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A plastic surgery consultation is a great time to ask questions, and after many consultations at AW Plastic Surgery we’ve taken a liking to using our blog to answer some of the most common ones. It’s a unique way for our Portsmouth, NH practice to add another layer of service for our patients and share information with those interested in cosmetic surgery.

Many of the frequently asked questions we get from patients during their consultations involve aspects of the recovery process after a surgical procedure. The recovery period following your procedure, whether minimally invasive or a more involved, is one of the most important parts of your cosmetic surgery journey. A great recovery from plastic surgery is one in where you’re comfortable, able to enjoy your downtime without risk of injury, and allowing yourself to heal and get the best results from your surgery.

In this post, we’ll share some of the recommendations we give patients to prep their home for a successful and relaxing recovery period. 

What You Need to Heal and Stay Cozy After Plastic Surgery

1. A Grabber Tool: If you’ve had any kind of surgery to the body such as a tummy tuck or a breast lift, you’re not going to want to have to stretch too far to reach items up high. Look around your house before your surgery and also try to move things you’ll need to lower cabinets temporarily. 

2. A Neck Pillow: Some surgical procedures such as a rhinoplasty, or nose job, require you to sleep with your head elevated for a certain period of time following the surgery. Depending on how you sleep, a neck pillow like you’d wear on a plane can make that substantially easier to do and much more comfortable. 

3. Reusable Straws: Some facial plastic surgery procedures, such as a neck lift or one that addresses jowls, make it awkward and uncomfortable to drink from a glass by tipping it up to your mouth. Instead, make sure you stock your house with some reusable straws before your surgery so you can relax, keep your neck from stretching, and avoid risking injury.

4. Dry Shampoo: Many surgeries will require that you keep an area of your body out of the water for at least a few days. Dry shampoo can help keep your hair healthy when hopping in the shower isn’t an option.

5. A Shower Head Attachment: If you don’t want to use dry shampoo or your surgery only requires water staying off a very small part of your body while you recover, add a shower attachment with a hose to a sink or your bathroom. 

6. Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer: Keeping your treatment area clean is one of the most important tips your plastic surgeon will give you following surgery. Stocking a supply of antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer before your surgery can help you follow your doctor’s advice while you’re at home healing.

7. Long USB Cords: The charging cable that came with your table or smartphone is probably about 3 ft. long or less. If you’ve had a more invasive surgery, you may be in bed for some time watching Netflix on your iPad, which makes charging your devices a priority. Look for extra long charging cables at an electronics store or online you can binge your favorite shows without stretching off the bed to plug in and recharge your device. 

8. Easy or Pre-Cooked Meals: One of the last things you’ll want to do after a plastic surgery procedure is whip up a gourmet meal in your kitchen. Instead, before you have surgery, plan some nutritious pre-made meals or stock your pantry with some healthy food that doesn’t take a lot of preparation. 

9. Help: If you can lean on your family or a friend to help you around the house, especially in the days right after your surgery, arrange to have a caretaker. Depending on your surgery, you may need some help getting around, or you may just need some help walking a dog or folding some laundry for a few afternoons. 

Do You Have More Questions About Plastic Surgery?

If you have questions about any aspects of cosmetic surgery, including what to expect during the recovery period, please reach out and schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilson in Portsmouth, NH.

Contact AW Plastic Surgery through our website or call our practice at (603) 294-4526.