Cosmetic Surgery Post-Operation Care – General Instructions
Like any other surgery has post-op care, cosmetic surgery also has certain cardinal skin care rules to follow, for quick healing and best treatment outcomes.
To improve the appearance and health of your skin, fast recovery and best results, it’s important for you to take special care of your skin in the first few days / weeks after cosmetic surgery. Discuss with your surgeon on the after-care measures and strictly follow his/her instructions.
Listed below are some regular skin care measures post cosmetic surgery:
- Gentle Skin Care: To obtain optimum results, and heal without any discoloration, take care of your skin carefully after surgery, to prevent pigmentation. Using mild, hypoallergenic products, like non-soap cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers may help.
- Sun protection: The first few days after having a procedure, avoiding direct sun helps. In case you have to go out, use a sunscreen that blocks alpha and beta sun rays. SPF 30 or 40 is preferable. Exposure to excessive sun rays in the days after the procedure can lead to unsightly hyperpigmentation.
- Allow wound healing: Do not pick at your peeling skin or scabs after cosmetic surgery, though you may be tempted to. By doing so, you could increase the chances of infection or scarring.
- Hydration: After the surgery (minor or major), drinking six to eight glasses of water a day will help rejuvenate your skin and flush any toxins from your system.
- Avoid Topical Medicines: Do not use cosmeceuticals or topical medicines for three days after any procedure. Gentle cleansing and moisturizing are essential after all skin resurfacing treatments, ranging from microdermabrasion to ablative laser procedures.
- After Cosmetic Surgery: Facelifts, Eyelifts and Rhinoplasty : Taking care of your skin after cosmetic surgeries is complicated because you have to treat your wounds, manage swelling, and keep up with everyday skin care for best results.
- Minimize swelling: Use ice or cold compresses regularly, especially in the first three days after your surgery. Also, sleeping with your head elevated above your heart will help avoid an increase in swelling overnight.
- Minimize bruising: Ask your doctor whether you should take any herbal supplements to help minimize bruising or discoloration.