Everyday rules during recovery after plastic surgery
General recovery rules after rhinoplasty, eye surgery, facelift and other surgery — smoking and alcohol, sleeping position, cold compresses, and returning to washing and exercise.
Although the areas and methods differ, recovery rules have a lot in common. Below are general guidelines; the clinic's instructions for your specific surgery are always the most accurate.
1. No smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, slows healing and can raise the risk of inflammation. Stopping for about 2–4 weeks is recommended for rhinoplasty, and for about 4 weeks before and after a facelift.
2. Alcohol, saunas and intense exercise
These raise blood pressure and body temperature and can affect swelling and bleeding, so they are avoided for a while. They usually resume after about 4 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery.
3. Sleeping position
Early on, sleeping on your back with your head slightly raised helps with swelling. Avoid pressing the operated area into the pillow.
4. Cold compresses
Right after surgery, cold compresses help control swelling, as advised. They are generally used for about 72 hours after surgery, then as the clinic advises.
5. Protecting the operated area
Don't rub or press the operated area, and protect it from knocks. Anything that touches it — glasses, contact lenses, make-up, hair treatments — resumes after the time advised.
6. Food and medicines
Salty food can add to swelling, so it is worth cutting back. Use prescribed medicines and ointments as instructed, and check with the clinic before starting any new medicine or supplement.
7. Follow-up visits
Visits for stitch removal and check-ups are part of recovery. Please attend on the scheduled dates.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a way to make swelling go down faster? Following these rules helps, but recovery varies. Following the clinic's advice is safer than trying aggressive methods.