In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on the factors influencing your recovery time from any form of plastic surgery. There are several such variables, and recovery times can vary pretty widely, so knowing some of the simple factors can be quite helpful to many patients.Â
At the offices of Steven Warnock MD, we offer not only a wide range of plastic surgery options, such as breast surgery, rhinoplasty, body sculpting and more, but also expertise on these treatments and how they’ll impact our patients. What are some of the other factors that influence how long it will take you to recover from a procedure? Here are several.
Sun Exposure
You may not have thought of this one, but sun exposure can actually impede the healing process for some types of surgery. This is especially true of those who have had skin cancer surgery, as they’re at a higher risk of developing new cancers.
If you’ve had any type of skin surgery, it’s important to limit your time in the sun and always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This will help your scars heal properly and decrease the chance of developing an infection.
How Wounds Are Cared For
Another major factor here is one you have control over to a large degree: how well you care for your surgical wounds. This includes everything from keeping them clean to avoiding sun exposure (as mentioned above).
It’s also important to follow any specific instructions your surgeon gives you. For instance, if they recommend that you keep the wound covered with a bandage for a certain period of time, make sure to do so. Not following their directions could lengthen your recovery time.
Scar Location(s)
If the procedure in question leaves any scars, where those scars are located will also be a major factor in how long it takes to recover. For instance, scars on the face tend to heal quite well and aren’t usually very noticeable.
Scars on other parts of the body, such as the stomach or thighs, can take longer to heal and may be more noticeable. This is something you’ll want to discuss with your surgeon before having the procedure done, as it can help you set realistic expectations.
The Bottom Line
There are a number of factors that influence how long it will take you to recover from plastic surgery, and this is just a brief overview. The best approach here is to discuss this theme with your plastic surgeon ahead of any procedure.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation, be sure to contact the offices of Steven Warnock MD at your nearest convenience.