You’ve done your research, saved up, and finally booked a consultation with a surgeon.
But before you get too ahead, it’s vital to remember that recovery from surgery isn’t always a walk in the park. Several factors can affect your ability to bounce back after going under the knife.
Here are some of the most common factors:
Age
Age is just a number, right? Unfortunately, when it comes to surgery recovery, age can be a significant factor.
Generally speaking, the older you are, the harder it will be for you to recover from surgery. That’s because our bodies aren’t as efficient at healing as we get older. Also, older adults are likely to have other health problems that complicate recovery.
So, if you’re considering plastic surgery, it’s essential to keep your age in mind. Remember, your body isn’t as resilient as it was in your twenties.
But that doesn’t mean that plastic surgery is off-limits for older adults. It’s just important to be aware of the potential challenges of aging and surgery recovery.
With some preparation and planning, you can still enjoy beautiful results— at any age!
Your Overall Health
In plastic surgery, overall health is one critical factor affecting your recovery. That’s why disclosing all medical conditions you have to your surgeon before your procedure is essential.
Suppose you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. In that case, your recovery may be more complex and will take longer than someone with no pre-existing health problems.
So, if you’re considering getting plastic surgery, do your research. Also, choose an experienced surgeon like Dr. Nidal Masri, who performs the procedure you want and will work with you to ensure a safe outcome.
Dr. Masri does his operations in a hospital setting, so you can be sure you’ll have all the equipment and staff you need in case of emergencies.
Smoking Habit
Smoking is terrible for your health— there are no two ways about it.
But did you know that it can also lengthen your recovery time? Plus, it increases your risk for complications after surgery since smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow to your surgical incisions.
So if you are a smoker, quit at least six weeks before your procedure and abstain throughout your recovery.
Of course, quitting smoking is easier said than done. But plenty of resources are available to help you kick the habit, including:
- Nicotine replacement therapies
- Counseling
- Support groups
And if you’re serious about quitting, there’s no excuse not to get started today. Dr. Nick Masri can also provide you with more information on the risks of smoking before surgery.
Your Procedure
The type of surgery you get can also affect how quickly you recover. Some procedures, such as a facelift or tummy tuck, require more recovery time.
And so, make sure to ask your plastic surgeon how long they expect your recovery to take so you can plan.
For example, if you have a tummy tuck, you can expect to take at least two weeks off from work. But if you’re getting some botox injections, you might only need a few days of recovery time.
Knowing what to expect will help you better prepare for your surgery. Plus, it will ensure a smooth and successful recovery.