IDHOSPITAL

With plastic surgery, the things you should avoid after plastic surgery play a big role in your surgery results and healing process. Sometimes, people do not take their doctor’s advice seriously about surgery precautions. We have had cases where patients think it is alright to do as they please, which is risky.

With this post, we want to share why these things should be avoided so we can ensure the best surgery results for all patients.

#1 thing to avoid after plastic surgery: Smoking

When we say smoking, it includes anything that has nicotine in it, even nicotine gum. Second-hand smoking is just as bad since you can inhale the smoke.

Nicotine causes the blood vessels to narrow. When the blood vessels are narrow, oxygen and blood cannot flow properly to the surgical site, so healing is compromised. Chances of Tissue necrosis, fat necrosis and infection are all increased.

Introducing nicotine to your body also increases the chances of blood clot formation, which can be fatal.

With less oxygen, the wound will take longer to heal, producing more prominent scars that will not heal well.

It is recommended to avoid smoking from 1 month prior to surgery, and minimum 1 month after (3 months is better). A better recommendation is to quit smoking altogether.

In fact, according to this study, up to 40% of patients quit smoking altogether after getting surgery. 

#2 thing to avoid after plastic surgery: Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol dries the skin, which reduces skin elasticity. The surgeon performing your surgery may have a hard time stitching the dry skin together, so the possibility of scarring is increased.

Alcohol dilates the blood vessels just like smoking can, which in turn will cause dehydration. Being dehydrated will slow down the healing process. The swelling will take longer to dissipate.

Dehydration can make the healing process quite uncomfortable, so it is another reason to avoid alcohol.

Alcohol also thins the blood, which means an increased risk of excessive bleeding. Excessive bleeding during surgery is a serious problem so surgeons will not the risk to perform surgery if alcohol was consumed within 2-3 days of surgery.

Mixing alcohol with post-surgery medications can also be dangerous, so make sure to refrain from drinking for at least one month (3 months is better) after surgery.

#3 thing to avoid after plastic surgery: Diuretics

Diuretics like coffee, etc. cause dehydration. The wounds and soft tissues need to be moist and supple to heal faster. In order to facilitate healing, hydration should be maintained. Avoiding any foods or drinks that cause dehydration will stop you from losing to much water.

For a week or so after surgery, avoid diuretics.

What to do instead?

Getting hydrated is a top priority as it aids in healing.

Eat a healthy diet comprising good protein sources, adequate vitamins, and minerals to nourish your body. Avoid excessive sugar, caffeine, trans-fats, artificial additives, and preservatives.

Exercise improves your health. Increasing your blood circulation will boost your immunity thereby making you heal fast. For one month after surgery, you cannot do any intensive exercise but, light walking will help reduce the swelling.