If you’re undergoing surgery in the near future, then you’re probably interested in the ways in which you can speed up recovery in order for you to heal faster. Although it’s recommended that you follow proper aftercare guidance set out by your surgeon in order to help your body heal, you don’t need to be up and moving about to give it a little helping hand. Let’s have a look at 3 top tips for recovery after surgery.
Give Your Body The Fuel It Needs
Shortly after surgery, you might not feel like eating straight away, but it’s important to provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to recover. Protein is very important when it comes to healing, so once you’ve got your appetite back, choose dishes that contain high protein, such as chicken, eggs, fish, tofu and dairy. Vitamin C has also been shown to have positive effects on the healing process, so be sure to snack on oranges, strawberries and blackcurrants to give your body a boost.
After sedation, you’re likely to feel groggy, but the medication they use can also have huge effects on your gut, as can the painkillers given to ease any pain and discomfort and lack of movement during the recovery phase. Be sure to eat plenty of fibre to keep your guy happy and healthy during this time. Foods such as brown bread, whole wheat pasta and beans and legumes are packed full of fibre.
Avoid overconsuming sugary and salty foods, as these can zap your body with the energy it needs to heal properly and can cause your blood sugar levels to spike, and then drop which can make you feel tired and unwell.
Look After The Surgery Site
It might not be the most pleasant thing, but it’s important to keep a close eye on the surgery site and check that it is healing well, with no signs of infection. Preventing infection is vital if you want to heal quickly, so be sure to change the dressings as advised by your surgeon, keep the area clean and dry and most importantly, wash your hands before touching the surgical site. If the surgical area is large, for example, if you’ve had a mummy makeover, then you’ll need to ensure that it is well cared for.
Infections following surgery are rare, but they do happen. If you spot any signs of infection, such as red areas surrounding the surgical site, the area feeling warm, swelling or any new pain or discomfort, contact your surgeon as soon as possible. After plastic surgery in Manchester, it’s important that you report any signs of infection as soon as possible to your surgeon to ensure you get your desired results.
Get Moving
You will be required to have some bed rest as part of your healing process, but it is important that you get up and move about every few hours. For the first few days following your surgery, depending on your surgery, you won’t feel like being up and about as your body rests, but in the days following, it’s important to get up and have a little walk around your home as this can help prevent issues such as DVT. Walking is a gentle way to slowly get back to physical activity and can hasten your return to normal activities.
