COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY — GENERAL TIPS FOR RECOVERY

• Take temperature regularly because a fever may indicate an infection.

• Take prescribed pain medication as prescribed. While a certain degree of pain is to be expected, contact your doctor if there is excessive pain which is not mitigated by pain relievers, redness, pus or other symptoms which are not normal.

• Take antibiotics according to the provided schedule.

• Use cold compresses to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum.

• Attend all scheduled post-operative appointments.

• Change dressings according to the schedule provided by the doctor.

• Do not be alarmed by swelling or bruising but inform your doctor if these symptoms to not begin to diminish after a few days.

• Do not be alarmed by numbness in the skin during the initial days after the surgery as this is normal and should subside within a few days.

• Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects during the recovery period.

• Avoid activities which will cause the blood pressure to rise for at least three weeks.

• Avoid contact sports for 6-8 weeks.

• Avoid alcohol and aspirin until your doctor advises you it is permissible to drink or take aspirin.

• Avoid smoking during the recover period.

• Avoid depression by being aware of the possibility of rampant emotions following surgery.  

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