If a friend or family member asks you to be their caretaker while they recover from a procedure like a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, you should take the responsibility seriously. Healing from surgery can be taxing, and your loved one will likely need help with essential tasks like driving, lifting objects, doing household chores, and looking after any young children.

Here are five tips to prepare you.

1. Review Their Post-Surgery Instructions

Carefully following a plastic surgeon’s directions is the best way to avoid potential complications and ensure a speedy recovery. The patient will need to be familiar with all these directives, and so will you. That way, you can ensure they take their prescription medications at the correct times, keep their surgical incisions clean, and watch for any signs of infection. Never hesitate to call the surgeon’s office at the first sign of a potential issue.

2. Promote Regular Movement

Though someone who has recently had plastic surgery will need more rest than usual, that does not mean they should spend all day lying around. Gentle exercises like walking can help speed the recovery process by promoting blood flow throughout the body, which aids in wound healing. You can play a role by setting a timer at various intervals to remind your loved one to stand up and move around. You can also add a social element and set a positive example by exercising with them.

3. Be Emotionally Supportive

For some people, healing from cosmetic surgery can be an emotional roller coaster. In early recovery, they might worry about what they will look like after the swelling resolves or even second-guess their decision to get the procedure – no matter how much they were looking forward to it. They could also be vulnerable to periods of anxiety or irritability, especially if they are having any trouble sleeping.

At these times, your goal is to be an empathetic, reassuring listener. Do not take things personally, and give them time and space to work through these complex emotions. Remember, excessive stress can slow the healing process.

4. Wash Your Hands Frequently

The strain of undergoing surgery makes people more susceptible to developing an infection. Hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap are invaluable tools for better health. Wash your hands thoroughly before bringing your loved one meals, helping them get dressed, et cetera.

5. Encourage Them to Stay Smoke-Free

Quitting smoking is a prerequisite for plastic surgery patients because it severely impedes the recovery process by constricting circulation, increasing inflammation, and heightening the risk of infection. However, people who have developed a smoking habit can feel unpleasant physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.

Experiencing powerful nicotine cravings alongside the ups and downs of healing from plastic surgery can be challenging. You can do your part to help someone you care about remain smoke-free by inspiring them to start new, healthy hobbies that take their mind off the urge to have a cigarette. 

Get More Advice From the Dallas Area’s Leading Female Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Stephanie Teotia uses her exceptional surgical skills and unique perspective as a woman to help other women achieve their optimal results from transformative surgical procedures for the face, breasts, and body. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of plastic surgery for yourself after caring for someone during their recovery, contact us today.