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Cosmetic Surgery Tips for Successful Recovery

Having cosmetic surgery is one things recovering from it in a minimum of discomfort is an entirely different situation. You need to prepare yourself for how the recovery period will be and the items you will need to have on hand in order to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

You will need to eat lightly, starting out with liquids for two days and moving slowly to soft solids. You will need to keep your head elevated in order to control the swelling of any facial or neck surgery. Three pillows should elevate you in order to sleep on your back. Remember not to bend, lift or exercise of any kind until you are healed. Write down a schedule of when you need to take pain medication and MARK it off when you take them so you don't have to try to remember if you took it or not.

Pillows will become your best friend during recovery. You will use pillows under your knees, under your buttocks and to elevate your head.

When having a facelift it will take a few days or a week before you can fit a toothbrush into your mouth, so make sure you have mouthwash on hand to rinse out your mouth.

All face wash products should be hypoallergenic and specifically formulated for sensitive and dry skin when washing your face for the first time after a facelift. Make sure that whatever facial cleanser you use, has a moisturizer in it.

You may also need gentle but effective creams to use on the incisions and laser surgery sites such as a triple antibiotic cream, and also a cream to massage into the scars to help minimize them. You will need a moisturizer for your lips that contains vitamin E, and an emollient body lotion, possibly petroleum jelly.

Pain medication can constipate you, so make sure you have stool softeners on hand such as a mild laxative.

Ask your doctor about using a sleep aid for the first few nights after your procedure to help you get to sleep. Melatonin is a good over-the-counter sleep aid. Sleep is very important when your body is healing from surgery.

Natural remedies using herbs, vitamins and minerals can help speed up the healing process and are nontoxic. There are also remedies that can speed up an individual's immune system which speeds healing time.

Drink plenty of water and when you are ready for soft foods choose protein shakes, pureed fruits, applesauce, oatmeal and yogurt.

Stay away from highly acidic juices like orange juice or grapefruit juice because they can sour your stomach and make you throw up.

It is so much easier to take a shower after cosmetic surgery if you have a hand-help showerhead and a plastic chair to sit on in the tub.

Use brand new hair picks or vented hairbrush to style your hair for the first time after facial surgery as well as a mild hair shampoo and a leave-in hair conditioner.

You will want to have a phone near your bed with a speaker if you have had a facelift because you won't want to hold the phone to your ears right after the surgery.

Even if you did not have a procedure that involved your eyes you will need to have lubricating eye drops hands, as your eyes may be dry from the anesthesia.

If you are taking any prescription drugs for other medical needs make sure you get them refilled and have ample supply at home before your surgery.

To make homemade cold packs to relieve swelling make sure you have two large bags of peas and six large self-sealing plastic storage bags. You will need to make up all six and have them cold and ready for use for when you get home from the hospital. Don't leave them on for longer than 20 minutes.

Do not be afraid to ask for help and to have someone with you for the first few days after surgery. Have patience as your body heals.

Make sure that you have taken adequate time off from work so that you have plenty of time to heal before you have to get back into the swing of things at work or around the home.