Your Guide to Healing After Surgery
This page brings together all of our post-operative instructions in one organized place to help you prepare, heal, and get back to your best self with confidence.
Use the links below to jump to post-op guidance for your specific procedure:
- Liposuction Post-Operative Instructions
- Breast Augmentation Post-Operative Instructions
- Blepharoplasty Post-Operative Instructions
- Brachioplasty Post-Operative Instructions
- Brazilian Butt Lift Post-Operative Instructions
- Facelift Post-Operative Instructions
- Facial Fat Grafting Post-Operative Instructions
- Labiaplasty Post-Operative Instructions
- Otoplasty Post-Operative Instructions
- Body & Thigh Lift Post-Operative Instructions
- Breast Reduction Post-Operative Instructions
- Brow Lift Post-Operative Instructions
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Post-Operative Instructions
- General Nutrition During Surgical Recovery
- Physical Activity And Sex After Plastic Surgery
- What You Can And Cannot Wear On Surgery Day
At Millennial Plastic Surgery, we view recovery as a continuation of care that’s just as important as your procedure. These instructions are designed to support safe healing and optimal results. If you have questions or need clarification at any time, please reach out to our team.
General Recovery Recommendations
Regardless of the procedure you underwent, following these recovery guidelines can help support proper healing, reduce discomfort, and lower the risk of complications. Recovery times vary, but consistency with these steps is important throughout the healing process:
- Stay well hydrated and eat balanced meals that include protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support tissue repair and overall recovery.
- Take all prescribed and recommended medications exactly as directed, including pain medications, antibiotics, and supplements. Do not adjust dosages or stop medications without medical guidance.
- Prioritize rest, especially during the first several days after surgery, while gradually introducing light movement such as short walks to promote circulation and reduce stiffness.
- Follow all garment, dressing, and wound care instructions carefully, including when to change dressings, shower, or wear compression garments.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise until your surgeon confirms it is safe to resume these activities.
- Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments, as these visits allow your surgeon to monitor healing and address concerns early.
Contact your surgical team promptly if you have questions, notice unexpected changes, or feel uncertain about any aspect of your recovery.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Reach out right away if you notice:
- A fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C) or chills, which may indicate infection.
- Increasing, severe, or persistent pain that is not relieved by prescribed medications or worsens instead of improving.
- Redness, warmth, excessive swelling, or discharge from incision sites, especially if accompanied by foul odor or increasing tenderness.
- Sudden swelling, firmness, or noticeable asymmetry, particularly if it develops rapidly or affects only one side of the body.
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, which require immediate medical attention and may indicate a serious condition.
Recovery Supplies Checklist
Preparing your home before surgery helps reduce unnecessary strain during early recovery. While recommendations vary by procedure, most patients benefit from having essential supplies ready in advance. Specific instructions will be provided during your pre-operative appointment.
Basic Post-Operative Supplies
- Compression garment (if prescribed)
Supports tissues, helps manage swelling, and protects surgical contours. - Sterile gauze and dressings
For incision care during the first several days. - Antibacterial soap
For gentle cleansing. - Prescriptions filled prior to surgery
Including pain medication, antibiotics, or anti-nausea medication. - Loose, front-opening clothing
Makes dressing easier during the first week.
Procedure-Specific Items (When Advised)
- Wedge or elevation pillows
To maintain proper positioning after facial, breast, or abdominal surgery. - BBL positioning pillow
To reduce pressure on grafted areas following fat transfer. - Abdominal binder or support board
If recommended after body contouring procedures.
Patients should also arrange for responsible adult supervision during the first 24 hours and prepare a recovery area that minimizes bending, lifting, or stair use.
Your surgical team will provide individualized guidance based on your procedure and medical history. Dr. Shokrian and Dr. Elfar remain directly involved throughout your recovery. If you experience unexpected symptoms, notice changes that concern you, or have questions at any stage of healing, please contact our office so we can evaluate you promptly.