People go in for plastic surgery for many reasons. Though the reasons may differ, all patients have something in common: they want to make a complete recovery. Your recovery process is highly affected by the after-surgery plans that you put in place.
“One of the ways to plan for recovery after a plastic surgery is by having specific items that would aid recovery in place”’ says Dr. J. Byers Bowen. Before going in for the procedure, you must get some items that would aid recovery and make it less stressful.
Agreeably, the recovery rate after surgery varies not only from person to person but is also affected by the nature of the procedure. Surgeons give aftercare instructions to help patients make a quick recovery. However, patients need to make necessary arrangements to help the recovery period be less overwhelming.
Things You Need to Feel Comfortable at Home After Plastic Surgery
Here are things you will need at home after undergoing plastic surgery to make it more comfortable and less stressful.
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#1. A Grabber Tool
One of the things your surgeon will advise you to do after surgery is to reduce your level of activity to give the body enough time to heal. You would not want to stretch to reach things that are not within your reach at this time. Doing so may cause you pain and possibly open up the incision point, which is why you need a grabber tool.
Additionally, you may consider moving essentials far from your reach to cabinets where you can easily reach them before surgery. This will help to eliminate the possibilities of overextending to get to things.
#2. Antibacterial Soaps and Hand sanitizers
Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers are a must-have after surgery. Your hygiene during the recovery period has to be top-notch as this will help prevent infection. It is also advisable not to touch or clean the incision area without properly washing or sanitizing your hands.
#3. Entertainment
The recovery period after plastic surgery can be boring, especially if you are a very active person. You may not resume your normal activities for some weeks. Therefore, you will need to be busy while your body heals, which is where entertainment comes in.
Stock up with your favorite collection of books, music, magazines, and movies before going in for the surgery. Instead of counting the minutes, you can entertain yourself while waiting for your body to heal fully.
#4. Reusable Straws
This item may not be applicable for all kinds of surgery. But if you are going in for a facelift or neck lift surgery, you will need this item. This is because you may not raise your head while drinking water, as doing so may cause complications.
#5. Frozen Meals
If you do not have much help around the house, stocking up your fridge with frozen foods and other easy-to-make meals will help remove the stress of cooking. You can also consider ordering meals and have them delivered at home.
While ordering meals may seem like a luxury in other circumstances, it is not in this situation. Also, consider using paper plates at this period as you may be too sore to handle the dishes all through your recovery period. Additionally, you can take out time to prepare different meals in large quantities and store them in your fridge to microwave later when the need arises.
#6. Dry Shampoo
For most surgeries, you may be required not to take a shower for a specific period. Having dry shampoo in handy will help to ensure that your hair remains healthy all through this period when you cannot get a shower.
#7. Prescribed Medications
You can talk with your surgeon to write out the drug prescriptions before the surgery so that you can get them ready. Most doctors write prescriptions after surgery. This may not matter so much if you have someone running around for you, but if you do not have much help, it is best to have these medications available.
#8. Water
It would be best if you had a lot of water throughout the recovery period. Your surgeon will stress the importance of staying hydrated as this will help flush out toxins from anesthesia taken during the surgery, thereby quickening the recovery process.
#9. Comfortable Clothing
It would be best to stay comfortable all through the recovery process, and one way of achieving that is by having enough comfortable clothes available. Having loose clothes can be a great blessing if you had an abdominoplasty or procedure around your pelvic or lower back region. If you are on bed rest, you will feel comfortable wearing loose clothes, so make plans for them beforehand.
#10. Long USB Cords
This is not a conventional after-surgery item, but many patients realize its importance after surgery. If you are going to be spending a lot of time in bed or on a sofa, you may need to make provisions for powering your devices without having to stretch.
#11. Your Surgeon’s Emergency Contact
No one expects to have complications after carrying out successful plastic surgery. However, it is best to have your surgeon’s emergency contact if the need arises. Discuss with your surgeon before going in for the procedure and keep the contact where you can easily access it.
#12. Over the Counter Alternatives
Your doctor may instruct that you increase your fiber intake to increase bowel movements and prevent constipation. There are fiber supplements and other over-the-counter drugs that patients may take while recovering.
Additionally, you may decide to take over-the-counter medications to relieve pains. Buy them before the surgery, discuss this with your surgeon, and get clearance before taking them.
#13. Make Provisions for Help
Having a friend or loved one stay with you will not be out of place throughout the recovery period. Depending on the type of procedure, your doctor may advise that you stay off the wheels and avoid strenuous activities. Having someone to drive you around or run some errands will reduce your stress.
Final Thoughts
Agreeably, recovering after plastic surgery requires a lot. However, getting these items ready before surgery can make the entire journey easier for the patient.
