Recovery Process

The Recovery Process After Aesthetic Surgery

Aesthetic surgery operations are medical procedures that make individuals feel better by making changes in their appearance. However, the success of the surgery depends not only on the operation itself but also on the postoperative recovery process.

For a successful recovery, patients need to manage their medication, wound care, physical activities, nutrition and psychological state. Mistakes made during this process can negatively affect the results of surgery and prolong the recovery period.

In this article, we will examine all stages of the postoperative recovery process in detail.

The First 24 Hours After Surgery: The Most Critical Period

The first 24 hours after surgery is a critical period of time when the body’s initial reactions to the surgical trauma are monitored. During this period, the patient is usually hospitalized and monitored by doctors.

Situations that may be encountered in the first 24 hours

Lingering effects of anesthesia: If the surgery was performed under general anesthesia, the patient may feel lightheaded, dizzy and nauseous for several hours after waking up.
Pain and discomfort: There may be pain at the operation site. Painkillers prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly.
Bleeding and oozing: Slight bleeding or oozing at the wound site is normal. However, if excessive bleeding occurs, the doctor should be informed.
Initial nutrition: Depending on the type of surgery, the patient may be fed liquid food for the first few hours.

Things to Consider in the First 24 Hours

Fluid consumption should be controlled in the first hours.
It is necessary to get plenty of rest.
Sleep patterns may be disturbed on the first night. If you have difficulty sleeping, you can take a mild sleeping pill recommended by your doctor.
If nausea is present, heavy meals should be avoided.
Medicines prescribed by the doctor should be taken on time.

First week after surgery: Beginning of Recovery

The first week after surgery is a period when the body starts to recover but is still sensitive. During this time, patients may experience pain, swelling and bruising.

Pain Management and Drug Use

The painkillers prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly.
Antibiotics should not be missed to reduce the risk of infection.
Anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended to reduce edema and swelling.

Dealing with Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are especially common after operations such as rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction and tummy tuck.

Recommendations for reducing edema:

Reduce salt consumption.
Sleep with your head elevated.
Drink plenty of water.
Regularly use compression garments (corsets, etc.) recommended by the doctor.
Avoid heavy physical activity.

Dressing, Wound Care and Infection Prevention

Postoperative Dressing Process

Dressings should be done as often as prescribed by the doctor.
Direct water contact to the wound area should be avoided.
Keeping the wound dry reduces the risk of infection.

Precautions Against Infection Risk

The wound area should not be touched without washing hands.
If there is excessive redness, increased temperature or foul odor in the wound area, consult a doctor.
Antibiotics should be used as prescribed by the doctor and for the full duration.

Signs of infection:

Extreme pain and redness
Increase in swelling
Fever and chills
Yellow or green discharge

If any of these symptoms occur, consult a doctor without delay.

Postoperative Nutrition and Fluid Consumption

After surgery, the body needs nutrients to speed up the healing process. Therefore, post-operative nutrition is of great importance.

Postoperative Nutrition Rules

Eat high protein foods:
(chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt, cheese)
Get plenty of vitamin C:
(oranges, strawberries, kiwi, peppers, lemons)
Eat iron-rich foods:
(red meat, spinach, lentils)
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water.
Avoid excessive salt consumption to reduce edema.

Foods to Avoid

Sugary and processed foods: May slow healing.
Too much caffeine: May increase blood pressure after surgery.
Alcohol and smoking: should be completely stopped for at least 3-4 weeks.

Return to Social Life and Work

The time to return to social life and work after surgery may vary depending on the type of operation performed.

When Should I Return to Work After Surgery?

Office work: Can be started in 7-10 days.
Work that requires physical strength: Wait at least 3-4 weeks.
Jobs that require traveling: Long flights should be avoided because pressure changes can increase swelling.

Back to Daily Life

Excessive exertion should be avoided in the first week.
Makeup should not be worn for at least 2 weeks, especially after facial surgeries.
Wait at least 4 weeks for chemical procedures such as hair coloring.
Water activities such as sea and pool should be avoided for 6-8 weeks.

Reducing Postoperative Scars and Skin Care

Postoperative scars are part of the healing process of surgical incisions. However, with the right care, the appearance of scars can be reduced and the skin can be smoother.

What to Do for Postoperative Scar Care

Regularly use scar removal creams recommended by your doctor.
Keep your skin moisturized. Dry skin can cause scars to become more prominent.
Sun protection is very important.
- Surgical scars can darken and become more prominent when exposed to the sun.
- Direct sunlight should not be allowed on the surgical scars for at least 6 months.
- At least SPF 50 sunscreen should be used when going out in the sun.
Increase blood circulation with massage.
- Gently massaging the wound area as recommended by the doctor can help the scars heal faster.

Postoperative Itching and Skin Sensitivity

Itching is a natural part of wound healing. However, scratching can increase the risk of infection.
You can use moisturizer to prevent skin dryness.
If excessive itching or redness occurs, you should consult a doctor.

Maintaining the Permanence of Surgical Results

In order to maintain the aesthetic results obtained after surgery in the long term, certain habits must be maintained.

Weight Control

Especially after liposuction, tummy tuck and body contouring surgeries, weight changes can affect the results of the surgery.

It is very important to adopt healthy eating habits.
Regular exercise helps to maintain muscle tone.
The recommended postoperative corsets should be used for the specified period of time.

Exercise and Sports Program

After 2 weeks to light exercises,
After 4-6 weeks to moderate intensity sport,
Weight training and intense physical activities should be started after 8 weeks.

Correct Lying Position

After rhinoplasty and facial surgeries: Sleeping with the head up reduces swelling.
After tummy tuck surgery: For the first few weeks, you should lie on your back in a slightly bent position.

Psychological Process After Aesthetic Surgery

People who undergo plastic surgery may go through different psychological processes after the operation. Some strategies can be used to deal with issues such as postoperative depression, changes in self-esteem and acceptance of the results.

Post-Operative Depression

Some patients may find it difficult to get used to the changes in their body after surgery. During this process:

Keep in mind that the results of the surgery will not be immediately obvious.
It will take time for swelling and bruising to subside.
Stay in touch with your doctor and keep your expectations realistic.

Increased self-confidence and the process of getting used to the new look

In the first weeks you may feel tired and sensitive, this is normal.
Don’t be in a hurry! You should wait at least 3-6 months for the results of aesthetic surgeries to fully emerge.
Get social support. Sharing the process with close friends and family can help you feel more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Answers to common questions after aesthetic surgery operations:

When does the swelling disappear after surgery?

Edema is normal during the first 2 weeks.
Within 1 month it is greatly reduced.
It may take 3-6 months to go down completely.

Do scars disappear completely?

Most surgical scars fade within 6 months – 1 year.
The prominence of scars can be minimized with regular care.

When can I wear makeup?

Generally, 2 weeks should be waited after facial surgeries.
It is necessary to wait at least 3-4 weeks for make-up after eye surgeries.

Can I swim in the sea and pool?

Wait at least 6-8 weeks as the stitches need to heal completely.

When can I go out in the sun?

The surgical scars should not be exposed to direct sunlight for 6 months.
Always use sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50).

Golden Rules for a Successful Recovery

The healing process after aesthetic surgery operations is as important as the operation itself. To preserve the results of surgery in the long term:

✅ Take medicines regularly and see your doctor.
✅ Pay attention to nutrition, drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods.
✅ Gradually increase physical activity and avoid heavy sports.
✅ Do not neglect dressings and pay attention to hygiene.
✅ Minimize surgical scars by protecting yourself from the sun.
✅ Be psychologically patient and remember that the results of the surgery will get better over time.

By acting in line with this guide, you can spend the postoperative period in the most comfortable way and enjoy the successful results of your plastic surgery for many years! 🎯