You at last jumped at the chance to schedule your facial surgery with a reputable Portland facial plastic surgeon. You have your sights fixed on a more radiant, modern look. Now comes the part none wants to Google at three in a.m.—the recovery. Let’s reduce the tension with simple counsel given to residents every week by honest genuine surgeons.
Rest is not a recommendation—it is a need.
While you try to out-stubborn your body, healing moves at its own speed. The first few days Arrange yourself on your preferred armchair or the sofa. Surround yourself with literature, TV remotes, and munchies devoid of much chewing required. Try not to give in the want to “just check that one work email.” Healing prefers stillness.
Maintaining Your Head Up: Actually
Extra pillows both day and night assist you raise your head and ease edema. A wedge pillow might become your new best friend. You’ll feel better the less you stoop down or lean over to see your phone.
Ice Is Nice (Within Restricted Limits)
Although swelling and bruising are unpleasant, for the first 48 hours ice packs—wrapped in a towel—can provide actual relief. Don’t overindulge; fifteen minutes on, fifteen minutes off works great. Portlanders understand a little restraint goes a long way.
Follow the “No-Nos.”
Skip heavy lifting, cardiovascular training, and anything where “oops” might become “ouch.” Sort the hiking boots in the closet. Trust the list provided by your surgeon; every recommendation has underlying grounds.
Eat as though you really care.
Think of smoothies, brothy soups, scrambled eggs, and yogurt and stock your kitchen with soft foods and simple dinners. Though not thirsty, hydrate as if it were July in the Gorge.
Keep Gentle, Keep Clean
Listen to your surgeon on how to treat your face or clean incisions once you get the all-clear to shower. Avoid strong products. Your daily face wash or perfumed lotion will wait.
Search for Red Flags by Listening
Not worse, but rather better—pain should improve. Unusual swelling, redness, fever, or discharge calls for a call to the office. Avoid tough it out or crowd-based forum advise.
Patience is a kind of investment.
Portland’s laid-back attitude comes in very handy here. Results settle over weeks, occasionally even months. Your reflection will shift from “Whoa…,” to “Wow!,” as bruises fade and swelling goes down. Show yourself some compassion throughout as well.
Use Your Support System Lean on
If you’re bored, uncomfortable, or blue, get in touch. Friends and relatives really want to be of service. Let them;
Stay with Follow-Ups.
Those post-operative visits serve more than only exhibition value. Even if you feel like a million dollars, Portland surgeons are eager to see that everything is mending exactly as it should not be skipped an appointment.
Healing does not constitute a race. Go at your own speed in Stumptown atmosphere; before you know it, you will be back riding bikes, breakfast, and with great new confidence.