Post-Operative Care Instructions

Proper post-operative care is essential to healing, safety, and achieving the best possible surgical outcome. At Puyana Plastic Surgery, recovery is treated as an extension of the surgical process itself, with the same level of precision and attention.

The following guidelines provide general post-operative care instructions. Your personalized instructions always take priority if they differ from the information below.

Why Post-OperativeCare Matters

Healing does not end when surgery is complete. How your body recovers afterward directly affects your results. Proper post-operative care helps to:

  • Reduce the risk of complications and infection
  • Promote optimal wound healing
  • Minimize swelling, bruising, and discomfort
  • Protect surgical results
  • Support a smoother and faster recovery

Strict adherence to post-operative instructions is critical.

The First 24–48 Hours After Surgery

The initial recovery period is the most important.

  • Expect drowsiness, swelling, and mild to moderate discomfort
  • Rest with your head and/or body elevated as instructed
  • Avoid unnecessary movement and physical exertion
  • Have a responsible adult stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery

Do not drive, make important decisions, or operate machinery while under the effects of anesthesia or pain medication.

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Pain Management& Medications

You may be prescribed medications for pain control, infection prevention, or inflammation.

  • Take all medications exactly as prescribed
  • Do not exceed recommended doses
  • Do not combine medications unless approved

Unless approved by your surgeon:

  • Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
  • Avoid herbal supplements and blood-thinning agents
  • Do not resume restricted medications until cleared

If you experience severe pain not controlled by medication, contact our office.

Incision Care & Dressings

  • Keep surgical dressings intact unless instructed otherwise
  • Do not remove sutures, steri-strips, or surgical tape unless directed
  • Keep incisions clean and dry
  • Follow showering instructions carefully (timing varies by procedure)

     

Do not apply creams, ointments, oils, or scar products unless approved.

Swelling, Bruising & Drainage

Swelling and bruising are normal and may peak within the first few days.

  • Use cold compresses only if instructed
  • Wear compression garments exactly as directed
  • Mild drainage or spotting can be normal

Excessive swelling, sudden asymmetry, increasing redness, or worsening pain should be reported immediately.

Activity & Mobility

  • Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation
  • Avoid strenuous activity, lifting, bending, or exercise until cleared
  • Do not raise blood pressure or heart rate unnecessarily

     

  • Follow all restrictions regarding sleeping position and movement

     

Returning to work and normal activities depends on your procedure and recovery progress.

Smoking, Nicotine & Alcohol

Nicotine severely compromises healing.

  • No nicotine use for at least 4 weeks after surgery
  • This includes cigarettes, vaping, patches, gum, and lozenges

     

Alcohol should be avoided while taking pain medication and during early recovery, as it can increase bleeding and swelling.

Smoking, Nicotine & Alcohol

Nicotine severely compromises healing.

  • No nicotine use for at least 4 weeks after surgery
  • This includes cigarettes, vaping, patches, gum, and lozenges

Alcohol should be avoided while taking pain medication and during early recovery, as it can increase bleeding and swelling.

Nutrition & Hydration During Recovery

Healing requires proper nutrition.

  • Focus on a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Avoid excessive salt, which can worsen swelling
  • Avoid crash dieting during recovery

If supplements are recommended, use only those approved by our team.

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Follow-Up Appointments

Post-operative visits are essential to monitor healing.

  • Attend all scheduled follow-ups
  • Sutures, drains, or dressings may be adjusted or removed during visits
  • Recovery progress will be evaluated and activity restrictions updated

Do not skip appointments, even if you feel well.

Compression Garments & Support Devices

If prescribed:

  • Wear compression garments exactly as instructed
  • Do not modify garments without approval
  • Proper compression supports healing and results

     

Failure to wear garments correctly may compromise outcomes.

Warning Signs – Call Us Immediately If You Experience:

  • Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
  • Increasing redness, warmth, or drainage from incisions
  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Sudden swelling, firmness, or asymmetry
  • Signs of infection or allergic reaction

Prompt communication allows early intervention.

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Your Responsibility

Your results depend on a partnership between you and your surgical team. Following post-operative instructions carefully is essential for safety, healing, and achieving optimal results.

If you are unsure about any instruction or experience unexpected symptoms, contact our office immediately.

Questions During Recovery?

Our team is here to support you throughout your recovery. If you have questions regarding medications, wound care, activity restrictions, or follow-up appointments, please reach out.

Your healing is our priority.