Cosmetic surgery can cause scars if you do not treat your body properly. By taking a few preventative measures you can reduce this risk. Just remember these principles for before and after your surgery and your cosmetic surgery results will be improved.
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do after surgery. When you smoke, blood vessels constrict which results in reduced blood circulation. Blood circulation is important for your body to receive proper oxygen and nutrients. This is even more important when your body needs to heal an injury such as cosmetic surgery. All forms of nicotine such as gum, patches, and of course cigarettes should be avoided. You increase your chances of scarring if you smoke.
Many professionals in cosmetics will tell you to quit smoking even before you get a surgical procedure. Smoking not only poor for your lungs it also causes skin cells to die or even necrosis which is cell death. Healthy oxygen plays one of the biggest roles in healing skin cells after surgery. It plays a large role in determining whether or not you will scar.
Don’t use any anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin around the time of surgery (2-3 week before and after) . Most of these drugs cause the blood to thin. This will increase the risk of post operative bleeding. Don’t take vitamin e as it is also a blood thinner. You must discuss with your surgeon any medications you are taking. They will also provide you with a list of OTC products that have to be avoided.
Drink water. Water helps to keep blood volumes high so that skin cells will receives the oxygen and nutrients they need to flourish.It also helps flush toxins from your body.Let your thirst be your guide to knowing how much water you need. Just be sure your getting enough.
Dehydration from not drinking enough water can cause dry skin. It also causes skin to lose its elasticity and fullness. It is very important you drink more water during this 2-3 week period. Doctors will also tell you to reduce your consumption of caffeine and soda during this time. There has been research to suggest that dehydration is caused by caffeine. Research isn’t conclusive but try to avoid caffeine at all costs.
The healing process after the surgery must be taken great care of. It is important to talk to your plastic surgeon about the proper ways to clean and change your bandages to avoid infections. Do not miss these appointments. You have to follow these instructions so that you don’t have any complications post-op.
Recovery time after the surgery is very important. Your doctor will instruct you to avoid strenuousness activities that can last anywhere from three days to three weeks. If you swell after the surgery make sure to apply ice but not directly. Use a towel to separate the area from the icepack. Also during this time you should avoid direct sunlight.