By Susan Gail, Cosmetic Surgery Patient Advisory Director, Einstein Medical
In previous articles, I have urged you to prepare as much as possible before having cosmetic surgery. Your doctor will provide you with postoperative instructions at your pre-op appointment. Not to chastise the docs, but they don’t always tell you all you really need to know, because they are afraid to overwhelm you (in my case, the amount of information I was not given was more astonishing). But, I’m not. In fact, I hope I do. Better to be overwhelmed than underwhelmed! Here’s what you will need:
Lots of pillows, including one at the base of your spine and one under your knees. I also ended up needing a pillow under my buttocks for extra cushioning. My tush ached after only one day of immobility. Who would have thought my natural padding wouldn’t be enough!?
Mouthwash. It will be days until a toothbrush can fit into your mouth after a facelift. All efforts aimed at hygienic normalcy are imperative to your overall sense of well?being. Whatever you are eating or drinking will taste much better with a cleaner mouth (as much as is this is possible under the circumstances). Mouthwash does the trick. Use it as often as needed.
Safe skincare products, to wash your face with the first time following surgery. Make sure all of your skin-care products are hypoallergenic and specifically formulated for sensitive and dry skin. Your cleanser must have a moisturizing component, too. Read the ingredient labels carefully for all the products you use on your face.
Gentle, effective creams, to use on the incisions and laser surgery sites, if needed. This will include a triple antibiotic cream, a cream to massage into the scars, sun block for any venturing outside, a moisturizer with vitamin E for your lips, an emollient body lotion, and possibly petroleum jelly. If you need the petroleum jelly, look for one in a tube rather than a jar. It is much easier to use.
A stool softener or mild laxative, since the pain medications are usually binding. Inactivity can also cause binding. And it can become really irritating when you have a tough time performing even the most rudimentary body functions! For a personal account of what I’m referring to, read the chapter in my book (Cosmetic Surgery: Before, Between and After) called The Gig!
An over-the-counter sleeping aid. Melatonin is a good choice. I’ve been taking it for years to help me sleep through my husband’s snoring! In the morning I wake up quickly, without any grogginess. But do not take more than 3mg dose. In this case, more is not better. Rest and sleep is imperative to your healing process, so be sure to get enough of both. If you have trouble falling asleep under normal conditions like I do, postoperative sleep will probably not come easily, even with your pain medication.
Homeopathic remedies, to heal the surgical wounds, reduce bruising, and detoxify from the anesthesia. Most large health food chains have very knowledgeable employees who can assist you in choosing these remedies. (Homeopathy is a natural pharmaceutical science that uses extremely small, nontoxic doses of substances derived from plants, minerals, animals, and natural chemicals.)
Soft foods and water, including protein shakes, pureed fruit, applesauce, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. Also drink plenty of juice, but be careful with highly acidic juices like orange and grapefruit juice. They can upset your stomach. The last thing you want to do is throw up! Also remember, flexible straws. The straws will need to have flexible ends so you can drink liquids easily in a reclining position.
A hand-held showerhead in your tub or shower enclosure, plus a plastic chair to sit on. This is a must! There will be no other way to safely bathe yourself or have your hair washed for the first time without these two essential items. You will probably only need the chair while you are on painkillers. The showerhead will come in handy for a longer period of time, since you are not allowed to have water running directly on your face for several days. Plus, if you’ve never had a removable showerhead before, you’ll love the versatility!
Mild hair products, including a leave-in hair conditioner, to wash your hair for the first time. You will also need tools to unsnarl your hair—a pick and a vented hairbrush will work well.
A telephone with speaker near your bed. Holding a phone to your ears will be impossible immediately after a facelift. Being able to communicate on your own without help will be such a gift, especially if you need to speak to your doctor.
Lubricating eye drops. Your eyes may feel very dry after surgery. From surveying my clients, I found that most had dry eyes, regardless of whether they had undergone procedures involving their eyes. This can occur due to the anesthesia. The drops feel great and make it easier for you to blink. I found myself using the drops every time I removed the cold packs from my face.
Post-op drugs on hand prior to surgery. I loved being told to remember to take the pain medication, as if I could forget!
Two large bags of frozen peas and six large, self-sealing plastic storage bags, to make cold packs. Make at least six cold packs since you could use as many as three at a time and will need to replace them after 20 minutes. Large metal clips will help affix the cold packs to your pillows so you don’t have to hold them manually. When you remove the frozen veggie packs from the freezer, make sure to bang them on the counter to loosen up the peas that have frozen together. This allows even coverage and greater comfort once the packs are on your face. Another great trick is placing a sheet of soft paper toweling between the frozen veggie pack and your face. It is more sanitary than small cloth towels, and weighs less. This may not sound like a big deal, but you will realize that it is when you’re the one placing them on your own laser-treated or surgically altered face. Trust me, you’ll feel the difference.
Lots of patience and a sense of humor! These may be the most vital requirements of all. Rely on your family and friends to help you out. Hugs help immensely, as long as they are administered gently!
Being prepared is what it’s all about.
Susan Gail is the author of Cosmetic Surgery: Before, Between and After. She is a cosmetic surgery consultant, Patient Advisory Director for Einstein Medical, Inc., and creator of the Survive and Thrive® postoperative care kit. Susan’s comprehensive website provides free information and insider tips. If you would like to ask Susan Gail a question, click here to post a message. She can also be reached toll free at: 877-SZNGAIL
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