The Importance of Postsurgical Care in Achieving Optimal Results
Most people who get surgery want to know how to recover fast and return to work. It is necessary to realize that quality recovery is more essential than quick recovery. Your actions during the recovery period can determine the success of your long-term results, which is why surgeons provide detailed postsurgical instructions.
Following Postsurgical Instructions
It is essential to follow the postsurgical instructions you receive after the procedure. These will aid you in healing properly and quickly. Some post-op patients disregard some of the instructions, and they end up experiencing complications such as infection or rejection.
The rules may seem inconvenient sometimes, but they are necessary. If you are required to rest, avoid exercise, and wear compression garments, do so as instructed. The instructions may seem unnecessary, but they help enhance the results.
Keep Follow-up Appointments
To achieve optimal results, you must attend all your follow-up appointments. Feeling fine is not a reason to skip the visits. The visit may seem like a waste of time and an unnecessary expense, but it is essential.
The doctor wants to check that your incision is healing well. Follow-up visits allow the surgeon to monitor your recovery, your symptoms, and look for signs of infection. It may also be necessary to adjust your medications.
Inspect Your Incision Regularly
You should check your incision several times daily to ensure it is healing as expected. Look at the color and check whether the stitches are intact or if there is wound drainage. It will help determine if the site is healing properly or if it is infected. The postsurgical instructions will indicate what to look for and the steps to take in any eventuality. Contact the doctor if you have any doubts or questions about the surgical site.
Take Steps to Prevent Infection
To ensure you achieve the desired results take steps to prevent infections. Postsurgical infections can lead to long-term complications. Infections are not very common, but they can happen. They usually develop during the first month after surgery.
Ensure you wash your hands carefully before touching the incision site. Care for the wound properly. Avoid scrubbing the site and follow your doctor’s instructions on keeping the area clean as it continues to heal.
Follow a Healthy Post-op Diet
What you eat and drink can affect your postsurgical results. Many people lose their appetite immediately after surgery and may feel constipated or nauseated. Ensure you eat a healthy diet during recovery, even if you do not feel hungry. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush toxins from your body. The doctor, or a nutritionist, can provide ideas about a healthy post-op diet.
Be careful how you sneeze or cough during the recovery period. If you have an abdominal incision, violent actions can harm your incisions. Applying gentle pressure to the area as you cough or sneeze can help.
The surgeon may recommend medications to control pain. Ensure you take them as instructed. You need to know when to seek emergency care. Following instructions will determine the success of your recovery.
For more on the importance of postsurgical care in achieving optimal results, contact Aesthetic Surgical Associates at our Metairie, Louisiana office, also serving New Orleans. Call 504-226-8200 to schedule an appointment today.
