Must-Have #1 – Support
It may seem obvious that you will need some help after undergoing surgery. The interesting thing about this is that many patients underestimate how much help they will need. They also underestimate how difficult it may be to accept help. For this reason, we encourage you to begin the mental preparation for your recovery well in advance of your surgery. Recognize that, for a few days at least, you may need someone to help you to the bathroom. You may need someone to give you your medications on time. Someone may need to cook or bring healthy food to the house. You can also benefit from some good old-fashioned visiting. The more prepared you are for this temporary interruption to your normal routine, the better you will handle your recovery.
Must-Have #2 – Helpful Remedies
Before surgery, patients are relieved to know that prescription pain medication will keep them comfortable. Another crucial detail that needs to be known is that the medication that prevents pain may cause a particularly uncomfortable side effect, constipation. There are two helpful remedies you can acquire before surgery to keep the risk of constipation to a minimum. You should need only one. The first is a good fiber supplement. When taking fiber, it is essential to drink at least 64 ounces of water throughout the day. Another option is to take magnesium citrate daily while you are taking prescription pain medication. Each of these remedies is convenient and has been shown effective at managing constipation.
Are you ready for the rewards that plastic surgery has to offer? Contact our Louisville office at 502-425-5200 to schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Salzman.