Recovery Suggestions - San Diego, CA

Straws & pillows are a must !!! Good luck with everything it's totally worth it I and 2weeks post op today and am thrilled with my results !!!!

I was so scared about the post sickness & pain. I gotta be honest, I did not vomit once nor did I ever feel nauseated and that is rare for me when it comes to pain killers, meds, anitbiotics- the pain was SO minimal. I think you'll do fine deary- Im 21 Post and I feel amazing......Rest, Water and DEF get up & walk as best U can- it'll help on those pesky leg cramps and restlessness. Keep us updates Hun!!!

You are about to undergo a major operation which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery, often under estimated by patients and their surgeons. I have found that a positive state of mind ( “glass half full”) is very helpful when it comes to a smoother recovery period. I will call you to discuss some of your specific concerns soon. A few general words of advice may be helpful:
 1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
 2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
 3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
 4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary. 5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.
 6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
 7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
 8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
 9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.
 10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
 11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery. I hope this helps. .A few words of advice may be helpful:
 1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
 2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
 3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
 4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary. 5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.
 6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
 7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
 8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
 9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.
 10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
 11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery. I hope this helps.

Sorry about the duplication of my message. Talk with you soon.

Good luck with you TT. Follow directions , stay on top of pain meds, rest . Any question just ask..

Hi! How are you feeling? Nervous I bet! I know I was :) I responded to your message that you sent me on Dec 4th. If you're like me, I didn't realize it, but we have to check our Inbox on Real Self to retrieve it (it doesn't come in an email). Dr. Pousti is the Best!! This Wed, I will be 4 weeks post-op. Best decision I ever made! I'm happy to give you all the pre-op tips I can - just let me know! Take care - you're in excellent hands!

You are so close now. To combat the nerves I stayed busy then the night before my hubby and I had a date. Good luck.

It's Super normal. Busy yourself to stay distracted :) If you haven't finished "everything" you wanted to do before today (and none of us did, right ladies? cuz the list never ends - haha) then now isn't the time to worry about it ;) If you are up to it, go out to dinner with your honey. Have a nice meal and then come home and enjoy the evening ;)

My thoughts have been with you throughout the day. I even looked at the clock at one point and thought, "she is probably in recovery right now!) Hang in there hun! The next few days will be bumpy. Take it easy - you'll do great! Thinking of you!