Looking for some summer downtime? Why not make the most of it by combining plastic surgery recovery with a little seasonal R&R? If you’re planning on getting plastic surgery this summer, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will show you how to do it right—and safely—for a healthy, happy recovery. Read on for his best plastic surgery recovery tips for summer.
The following tips are merely general recovery guidelines. As with any plastic surgery procedure, talk to your plastic surgeon and follow his or her instructions closely for a healthy post-op recovery.
#1: Plan a Staycation
Trekking across country with the family to a beachside resort this summer may be tempting, but if you’re planning a surgery, you’ll want to stay close to home. Most plastic surgery procedures require a week (and sometimes more) of recovery time, so we recommend recuperating in the comfort of your own home. Why not make it a relaxing summer staycation? Create a comfy, shaded lounging area on your patio or yard where you can take in the summer weather, watch the kids play, and enjoy that book you’ve been trying to read since last summer.
#2: Start Moving (But Take it Easy)
While too much moving too soon after surgery has its risks, the reverse is also true: not moving enough after surgery can cause complications like blood clots. But moderation is key: Dr. Bermudez recommends that his patients get up and walk around the room for a few minutes as soon as 24 hours after surgery. This will help get your circulation going, which will aid your body in healing. After a couple of days, start taking slow, gentle walks and incorporate some light stretching (being careful not to stretch incision points too much so that they open). This is not the time to exercise for weight loss, but a time to get the blood flowing. Easy, gentle movements are key.
#3: Get Help with Your Kid
If your kids are school age, they will likely be on summer vacation—which can be a hectic time for you as a parent even when you’re not recovering from surgery! Plan in advance of your surgery to have someone—your spouse, a grandparent, a friend—take the kids for a few days or more so that you can have time to yourself. Depending on the surgery you have, you will likely not be able to carry any extra weight, so lifting your child will be out of the question. You also won’t feel up to cooking, cleaning, and your other usual chores. If you can’t find a caregiver, take advantage of summer camps and programs so that you can heal in peace and quiet.
