Cosmetic surgery is a big personal decision; it can be a significant financial outlay, as well as an important stepping stone in improving the relationship you have with your body. The potential benefits of a procedure can be life changing, which is why it is so important to do everything you can to ensure the best results, then maintain them over the years that follow.
This article is going to explore five important tips for maximizing the effect of your cosmetic surgery, so that whether you’ve chosen a tummy tuck, breast lift, or mommy makeover, you can feel reassured that you’ll be getting the best, natural-looking results you deserve.
1. Get Plenty of Regular Exercise
Consistent exercise will be key, both before and after your cosmetic surgery.
Although you may not be able to exercise fully in the first weeks of recovery, you should try to get up and around soon as your surgeon advises you to, as physical activity gets blood circulating around the body and helps it to heal.
Once your recovery is complete, regular exercise is the perfect way to maintain the positive effects of your surgery by keeping trim, building muscles, and developing the habits that will keep your body slender and contoured well into the future.
2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A full, deep sleep is vital for strengthening your immune system and promoting healing, among other important effects that can help aid your recovery.
Head up to bed at a regular time every evening and find a comfortable position that protects your incisions, then, try to drift off for a good eight hours.
3. Eat Well
One of the simplest things we can do to help achieve the best cosmetic surgery results is to have a healthy intake of food.
A varied and balanced diet, full of nutrients, lean proteins, and healthy fats will safeguard your body from fluctuations in weight that can be detrimental to healing. Not only this, your healthy eating habits will keep your energy levels high and limit fatigue, so you can get back to your day-to-day life as soon as possible.
4. Kick Bad Habits
We are all guilty of a few bad habits, especially where our health is concerned. However, certain behaviors such as smoking, eating junk food, and irregular hydration can all have negative consequences for your surgery’s results.
Smoking, for example, affects your body’s ability to heal by shrinking the blood vessels that are so vital for delivering oxygen to your incision sites.
It’s a good idea to try to wean yourself off these unhealthy habits in the months leading up to the surgery, so that as you recover you can focus solely on taking time to rest and recuperate in peace.
5. Take Care of Your Skin
A certain amount of scarring is an inevitable element of cosmetic procedures. There are a few techniques you can use to give your skin the best chance of healing well, and minimizing visible scarring:
- Stay Out of the Sun – Freshly healing skin is very sensitive to UV rays, so too much exposure to the sun can actually increase your scars visibility. Try to avoid the sun, or wear high factor sunscreen if UV exposure is unavoidable.
- Use Sensitive Cleaning Products – Your skin post-surgery is ultra delicate. Use only hypoallergenic, mild cleansing products, and only begin showering when your cosmetic surgeon advises you to.
- Drink Lots of Water – Drinking plenty of water is always a good idea, but good hydration increases the volume of blood in your body, allowing it to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the treatment areas.
If you follow these five steps and pay close attention to the instructions given to you by your surgeon in the lead-up to, and recovery from your surgery, you are going to give your body all the help it needs.
Final Thoughts
In the end, everybody’s experience of recovery is different, but an early, proactive approach can benefit the body and mind. Preparing yourself for what lies ahead can make a world of difference
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
