COMPREHENSIVE PLASTIC SURGERY Aftercare Guide

1. Plastic Surgery General Post-Operative Principles

First 24-48 Hours

• Ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Keep head elevated above heart level, especially for facial procedures
• Avoid hot water, heat exposure, strenuous exercise, and direct sunlight
• Take prescribed pain medications as directed
• Avoid NSAIDs unless approved by surgeon (may increase bleeding)
• Keep surgical sites clean and dry

First Week

• Continue ice packs for first 3-4 days, then switch to warm compresses
• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending
• Continue avoiding heat, saunas, steam rooms, alcohol, and smoking
• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
• Take prescribed antibiotics as directed
• Sleep with head elevated and on back when possible

Weeks 2-4

• Gradual return to light activity and exercise as approved
• Swelling gradually improves; most visible reduction by 2-3 weeks
• Scars appear red and raised; will fade over 6-12 months
• Continue sun protection on incision areas
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
• Begin gentle scar care if instructed

Months 2-3 and Beyond

• Most restrictions lifted by 6-8 weeks for normal activities
• Scars continue to fade; final appearance evident at 6-12 months
• Return to full strenuous activity after surgeon approval
• Maintain long-term sun protection on scars
• Results continue improving over several months

2. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

• Ice packs for eyes 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for first 3-4 days
• Keep head elevated constantly; sleep on back with extra pillows
• Avoid rubbing, pressing, or pulling at eyes
• Wear sunglasses for eye protection from light and wind
• Avoid eye makeup until sutures removed (typically 7 days)
• Gentle warm water cleansing only; no soap near eyes
• Eye drops and lubricating ointment as prescribed
• Contact lenses: wait 1-2 weeks after suture removal
• Return to office work: 1-2 weeks
• Return to contact sports: 3-4 weeks
• Full recovery: 4-6 weeks

3. Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

• Ice packs for nose and eyes for first 3-4 days (15-20 minutes with breaks)
• Avoid direct pressure on nose during ice application
• Keep head elevated for 3-4 nights post-operatively
• Sleep on back only; avoid sleeping on nose
• Internal splint/cast protects surgery; keep completely dry
• Avoid blowing nose for 1-2 weeks
• No saline rinses unless approved by surgeon
• Breathing difficulty and congestion expected initially (normal)
• Avoid glasses/sunglasses for 3-4 weeks (use alternatives)
• No contact sports or nose-impact activities for 6-8 weeks
• Return to office work: 1-2 weeks
• Swelling takes weeks to resolve; final shape evident at 3-6 months

4. Breast Surgery (Augmentation, Lift, Reduction)

• Wear surgical bra continuously for first 2-3 weeks
• Keep surgical sites clean and dry
• Ice packs for comfort and swelling (if approved)
• Elevation and rest critical for first 3-5 days
• No lifting, pushing, or pulling for 4-6 weeks
• No strenuous upper body exercise for 4-6 weeks
• Sleep on back only for first 4-6 weeks
• Avoid sleeping on stomach or sides
• After suture removal: gentle cleansing acceptable
• No contact sports for 6-8 weeks
• Gentle breast massage after 3-4 weeks (if prescribed)
• Return to office work: 1-2 weeks
• Full recovery: 6-8 weeks

5. Liposuction and Fat Transfer

• Wear compression garment continuously for first 2-3 weeks
• Continue wearing 12+ hours daily for weeks 3-6
• Compression garment essential for proper swelling control and contouring
• Avoid bending at waist for first 1-2 weeks
• Light walking encouraged from day 1
• No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks
• Fluid drainage expected from incisions; decreases over first week
• Bruising peaks at 3-7 days; gradually fades over 2-3 weeks
• Swelling peaks at 3-5 days; takes 2-3 months for full resolution
• Keep incisions clean and dry
• Return to office work: 3-7 days
• Return to moderate exercise: 3-4 weeks
• Full recovery: 6-8 weeks

6. Facelift and Neck Lift

• Keep head elevated for first 3-4 nights
• Sleep on back only with extra pillows for support
• Avoid turning head side to side excessively
• Ice packs for first 3-4 days to control swelling
• Gentle facial cleansing; avoid getting incisions wet initially
• After suture removal: normal cleansing acceptable
• Avoid excessive facial expressions for first week
• No heavy lifting or bending for 3-4 weeks
• No strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks
• Numbness and tightness common; gradually resolve over 4-6 weeks
• Head dressing typically removed after 24-48 hours
• Sutures usually removed at 7-10 days
• Return to office work: 2-3 weeks
• Full recovery: 4-6 weeks for most activities

7. Liposuction of Face/Neck (Chin Contouring)

• Wear compression garment/neck binder continuously for 1-2 weeks
• Continue wearing 12+ hours daily for additional weeks
• Keep head elevated for first few nights
• Sleep on back with extra pillows
• Avoid sleeping on treated areas
• Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours; improves over 1-3 weeks
• Compression garment essential for proper contouring
• Ice packs for comfort and swelling reduction
• Return to office work: 3-5 days
• Return to moderate activity: 1-2 weeks
• Full recovery: 4-6 weeks

8. Abdominal Surgery (Tummy Tuck, Liposuction)

• Wear compression garment continuously for 2-3 weeks
• Continue part-time wear for additional weeks
• Avoid bending at waist for 2 weeks initially
• Keep spine straight when sitting and standing
• Use abdominal binder for support if prescribed
• Sleep on back with pillow under knees
• Light walking only for first week
• No lifting or straining for 3-4 weeks
• Avoid twisting motions
• No strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks
• Keep incisions clean and dry
• Return to office work: 1-2 weeks
• Return to light activity: 2-3 weeks
• Return to strenuous exercise: 6-8 weeks
• Full recovery: 8-12 weeks

GENERAL AFTERCARE PRINCIPLES

Immediate Post-Operative Period (First 24 Hours)

• Take prescribed pain medications as directed
• Over-the-counter acetaminophen acceptable if approved by surgeon
• Avoid NSAIDs unless specifically approved (may increase bleeding)
• Contact surgeon if pain is severe or uncontrolled
• Keep surgical sites clean and dry
• Apply ice packs for first 3-4 days (15-20 minutes at a time with 20-minute breaks)
• Never apply ice directly to skin; use cloth or gauze between ice and skin
• Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids
• Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours (may increase bleeding)
• Eat soft, cool foods; avoid hot foods and beverages
• Wear compression garments as directed

First Week

• Continue ice packs for 3-4 days, then switch to warm compresses from day 4-5
• Swelling typically peaks at 48-72 hours
• Bruising may worsen before improving (normal)
• Elevation continues to help reduce swelling
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting
• No bending, stretching, or straining
• Avoid swimming and baths until cleared by surgeon
• Showers acceptable if dressings can stay dry
• Pat incisions dry gently; never rub
• Avoid NSAIDs for first 1-2 weeks if possible
• No smoking for minimum 1-2 weeks
• No alcohol for minimum 48 hours to 1 week
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs for 1-2 weeks
• Do not drive while taking pain medications
• Avoid driving for at least 24-48 hours after surgery

Weeks 2-4

• Light exercise may resume after 1-2 weeks
• Gradually increase activity level as tolerated
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 3-4 weeks
• Scars appear red and raised initially (normal)
• Will gradually fade and flatten over months
• Avoid direct sun exposure to scars (prevents darkening)
• Use SPF 50+ sunscreen on scars when needed
• After suture removal: gentle cleansing acceptable
• Gradually return to normal skincare routine
• Avoid makeup until sutures removed
• After suture removal: mineral or gentle makeup acceptable
• Light walking encouraged to improve circulation
• Avoid contact sports for 3-4 weeks

Months 2-3 and Beyond

• Most restrictions lifted by 6-8 weeks for normal activities
• Full activity resumable after 8-12 weeks
• Scars continue to fade over 6-12 months
• Red/raised appearance gradually improves
• Final appearance often not evident for 1 year
• Sun protection remains important during this time
• Schedule follow-up with surgeon if concerns arise

General Complications: When to Contact Your Surgeon

Contact Immediately:

• Severe pain not controlled by medication
• Excessive bleeding or blood soaking through dressings
• Signs of infection (fever, increased redness, drainage, warmth)
• Severe swelling or tightness
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Numbness or tingling that worsens
• Any signs of allergic reaction
• Separation of wound edges
• Hematoma (large blood collection under skin)

Contact Within 24 Hours:

• Dressing becoming soaked or loose
• Mild fever (under 101°F / 38.3°C)
• Increased drainage with odor
• Rash or itching at incision
• Unusual discharge
• Questions about care or medications

Schedule Follow-Up Appointment:

• Suture removal (typically 7-14 days)
• Post-operative check-up (1-2 weeks)
• Follow-up assessments (ongoing)
• Discuss scar management options
• Plan any revision procedures if needed

ESSENTIAL DO'S AND DON'TS

DO:

• Follow all surgeon's instructions carefully
• Take all medications as prescribed
• Keep surgical sites clean and dry
• Wear compression garments as directed
• Keep head elevated when resting
• Drink plenty of water and healthy fluids
• Eat nutritious foods supporting healing
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Report concerns to surgeon immediately
• Be patient with healing process

DON'T:

• Don't smoke or use nicotine products
• Don't consume alcohol (especially with medications)
• Don't skip compression garments
• Don't engage in strenuous activity
• Don't lift heavy objects
• Don't expose incisions to water initially
• Don't pick at scabs or stitches
• Don't apply heat initially
• Don't drive while on pain medications
• Don't hesitate to call surgeon with concerns

LONG-TERM CARE AND SCAR MANAGEMENT

Scar Evolution

• Scars appear red and raised initially
• Gradually fade and flatten over 6-12 months
• Final appearance may not be evident for 1 year
• Patience important during healing process
• Most scars fade significantly with time

Sun Protection

• SPF 50+ on scars for at least 1 year
• Prevents darkening and improves appearance
• Use daily even on cloudy days
• Reapply frequently if sweating
• Critical during first 6 months

Scar Treatment Options

• Silicone scar products (creams, sheets)
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser treatments (after full healing)
• Chemical peels (if appropriate)
• Discuss options with surgeon if concerned

Moisturizing and Skincare

• Keep scars moisturized
• Use gentle, fragrance-free products
• Avoid irritating chemicals
• Massage scars gently after full healing
• Healthy skin habits support optimal healing

EMOTIONAL RECOVERY

Realistic Expectations

• Final results take time (often 6-12 months)
• Initial results encouraging but will continue to improve
• Swelling distorts appearance initially
• Scars fade significantly over time
• Patience leads to best outcomes

Emotional Support

• Recovery period can feel long
• Some patients experience mood changes
• Support from family and friends helpful
• Contact surgeon with concerns
• Unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment

Return to Social Activities

• Plan social activities carefully
• Avoid activities immediately post-op
• Timing for public visibility depends on healing
• Makeup and clothing can help confidence
• Full confidence returns as healing progresses