Tips for Reducing Swelling After Plastic Surgery

The post-surgery recovery period cannot be avoided after cosmetic surgery, largely because of swelling that occurs following any procedure. Whether you are recovering from a facelift, tummy tuck, breast surgery, or another type of plastic surgery, swelling is part of the body’s natural response to injury, or in this case a surgical incision being made. In fact, this swelling is the first part of the healing process, as it occurs in response to the body sending repair cells to the area of the incision. While some degree of swelling after plastic surgery is natural, it’s important to take proper care during the recovery period and avoid excessive swelling that can lead to potential issues or complications. That’s why our expert plastic surgeons thought it would be helpful to provide a few tips to help our patients manage swelling after plastic surgery.

Start Preparing Your Body Before Surgery

There are things that you can do to help prepare your body for surgery and the inevitable post-surgery swelling. In some cases, taking certain vitamins and supplements ahead of the procedure can reduce swelling. This includes vitamin A and vitamin C. Eating a diet that is low in sodium and rich in anti-inflammatory foods like whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plant-based fats and proteins can also help cut back on inflammation after surgery.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water throughout the day is essential to protect your body from dehydration, which is common after surgery. Water is also the primary delivery mechanism for oxygen and essential nutrients to the incision area, which is crucial for facilitating the process of tissue repair and fighting off swelling. Additionally, staying hydrated can help rejuvenate the skin from the inside out by flushing out toxins.

Practice The RICE Method

Abiding by the classic pneumonic device RICE can be incredibly helpful for reducing swelling and promoting good healing after plastic surgery:

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Following these steps will go a long way towards expediting the recovery process and cutting back on the severity and duration of swelling after a plastic surgery procedure. But this is certainly something you should discuss with your surgeon since the type of procedure you have will determine the amount of each will be needed.

It’s important to be patient and remember that swelling is a completely normal part of the healing process. In time, this swelling will fade and the results of your procedure will settle into their final form. For more information or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Cumming, Canton or Lawrenceville area locations. You can also follow along with us on Facebook and Twitter for additional plastic surgery tips, news, photos, and much more.