There are number of different components to achieving the best results from cosmetic surgery. Number one is choosing the procedure that will give you the results you’re looking for. This involves careful research so you develop a good understanding of what each different type of procedure can and cannot do.
Number two is choosing the cosmetic surgeon who is right for you. Again, you need to do your research.
Talk to them, look at their results, see what other people are saying about them. This is a big step and you need to be completely confident in the person you choose.
The importance of aftercare
And number three – and this is the one that people sometimes overlook – is proper aftercare.
Once you’ve had your chosen procedure, you will need to follow some careful steps to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome. All good cosmetic surgeons will ask you to attend for regular follow up appointments and will monitor you carefully in the hours, days and weeks after your surgery.
However, much of the day-to-day care will be down to you so it’s a good idea to get a really good idea of what you should and shouldn’t do.
This will vary according to the type of procedure you have had and the specific advice your surgeon gives to you. If you have had so-called invasive surgery – which means your skin has been cut to leave a wound – you are likely to need more intensive aftercare than if you have had a surface procedure like microdermabrasion or botox.
Here are some of the basic principles of good aftercare:
(1) Avoid the Sun
Immediately after cosmetic surgery or scar revision surgery you should avoid direct sun. After that, if you choose to go out in the sun you should use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or 40.
A higher SPF can block your pores so is not recommended. After microdermabrasion, too much sun exposure immediately after treatment for example can lead to hyperpigmentation. As well as avoiding the sun, it is a good idea to stay away from make-up until your skin is fully healed. Scars should not be exposed to the sun for at least 12 months.
(2) Treat your Skin with TLC
After surgery your skin may be red and sore. Treat it with care, using the mildest hypoallergenic products so that it can heal fully without scarring.
You should avoid returning to your normal skincare routine for around a week after any cosmetic treatment, although it is important to keep the skin clean using mild astringent. Raw, peeling skin can be effectively soothed with warm, damp flannel soaked in hypoallergenic moisturising lotion but pat don’t scrub your skin.
(3) Talk to your Surgeon about What to Expect
After any type of surgery it is helpful to know what to expect. Your surgeon will be able to explain to you roughly how long your recovery will take and how you might feel at each stage of the process.
After breast implants, for example, you will feel bruised and swollen in the first week and you may experience some fluid leakage. By week four you may start to have pins and needles in the nipple area and skin numbness elsewhere. Knowing that these are normal signs of a healthy recovery can help to reduce anxiety.
(4) Use Ice for Swelling
If you have had an invasive procedure like a facelift or rhinoplasty (nose job), you will need to know how to reduce the swelling and care for the wound.
Ice (not applied directly onto the skin) and cold compresses help to bring down swelling and a herbal supplement called Arnica can help to minimise bruising. Sleeping in a semi-sitting position will help to prevent an increase in swelling at night.
(5) Gentle Exercise Only
While you are recovering from a procedure like liposuction you should avoid strenuous exercise for the first week or two. Gentle exercise is fine. You may experience numbness, tingling or extra sensitivity in the area that had liposuction.
(6) Drink Plenty of Water
You will need to keep well-hydrated after surgery to help your body to heal and to flush out any toxins. The standard guidance about drinking six to eight glasses of water a day has never been more important than it is now.
(7) Shower Don’t Bath
Immediately after scar revision surgery or any type of cosmetic surgery that involves incisions to the skin, you will need to keep the wound area dry and clean. You should avoid soaking in a bath while your stitches or drains remain in place.
Aftercare is a high priority at Riverside Clinics
At Riverside Clinics, Mr Misra and his team place a high priority on aftercare.
After all, the correct aftercare will ensure the best results following your procedure, including the appearance and your comfort.
“The aftercare I received was thorough and the result was more than I hoped for. It matches exactly with the other one, giving me back my confidence and I no longer feel embarrassed by looking different.”
Nipple Correction Surgery | Patient Story | Read in full >
“In the next weeks I had a few post-op consultations with Mr. Misra who was truly caring in his concern for my welfare, aftercare and recovery.”
Liposuction Legs | Patient Story | Read in full >
Our initial consultations will always include discussions about aftercare and once your procedure is complete, you will still receive guidance and advice from Mr Misra until you are completely recovered.
