Minimizing Pain after Plastic Surgery

When considering plastic surgery, it can be easy to concentrate on the benefits and downplay some of the less appealing aspects of undergoing various procedures. While plastic surgery can certainly improve the lives of appropriate candidates, patients must also realize that even the most minimally invasive body contouring, breast enhancement, and facial rejuvenation procedures entail significant recovery periods. During these recovery periods, patients should expect to experience some discomfort and possibly even pain. Fortunately, however, there are ways to minimize this pain.

Dr. Brian Kobienia believes in being honest and straightforward with patients from their initial consultation onward. He provides them with all of the information they need to make educated, confident decisions about whether to proceed with surgery. This includes information not only about discomfort after plastic surgery, but also about minimizing pain after plastic surgery, during consultations at his Edina, MN practice. While he wants to establish realistic expectations among his patients, he also wants them to know that there are ways to help ensure the most comfortable and efficient healing process possible.

Are you a good candidate for plastic surgery? To find out, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Brian Kobienia today.

Four Ways to Minimize Pain after Plastic Surgery

During your pre-surgical appointments with Dr. Kobienia, he will provide you with ways to minimize pain and discomfort after plastic surgery that are specific to your case and the procedure that you are undergoing. In the meanwhile, here are four basic ways that patients can minimize pain after undergoing a plastic surgery procedure:

Take all pain medication exactly as prescribed: Pain is likely to be most acute during the first day or two after your surgery, so be sure to take all pain medication prescribed by Dr. Kobienia precisely as advised. Don’t wait for pain to worsen before taking your prescribed dose; adhere to the recommended schedule and keep your discomfort to a minimum.
Use ice packs to reduce swelling: Swelling at the surgical site can be a source of significant discomfort. Unless Dr. Kobienia advises you not to, you may use ice packs to reduce swelling and numb the area.
Engage in light walking but otherwise avoid strenuous activity: As soon as you are able, you should engage in as much light walking as you can. This will help to improve your circulation and boost your energy levels, both of which will aid in your healing and help to reduce your pain. Otherwise, avoid strenuous activity until Dr. Kobienia gives you the go-ahead.
Follow all post-surgical instructions to the letter: Dr. Kobienia will provide you with post-surgical instructions that will cover virtually all aspects of your recovery period, from bathing instructions to the usage of compression garments. Following these instructions to the absolute letter will help to ensure not only proper and timely healing but also your optimal comfort during that healing.