Post Operation Maintenance: Staying Healthy After Your Procedure

Once your procedure is finished you will need to focus on your recovery. Caring for yourself in the weeks following your procedure is integral to ensuring that your results and your overall health are good.

Before your procedure you should thoroughly research your procedure, what sort of things to expect during your recovery and what you can do to help smooth your recovery process. Your plastic surgeon and his or her staff will be able to provide you with detailed instructions regarding your recovery. Be sure you maintain a healthy diet both before and after your surgery and keep the following 4 pieces of advice in mind:

1. Be sure you understand the risks associated with your procedure
   No procedure is risk free. Whether you are undergoing a non-surgical or surgical procedure you should be well versed in the associated risks and anything you can do to mitigate them. Ask your plastic surgeon for details regarding risks and risk mitigation, and verify any research you do with your surgeon to ensure your information is accurate.


2. Choose the right surgeon
   Make sure your surgeon has been certified by the Canadian Board of Plastic Surgery and has experience conducting the procedure you have chosen. You should also meet with your surgeon before the procedure so that you can get a sense of them before they operate on you. Choosing the right surgeon is essential to the success of your results.


3. Listen to your surgeon
   Depending on the type of surgery you are undergoing there are different best practices that apply. While patients can typically return to their normal routine 1 to 2 days after a non surgical procedure, more invasive procedures will require several weeks of recovery time. Your surgeon will give you recovery instructions that pertain to your procedure. By following them faithfully you can expect a smoother, less painful recovery.


4. Talk to your surgeon
   Not all recoveries will be the same. While your surgeon will advise you what to expect in the days and/or weeks following surgery you should remain in communication with them. If you experience any severe pain or other disconcerting symptoms you should contact your surgeon for advice immediately. He or she will be able to advise you, and recommend medical assistance if necessary.

Dr. Adil Ladak is a board certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton Alberta. His specialties include facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring and skin treatments. Contact Dr. Ladak at 780.407.6691 to book your consultation.