Between work, kids, your social life and other obligations, finding the time for a little self-care can be challenging. If you’ve been thinking about getting a tummy tuck or liposuction but simply haven’t had the time, scheduling your procedure during the slower summer months could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Most people have extra time off work and other activities this time of year, and many plastic surgery practices tend to have more open availability when the weather is warmer. However, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind when recovering from plastic surgery in the summer to ensure excellent results.
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Be Prepared to Take a Break from the Sun
Although you’re likely used to spending your summer vacation soaking up the sun, you’ll need to be prepared to stay indoors for the first week or two after plastic surgery. The sun’s UV rays can not only damage your skin and contribute to scarring, but they can also slow down your body’s healing process. Further, be sure to wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing to protect your skin when you do go outside.
An added benefit of staying indoors during your body contouring recovery is that air conditioning can help you beat the heat and stay cool and comfortable.
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Wait to Swim
In addition to staying out of the sun, you’ll also need to take a break from the water after your tummy tuck or liposuctionprocedure. For the first four to six weeks, avoid submerging any incisions in water, especially in hot tubs, lakes, rivers and oceans, where the risk of infection is greater.
Make sure you get the okay from your plastic surgeon before hitting the pool after your plastic surgeryprocedurethis summer.
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Clear Your Schedule
You might be planning your usual busy summer filled with vacations, pool days and running the kids around to various activities. However, if you’ve had summer plastic surgery, the best thing you can do for yourself is to clear your schedule andblock off some time for rest and relaxation.
As tempting as it might be to keep up with your usual summer routine, don’t try to push your body to do too much too soon. Therefore, remember to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise, including lifting children in and out of the car, for the initial stage of recovery after body contouring.
Instead, create a cool, relaxing recovery space for yourself where you can comfortably rest and recuperate without feeling the urge to get up and do chores or take care of other duties. Equip your space with plenty of books, magazines, movies and other entertainment so you won’t miss the squelching temperatures outside one bit.
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Arrange for Childcare
If you are a parent with kids who are home during the summer, you might need some extra help around the house and getting them to their summer activities. Arrange for childcare ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to find help once you get home.
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Drink Plenty of Water
It’s so important to stay hydrated while you recover from a tummy tuck or any other surgical procedure, especially during hot summer months. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
You can also stock up on yummy summer foods like watermelon and strawberries to not only help you hydrate, but to also help your body heal.
Dr. David Kaufman earned a bachelor of science degree from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with distinction, the highest academic honor. As an active duty naval special warfare officer, he served our nation for four years, including duty in Operation Desert Storm. He then attended Harvard Medical School, receiving his medical doctor degree in 1996. From there, he entered and completed postdoctoral surgical training in a combined general and plastic surgery residency at Stanford University Medical Center.
A board-certified plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Kaufman’s diverse surgical experience and skill enables him to choose procedures and techniques to best suit each patient. Consider him and his practice, Kaufman Plastic Surgery, if you are looking for a plastic surgeon in the Sacramento area.
