, such as after cosmetic surgery to the breasts. Follow your doctor's directions for how to use the drain effectively, which should include how often to empty the drain, and if the fluid coming out should be measured. Attending follow-up appointments in a timely fashion. In order to ensure optimum wound healing, and to make sure there are no complications or infections developing, it is important for your doctor to check on things and to receive his or her professional opinion. That way, if there are any issues with healing, they can be dealt with and resolved so that they do not become a problem later. It is key to let your doctor know any regular medications or supplements that you generally take. Some medications, like blood thinners or aspirin, can be detrimental to healing and actually increase bleeding and swelling. There are also some natural remedies and supplements that can be concerning. As long as you disclose everything you are taking to your doctor, she can evaluate the safety of your medication regimen and make sure that nothing conflicts with wound healing or worsens bleeding. The doctor will tell you what medications need to be stopped prior to the surgery, when they should be stopped, and when to restart. Also, other medications may need to be continued straight through the surgery. For instance, do not try to get back to your usual routine or be too active too soon following plastic surgery. Over-exerting yourself can lead to complications and slow down the healing process. Do not exercise until your doctor tells you it is okay to get back to your normal level of physical activity. Exercising too soon can prolong healing by causing swelling or bleeding, or an incision to break down. When learning how to heal after plastic surgery, do not get upset if you are bruised or swollen for a week or longer following your procedure. Plastic surgery healing times vary for each procedure and each patient.
Know what to expect in terms of recovery. Adhere to your plastic surgeon's recovery plan. Consult your doctor about medication use. Be cautious and allow your body time to recover.