7 Items to Have on Hand During Plastic Surgery Recovery
One of the most frequently asked questions I hear from my patients is, “how should I prepare for my recovery?” There’s a lot you can do ahead of time to help your plastic surgery recovery go as smoothly as possible, including lining up people to help with transportation and childcare, having your hair done in a low-maintenance style, and familiarizing yourself with your post-operative care instructions.
One more helpful thing you can do: go shopping! There are certain items that may not be on your everyday shopping list but can help make your life easier after surgery. Here are my top suggestions:
1. Dry shampoo + face and body wipes
Depending on the procedure you’re having, you may not be allowed to shower for the first 1-2 days, and after that, you may be somewhat limited in how well you can reach up to wash your hair or down to wash your feet. No-shower-necessary toiletries can help you stay clean and feel far better without straining or risking infection to your incision sites. Just be sure not to use wipes directly over your incisions!
2. Bags of frozen peas
No, there’s not a magic ingredient in peas that will help you heal faster—but they do make excellent ice packs. Peas conform more easily to small or curved areas than standard gel ice packs, they re-freeze quickly, and they’re inexpensive (although you won’t want to eat them after partially thawing and refreezing them several times).
3. Comfy button-front pajamas and tops
No matter what type of plastic surgery you’re having, pullover shirts will be a hassle at best and could potentially bump or strain your incision sites. Button-front tops are considerably easier to put on and take off, especially on your own.
4. Oatmeal, prune juice, and other high-fiber foods
Reduced activity after surgery plus prescription pain meds can result in constipation. Eating a high-fiber diet, plus drinking plenty of water, can help keep things comfortably moving along. Items popular with my patients include oatmeal, dried fruit, whole-grain cereal, leafy greens, and herbal hot teas (check your plastic surgeon first to make sure the herbs are safe after surgery). I also recommend keeping a water jug by the bed so you have fluids at the ready. To avoid unwanted side effects like gas and bloating, gradually increase your fiber intake in the weeks leading up to surgery.
5. Food delivery apps and/or Amazon Prime
It’s easier than ever today to get food and other necessities delivered to your home, which can be a huge help when you’re not ready to drive. Consider using an app like DoorDash, which delivers from local restaurants, Postmates, which will deliver takeout, groceries, and OTC meds and toiletries, or Amazon Prime, which will deliver almost anything, within hours. If you have an avid cook to help out, a service like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh can be a great way to ensure a steady stream of nutritious meals.
6. A “boyfriend” pillow or other shaped pillow
Quality sleep is key for optimal healing, but sleeping comfortably after surgery can be a real challenge for patients, especially natural side and stomach sleepers. I believe it’s worth every penny to invest in special pillows to help prop you up (a must after facial surgery) or prevent you from rolling over, so you can sleep without risking damage to your healing incisions. For more tips for sleeping on your back after plastic surgery, read my past blog on the subject.
7. A steady stream of entertainment for you and the family
If you’re like many of my Richmond plastic surgery patients, enduring even a few days of downtime can be a struggle. Those with younger children often have an even harder time, as they may not understand why mom or dad can’t be playful.
While there’s always Netflix, activities that either challenge your brain or encourage you to interact with your family tend to be more rewarding and uplifting. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, audiobooks (Audible has an extensive library) are all fantastic options. Other ideas: grab some fun coloring books, teach yourself to knit, or commission your children to create and perform a play or puppet show.
I do hope you find this list useful as you prepare for your own plastic surgery recovery. Additionally, if you are considering plastic or cosmetic surgery in Richmond, I invite you to contact my office to schedule a consultation. I will be happy to help you learn about your options and choose the safest, most sensible path forward to achieve your goals. Call 804-355-3410 or contact us online. I look forward to hearing from you!