Putting the pieces back together

Is the hardest part over?

When you were researching plastic surgery, how many testimonials said that healing was not painful? Probably few. The entire process can be a chore but hopefully you were able to at least plan your procedure painlessly. Some patients spend years singling out their surgical strategy. Others drag their feet when deciding on a doctor. 

After plans have been procured, you have the physical stress of pre-op testing and fasting the night before. And we haven’t even referenced recovery! This can be a long and laborious time, laden with unforeseen challenges and frustrations patients have not fathomed.

We write this article for all the friends and family of plastic surgery patients, sharing some advice on ways the support system can step up and assist in recovery. 

If you’re a skimmer

Here’s a quick list of ways you can help your newly stitched buddy. Keep in mind, the patient’s needs will vary based on the specific surgery he or she has had. For example, a patient who’s only had a BBL should only sleep on his or her stomach. When awake, a BBL patient should only sit on their special pillow. Keep in mind that keeping pressure off those enhanced cheeks is your priority. 

On the other hand, a tummy tuck or breast implant patient will need to stay on her back, sleeping in what we call the “V” position in a bed or reclining chair. Knowing the procedures that have been done will help you make heads or tails of your friend or family member’s situation.

Even though different patients will have different needs after their procedures, there is a general list that can apply to a majority of plastic surgery patients. Following this list can help you provide some top-level care and comfort.

You might not be a medical professional, but you can work on:

• Making a safe and comfortable living situation

• Doing daily chores

• Setting up and maintaining medications

• Pouring water and making food

• Being a chauffeur

Making a safe and comfortable living situation

Besides pain management, the other primary thought on a post-surgical patient’s mind is comfort and rest. When patients are discharged from the hospital and are vertical, the next thing they probably want is to be horizontal again. They need a comfortable place to convalesce. Creating that place is your job as their caregiver. 

If their abode is hygienically foreboding, make time to clean it before bringing the patient home. Sweep, dust, mop with disinfectant and do a deep clean so your patient’s wound sites are safe from contamination.

When everything is clean, arrange furniture to provide space for some slow shuffling. Even the most athletic person can lose his or her grace and evolve into an inept elephant. Create some space for movement and remove any chance of trip hazards. Use disposable bed pads or shower curtains on any furniture your patient will rest on if he or she is leaking any bodily fluids. 

Doing daily chores

Keep up with the upkeep and help with frequent tasks like dishes and laundry. While some patients will be physically capable of handling light housework, healing should still be their main priority. As the caretaker, please be willing to help. 

Patients are usually discharged from the hospital with lymphatic fluid drains. These drains will need to be emptied on a regular basis. If you’re a big squeamish even thinking about blood, do your best to cope. Go to your happy place and play nurse until your patient can handle them themselves. 

Setting up and maintaining medications

If your patient’s surgeon didn’t send him or her home with a medication schedule, you should make one. Write the medicine’s name, dosage time and quantity and whether it should be taken before or after food. 

Some doctors recommend keeping a schedule of ongoing pain relief management to stay ahead of the pain, managing it before it gets out of control. Do not hesitate to ask the surgeon’s team any questions about this vital part of the healing process. Physically arrange the medication in chronological order as to when it should be taken. 

Feel free to use technology to set alarms for medication, drain maintenance or other daily chores that need completed. 

Pouring water and making food

Hands down, water is the best thing for your patient. It flushes any residual anesthesia out of the body. It helps the body heal; a hydrated body will heal more quickly AND with less pain. Water helps pain relief medicine process more efficiently because it keeps everything moving through the body. Not to get too personal, but understand that a majority of patients struggle to poop. And water DOES help keep EVERYTHING moving. 

Water is key but it’s not the only thing patients need. They also need good protein. You can ask if their doctor has suggestions for nutrition. Regardless of the surgery, think about stocking up on whole foods like vegetables and lean protein. Barring any dietary restrictions, chicken breast and eggs are great fuel for recovery. Patients may also appreciate the convenience of protein bars - as long as they are not full of processed sugar - or shakes. Be mindful of sodium levels; salt will make that healing body swell right up.

Fresh pineapple and 100% pineapple juice are also key ingredients in efficient rehabilitation. This fruit is very high in bromelain, which combats swelling and will make your patient more comfortable.

Being a chauffeur

Your patient will need to see his or her doctor a few days after surgery for follow-up appointments. He or she might need help with catching a ride or shuffling into the office. They might have questions regarding the healing process throughout the journey and sometimes they’re hard to remember. Keep a notebook around the house or use your phone to document them so you can ask at appointments. 

To wrap it up

Understand that this list is not all-inclusive or completely universal. Each patient is different, although there are a few basic needs that are commonly shared. Some plastic surgeons in New Jersey, USA, wrote an article that might also be helpful for you. Maybe you’re not a naturally nurturing person and that’s ok. Think of this experience as an opportunity to generate some good karma for yourself. Maybe one day you will be sliding off the plastic surgery table and in need of a sturdy arm and clean house.