The Do’s and Don’ts of Plastic Surgery Recovery

April 02, 2025

 

Real Talk for a Smooth & Supported Healing Journey

Let’s be real—plastic surgery isn’t just about what happens in the operating room. A huge part of your result comes down to how you recover. We’re not here to give you a lecture (we know you’ve got enough going on). Instead, think of this as your post-surgery cheat sheet—real advice, from our team to you, to help you heal well and feel good doing it.

The Do’s

Follow Your Medical Team’s Advice—Seriously
Skip the Google black hole. Follow your post-op care instructions exactly; especially when it comes to meds, wound care, and garment use. It’s personalized to your procedure and recovery.

Come to All Your Check-Ups (and Add a Few Bonus Ones!)
Your follow-ups are booked, but you’re always welcome to return. We recommend check-ins at 4 months, 6 months, and a year — even if everything looks good. A trained eye may catch what you can’t.

Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Recovery is work. For at least a month, your body’s still doing deep healing, even if you feel fine. Prioritize rest, reduce stress, and don’t rush back to your normal routine too quickly.

Eat Well & Stay Hydrated
A well-fed body heals better. Prioritize hydration and nutrient-rich foods that support tissue repair and keep inflammation down. Think of food as fuel for your recovery.

Expect Swelling & Bruising (and Be Kind to Yourself)
Swelling will come and go, especially after standing, movement, or long days. This is totally normal. Use cold compresses, elevate when possible, and trust that it gets better with time.

Ease Back into Movement, Gently
Walks? Yes. Heavy lifting? Not yet. Around 4–6 weeks, you’ll ease back in (with your surgeon’s okay). No rushing! We promise your gym will still be there.

The Don’ts

Don’t Overdo It, Even If You’re Feeling Energetic
Feeling better doesn’t mean you’re fully healed. Overexerting early can cause setbacks: more swelling, bruising, and longer recovery time.

Don’t Stress About a Little Setback
Some days you’ll look or feel more swollen, especially after activity. That’s normal. The healing journey isn’t linear, so don’t panic over blips in your progress.

Don’t Smoke or Drink Excessively
Smoking slows healing and raises risks. Alcohol takes a toll on your body’s ability to bounce back. Give your body every advantage possible; skip the extras while you heal.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
If something doesn’t feel right — redness, sharp pain, feverish skin — check in with us. We’d always rather hear from you early than late.

Final Thoughts
There’s no rush. Recovery is a process, not a race. You don’t have to go it alone. Trust your team, care for your body, and give yourself the grace to heal well.

Your transformation doesn’t end in the operating room — it begins with how you care for yourself now.