Proper planning of your plastic surgery procedure, as well as preparation for your operation and recovery period, will improve your overall experience. For Dr. Paul Pin's patients in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, we want to make the process as easy as it can possibly be. Some of the pre-operative tips we offer to patients is the importance of going grocery shopping and stopping by the pharmacy to pick up all of the supplies they will need during the initial two-week recovery period. During the first two weeks after surgery, patients should relax and avoid putting any strain on their incisions and bodies during this crucial healing time.
Food
Maintaining a low sodium diet for a few weeks before and after surgery is a great way to speed recovery. You'll also want to buy foods that are easy on the stomach for the first few days after surgery, along with some more hearty meals that are easy to prepare for the latter half of the first two-week recovery period. Some groceries you may want to buy include:
- Crackers such as Saltines, Goldfish, Cheez-its, Ritz, or Wheat Thins
- Whole-grain bread for toast
- Yogurt
- Soups
- Jello or pudding (buy pre-prepared, or make it ahead of time)
- Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat
- Frozen dinners
- Popsicles
- Fruits and vegetables
Drinks
It is important to drink a lot of water during recovery. In addition, you may want:
- 7-Up, Sprite, or ginger ale
- Gatorade, Powerade, or Vitamin Water
- Apple juice
- Orange juice
Toiletries
You don't want to run out of any toiletries while you are recovering. Check your stock to see if you enough of the these common products or anything else you use on a regular basis:
- Antibacterial soap
- Tissue
- Toilet paper
- Toothpaste
- Facewash
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Shaving cream
- Lotion
Medication
If you regularly use a medication, be sure to fill your prescription. You should also have any medications related to your plastic surgery before you go in for your surgical appointment; this may include pain pills or antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection.
Bandages
Talk to Dr. Pin to find out if you should purchase gauze, medical tape, compression garments, special bras, or any other special supplies for your recovery.
Scar Reduction
Many patients adopt a scar reduction routine soon after undergoing surgery. Once the incisions have closed, you may begin use of scar reduction products. Be sure to choose a product or products and purchase any needed materials prior to surgery.
Entertainment
Since you will be hanging out at home for your recovery period, you will want to come up with a few ideas to keep yourself distracted and entertained. Dr. Pin's patients often pick up movies or TV series they would like to see, books and magazines they would like to read, and games they would like to play.
For more information about recovering from plastic surgery, we invite you to contact the practice of Paul Pin, MD. We can schedule a consultative appointment so you can find out which procedure is right for you, and get more information about how to prepare for surgery.