Preparing for a successful, easy and safe postoperative outcome
By Susan Gail, author, cosmetic surgery counselor.
To be a responsible patient, you need extensive postoperative instructions. You will get some helpful suggestions from your surgeons - eat lightly, starting with liquids for two days and moving on to soft solids; keep your head elevated to control swelling; and sleep on your back, elevated by three pillows, for at least a week (I hated that part!). But while these instructions are helpful, they're not comprehensive. In fact, in retrospect the amount of information that I never received seems astonishing. It's not my intention to chastise surgeons for the ways they prepare their own patients for the post-op experience, but most don't tell you all you really need to know because they are afraid they may overwhelm you. My advice to these surgeons? No surprises, please!
I am always shocked by the number of patients who write to me wondering if there are rules or guidelines for following post-op instructions. Some ask if they really need to take their pain medications and/or antibiotics regularly (Yes, they do.) Others question whether they should avoid motions that require bending, lifting, if such actions can be harmful or make the recovery process longer (Yes, they should, because yes, they can.). And most complain that sleeping on their backs, elevated in the way that their surgeons prescribed, made it very difficult for them to sleep. My advice on the recommended sleeping position? Do it anyway - common sense must rule when deciding which post-op instructions to follow and which to ignore.
Playing an Active Role in Your Recovery
I consider it my job to make sure that you "get it" and take full responsibility for your healing up front. If you've rushed the recovery process, you have tricked Mother Nature - and she isn't happy about it. If you are not properly prepared to return to your pre-surgery activities, you can hurt yourself unnecessarily. After working with post-op patients for over 20 years, I thought I knew exactly what to expect from the post-op experience, but I was wrong. My husband had to go to the store six times in 36 hours to buy things I wasn't told I needed, and those waiting hours were painstaking! So be careful, because it could happen to you, too! The frustration I experienced was one of the most compelling reasons for writing my book, "Cosmetic Surgery: Before, Between and After," as well as for creating my Post-op Recovery Enhancement Kit. I do not want what happened to me to happen to you, so as one patient to another, here are some great tips:
- Use lots of pillows, including one at the base of your spine and one under your knees. I also needed a pillow under my buttocks for extra softness. My tush ached after only one day of immobility. (Who would have thought natural padding wouldn't be enough!)
- Use mouthwash. It will be days until a toothbrush can fit into your mouth after a facelift. Maintaining good personal hygiene is imperative to your overall sense of well-being.
- Use safe skin-care products when washing your face following surgery. Make sure that all of your products are hypoallergenic and specifically formulated for sensitive and dry skin. The cleansers must have moisturizing components, too.
- When needed, use gentle, effective creams on the incisions and laser surgery sites. You should have on hand a triple antibiotic cream, a cream to massage into the scars, a moisturizer with vitamin E or C for your lips, an emollient body lotion, and possibly, petroleum jelly. If you need the petroleum jelly, look for one in a tube versus one in a jar. It is much easier to use.
- Use a stool softener or mild laxative since the pain medications are usually binding. What can also be binding is the inactivity. Having a tough time performing even the most rudimentary body functions are a bore. Trust me!
- Use an over-the-counter aid for sleeping. I recommend Melatonin to all my clients. I've been taking it for years to help me sleep through my husband's snoring! In the morning, I wake up quickly and without any grogginess. Rest and sleep are imperative to your healing process. If you have trouble falling asleep under normal conditions like I do, postoperative sleep will probably not come easy, even with the pain medication.
- Buy homeopathic remedies to help heal the surgical wounds, reduce the bruising and speed detoxification from the anesthesia. Many patients are not aware of the growing respect alternative healing products have in today's modern medical practice. Homeopathy is a natural pharmaceutical science that uses extremely small, nontoxic doses of substances from the plant, mineral, animal, and chemical kingdoms. Homeopathic remedies are curative because they support your body's overall defenses rather than simply treat symptoms. These remedies can stimulate your immune system and strengthen your ability to heal. More and more progressive surgeons are recommending such remedies as part of their healing philosophies.
- Consume soft foods and water, including protein shakes, pureed fruit, applesauce, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. Make sure the protein shakes do not contain Vitamin E as it thins the blood.
- Drink plenty of juice. Be careful, however, with highly acidic juices such as orange and grapefruit juice, which can sour your stomach. The last thing you want to do is throw up immediately after surgery. I did, and it was awful and frightening.
- Use flexible straws. The straws will need to have flexible ends so you can drink liquids easily while in a reclining position.
- Place a hand-held showerhead and a plastic chair in your tub or shower enclosure. These are a must! There will be no other way to safely bathe or have your hair washed for the first time without these two essential items, especially when still on pain meds.
- Use mild hair products, including a leave-in hair conditioner, to wash your hair for the first time. You will also need tools to unsnarl your hair - pick and a vented hairbrush work very well. I always recommend using brand new items since they will be used over newly sutured areas. Someone to help you in the shower is a gift! And ask for help, even though it's not always easy. You'll be glad you did.
- Position a telephone with a speaker feature near your bed. Holding a phone to your ear after facial surgery may be impossible, but being able to communicate on your own, without help, is terrific. It also helps those patients, with older parents who don't live close, to keep in touch and give them updates. Keeping the family as stress-free as possible greatly helps you to concentrate on yourself.
- Use lubricating eye drops. The drops feel great and make it easier for you to blink and focus. By surveying my clients, I learned that most experienced dry eye from the anesthesia whether or not they had procedures involving their eyes. The drops can bring great relief.
- Make sure you have all of your prescription drugs in the house before you need them. I loved being told to remember to take the pain medication - as if I could forget!
- Use two large bags of frozen peas and six large self-sealing plastic storage bags to make cold packs. Make at least six cold packs since you may need as many as three at a time and will need to replace them after 20 minutes.
- Have lots of patience and a sense of humor, and surround yourself with loved ones! These may be the most vital requirements of all. You will need to rely on your family and friends to help you out. My clients tell me that hugs help immensely, as long as they are administered gently!
The majority of these requirements may seem pretty straightforward, but you would be amazed by how many things patients overlook or don't consider when planning for their post-cosmetic surgery needs. While most patients make sure to cover for their absences at work and at home, many don't properly prepare for the other vital aspects of their recovery. Don't allow yourself to overlook the items you will need for a successful recovery - being prepared is what it's all about.
Susan Gail is an author, cosmetic surgery counselor, patient advisory director for Einstein Medical, and creator of the Recovery Enhancement post-op care kit seen at http://susangail.com/survivalkit.html. She has also been a master makeup artist and skin care specialist for over 20 years. Ms. Gail's book, Cosmetic Surgery: Before, Between and After, has been hailed nationally as a "must-read" for all surgeons and prospective cosmetic surgery patients. Susan's comprehensive website, www.susangail.com provides free information and insider tips. She can be reached at susan@susangail.com.
