Recovery after Cosmetic Surgery

recovery after plastic cosmetic surgery London UK

Top tips for recovery after Plastic Surgery at Centre for Surgery in London

Once you have been booked for your surgery procedure, you’ll be given a detailed information pack, which outlines how to prepare for surgery, as well as how to look after yourself in the postoperative period once you have gone home. The instructions given to you for recovery after cosmetic surgery include the following:

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Recovery timeline after plastic surgery

Read our procedure-specific articles on how to get a smooth recovery after cosmetic surgery.

Top tips for the best recovery after cosmetic surgery

Recovering from cosmetic surgery requires effort, patience, and care. To ensure the best recovery possible, here are some essential tips:

Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your incision sites, manage your symptoms, and when to return for follow-up appointments. These instructions are tailored specifically to your procedure and should be followed .

Giving your body time to heal is important. You should avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a period of time, as advised by your surgeon. The first week is the most critical rest period for almost all procedures.

Drinking plenty of water can help to reduce swelling and healing. Aim for at least 2 litres of water per day throughout your recovery.

Eating a diet that is rich in nutrients and protein can help to support the healing process. Lean proteins such as chicken, fish, eggs and support tissue repair. C-rich foods promote collagen production, while zinc supports immune function.

Your surgeon may recommend that you wear garments to help reduce and the healing process. Wear these exactly as instructed — day and night for the first few weeks in most cases.

Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen delivery to healing tissue. It is important to quit smoking or avoid for at least four weeks before and after surgery — not just a few weeks.

It is important to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure that you are healing properly. These appointments allow your nursing team to identify any early signs of complications and provide guidance on the next stages of your recovery.

Adequate sleep is crucial for recovery, as it is when the body carries out most of its repair and regeneration. Aim for seven to nine hours per night throughout the recovery period.

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Exposure to the sun can cause hyperpigmentation of healing scars and delay the maturation . Keep all incision sites covered and protected with a high SPF sunscreen for at least twelve months after surgery.

It is important to understand that recovery takes time. Swelling can take weeks to fully resolve, and final results may not be visible for three to six months — and up to twelve months for procedures such as rhinoplasty.

How to reduce bruising and swelling after cosmetic surgery

Bruising and swelling are common side effects after undergoing cosmetic surgery. They are a normal part of the body’s healing process, but the extent can vary depending on the specific procedure performed, the individual’s healing abilities, and the surgeon’s .

Bruising occurs when blood vessels are disrupted during surgery, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue and manifesting as discolouration on the skin. The colours can range from dark purple or black immediately after the procedure, gradually changing to green and yellow as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood.

Swelling is the body’s natural to trauma. After cosmetic surgery, the body sends additional blood and fluids to the operated area to aid in the healing process, which results in or swelling.

Here are some tips for managing and swelling after cosmetic surgery:

Rest is crucial to speed up the healing process. For procedures involving the face or nose, try to sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling. For body procedures, keeping the treated area elevated where possible helps fluid drain away from the site.

Applying cold packs to the operated area can help minimise swelling, but always wrap ice or cold packs in a cloth to prevent skin damage. Never apply ice directly to the skin.

Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can help speed up recovery. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, Polynucleotides Hair especially Vitamin C and zinc, can aid in healing and reduce swelling. Avoid high-sodium foods, which can worsen fluid .

Some medicines and supplements can increase the risk of bruising by thinning the blood. Your surgeon will provide you with a list of medications to avoid before and after the procedure. This typically includes aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils and vitamin E.

Your surgeon will provide you with specific post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure. Follow these closely to aid in your recovery and minimise potential side effects.

Face Surgery

Breast Surgery

Body Surgery

What should I avoid after plastic surgery?

The early recovery period is when your body is most vulnerable to complications. Here is what to avoid:

Clinical features to look out for in the postoperative recovery period

You will be discharged from the clinic later the same day after your procedure. Once you are at home, you should contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:

If you experience any of the above outside clinic hours, the surgeon’s emergency number will be provided on your discharge paperwork.

When will I have my first postoperative check-up appointment?

Before you leave the clinic, your nurse will book an appointment for you to attend the clinic approximately five to seven days after . At this appointment, you will have any sutures removed if this is necessary. Our surgeons rarely use non-absorbable stitches, which reduces the need to have stitches removed. Your wound dressings will be removed, and the incision sites will be inspected and cleaned. You will be given further instructions on how to look after your wounds. Further postoperative appointments will be booked at this stage, including a six-week follow-up appointment with your surgeon. Our clinical support team will closely monitor you during the postoperative period, and if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Why choose Centre for Surgery?

Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the best cosmetic surgeons in the UK. At our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in London, we perform the full range of elective plastic surgery in a safe, caring and fully accredited medical environment. We pride ourselves on the highest levels of care before and after your procedure. Our postoperative aftercare has been described as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, and we monitor the safety and effectiveness of the medical care we provide.

Call us today on or complete the contact form below to an in-person consultation. One of our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators will act as your personal point of contact throughout your patient journey with us here at Centre for Surgery.

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Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one working day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.

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