4 Factors That Will Affect Your Healing After Plastic Surgery
When all other avenues for weight loss or anti-aging treatments have failed, many people consider plastic surgery to achieve their goals. However, with so many celebrities putting plastic surgery in a negative light, some people tend to not look at plastic surgery favorably.
Plastic surgery is surgery; therefore, it is crucial that a patient who is considering the process takes it seriously. Besides the preparation for surgery, the recovery is an important aspect of the plastic surgery process. How someone cares for themselves following a procedure helps them to achieve the best results and dictates how their surgical wounds heal. Whether you are undergoing liposuction or breast augmentation, here are some of the top factors that will affect your healing following plastic surgery.
1. Your Age
The older a person gets, the harder it is for them to recover from a sickness or injury, especially after surgery. When someone in their 40s, 50s, or 60s decides they want to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, they should keep in mind that they might not recover as quickly as someone in their 20s or 30s. Depending on your age, your plastic surgeon will provide you with an idea about how your recovery process will go and the best surgical approach to help you heal safely and efficiently. They may also suggest less invasive options, such as injectables or fillers that provide anti-aging results but are less strenuous on the body than a surgical procedure.
2. Your Genetics
Genetics also play a significant role in the recovery process. Patients who have a family history of poor wound healing is something that cannot be changed; though, if you live a healthy lifestyle and listen to instructions before and after surgery, it can make for a positive healing experience. Depending on the patient, they may need to take more time away from physical activities or work. Any concerns regarding your genetics and family history should be discussed with your doctor before booking your procedure. Your plastic surgeon will consider any previous medical problems when designing your individualized surgery plan.
3. Caring for Your Surgical Wounds
Age and genetics are a factor some of us can’t change when undergoing a surgical procedure. However, how you care for yourself and your surgical wounds following your surgery should be taken seriously. Patients should keep their incisions clean and covered and should avoid touching them. They should keep track of any changes in the color or appearance of their surgical incisions. If any surgical wounds look pink or red or have any drainage, the patient should seek medical attention to make sure the incisions are not infected.
4. Your Health
A patient’s health before and after surgery will significantly impact how their surgical wounds heal. It is important that patients follow a healthy diet before and after surgery, and refrain from any unhealthy habits such as smoking or consuming alcohol. You can discuss with your doctor about what types of foods should be avoided during the recovery and ways that might improve your healing after surgery. You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and abstain from consuming drinks high in sugar such as soda and certain juices.
If you are interested in a plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Wald is a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide you with the best advice on how to achieve the best healing experience after your surgery. Schedule your consultation today! Contact us by calling (714) 312-3549 or by filling out our online contact form.