Reducing Pain after Plastic Surgery
At North West Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Stephen P. Hardy offers a range of cosmetic treatments that allow patients to enhance their natural beauty by addressing aesthetic imperfections. Dr. Hardy performs procedures that include facial plastic surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring surgery that tightens and tones the figure. Each of these treatments provides numerous benefits, with the primary advantage being the boost of confidence that comes from achieving your cosmetic goals.
Although there are many advantages of plastic surgery, patients should be realistic in considering the downfalls of treatment. The most unpleasant aspect of plastic surgery is the recovery period that follows treatment. Plastic surgery often requires lengthy recovery that can involve some pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are steps a patient can take to ensure smooth and speedy healing. Dr. Hardy is happy to offer patients tips for reducing pain after plastic surgery at our Missoula, MT practice.
How Much Pain Can I Expect after Plastic Surgery?
Patients should have realistic expectations regarding plastic surgery recovery. Pain and discomfort are a natural part of the healing process. However, patients should not be overly concerned about this aspect of plastic surgery. Most patients report feeling only moderate pain or discomfort, even in the first few days of plastic surgery recovery, when side effects are most severe. What’s more, this discomfort rarely lasts for more than a week. Most patients feel a marked improvement in all side effects, including discomfort, between four and seven days after their cosmetic treatment.
Reducing Pain
It is nearly impossible to go through plastic surgery recovery without feeling any discomfort. However, with proper care, pain can be kept to a minimum. The following steps can reduce pain and ensure a smooth plastic surgery recovery period:
- Use pain medication as prescribed: Pain medication is especially helpful in reducing pain and discomfort, especially the first day or two of recovery, when pain is likely to be most severe. Maintain the schedule of medications prescribed by Dr. Hardy to avoid waiting for medication to take effect.
- Wear compression garments as instructed: After certain plastic surgery procedures, patients will be instructed to wear compression garments. These garments stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling, which can significantly improve patient comfort.
- Use ice packs: Ice packs or cold packs are also a great relief to patients experiencing post-surgical discomfort. These packs can reduce swelling and help to numb the treatment area.
- Get plenty of rest: Rest is extremely important after plastic surgery. Patients should spend plenty of time resting in bed, especially during the first 48 hours of recovery.
- Avoid strenuous activities: It is a good idea to begin taking short, frequent walks as soon as possible after plastic surgery. However, any physical activity that is more strenuous than this can aggravate your discomfort and increase the risk of surgical complications.
- Provide yourself with distractions: When your spend hours lying in bed, it can be hard not to focus on pain and discomfort. Some distracting (yet relaxing) activities can go a long way in reducing discomfort. Many patients take advantage of their recovery time to read, watch TV, or have friends and family members come for a visit.
Contact Us
Dr. Stephen P. Hardy has provided many patients with successful plastic surgery results. With proper post-surgical care, patients can achieve their aesthetic goals while experiencing minimal pain or discomfort. To learn more about the cosmetic treatments offered by Dr. Hardy, or the recovery period that will follow surgery, contact us at your earliest convenience.