Written by Mehmet Tapan. 0 comments 1031 views
Let me start with the conclusion: Absolutely not.
Achieving the desired result after surgery is a journey. A significant part of this journey takes place on the operating table, but it certainly doesn’t end there. The human body is a living, changing, and environmentally influenced system.
As a plastic surgeon, here are the things I don’t want my patients to do after surgery:
- Smoking. Surprised that this is the first thing that comes to mind? You shouldn’t be! Avoiding smoking is crucial. During surgery, we take all necessary precautions to ensure proper wound healing. I prescribe medications and provide post-op care instructions, but I can't monitor whether you smoke or not. Scientifically, smoking impairs wound healing and can lead to poor recovery.
- Neglecting wound hygiene. Keeping the wound clean starts with hand hygiene. You should always keep your hands clean. The environment you are in is just as important as your hand hygiene.
- Eating salty and processed foods. Surgery is a form of trauma to the body, and swelling is a natural response. Salt and salty foods increase swelling (edema). If we can control edema, we can speed up healing and shape the final result more effectively.
- Straining the surgical area with excessive movement or pressure.
On the other hand, here are the things I strongly recommend after surgery:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat protein-rich foods.
- Follow my instructions and stay in touch.
Just like planting a seed, you need to water it, protect it, and provide minerals and nutrients when necessary. The same applies to post-surgical care.
You might be wondering: How long will it take to see the final results? Well, that depends on the procedure. For example:
- In a buccal fat removal (bichectomy), the final result takes a few months.
- After liposuction, it takes about 3 to 6 months to see the full effect.
- In an upper eyelid surgery, you can expect final results within a few weeks.
See you soon,
Mehmet Tapan
