Dr. Saber’s Blog

How to Provide Care for a Loved One After Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery can drastically improve someone’s confidence and self-image. But it is still surgery and requires special post-operative care and limitations. Most plastic surgery patients will need help from a friend or family member during the first few days of recovery.

If your loved one is getting ready for plastic surgery and you want to help their recovery: this guide is for you!

What can a helper expect during the plastic surgery recovery process?

The exact care and assistance your loved one needs will vary depending on their surgical procedure. To figure out what they need, you should go over the post-operative instructions from the doctor.

These instructions will explain the procedure’s expected recovery time, any activity restrictions, instructions for wound care, and any other instructions necessary for efficient healing. Following this care plan can help make the healing process easier for your loved one and ensure their speedy recovery.

Caring for friend after surgery

How can I provide my loved one the best care after plastic surgery?

The recovery process is challenging and full of discomfort. Many patients also get frustrated at being unable to immediately resume normal activities. The best way to streamline the healing process is to review the surgeon’s post-op recovery instructions and go over an aftercare plan with your loved one before their surgery.

Here are some tips from a board-certified plastic surgeon on how to provide the best care for your loved one during their recovery period.

1 – Follow the doctor’s instructions

Plastic surgery procedures have post-operative rules and recovery tips just like any other surgery. It can be tempting to rush the recovery period and get back to normal activities, but that can result in pain, swelling, less-than-ideal results, or, in the worst case, infection.

Make sure your loved one is taking medications as directed, only taking approved pain medication, wearing their compression garments, cleaning drainage tubes if necessary, and avoiding strenuous activity.

2 – Prepare the recovery space

When your loved one gets home, they’ll be sleepy from the procedure and relieved that it’s over. The first thing on their agenda will be to “jump” into bed. To avoid stress, it can help to prepare the house for recovery before they get home.

  • If possible, set up the recovery space on the first floor. At a minimum, make sure it’s on the same floor as a bathroom.
  • The room should be clean and organized.
  • Arrange the bed with soft pillows and extra blankets. Depending on the type of surgery, the patient may have to elevate their head or legs or need extra support.
  • Place essential items at the bedside for easy access — plenty of water, ice packs, medication, snacks, charging cables, the TV remote, etc.

3 – Prepare food

Many patients lose their appetite after surgery so having soft, soothing foods (soup, crackers, apple sauce) available will be helpful. After surgery, your friend/family member may suffer from nausea and constipation.

Eating a healthy diet promotes healing and minimizes complications and side effects. You can assist with meal preparation before surgery and freeze extra servings if necessary.

4 – Help around the house

For at least the first three to five days post-surgery, your loved one is going to have to take it easy. They’ll also need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for multiple weeks. For breast augmentation procedures, they won’t be allowed to lift their arms over their head for up to two weeks!

Your loved one may need help getting things down from shelves, doing dishes, grocery shopping, or wrangling children.

5 – Monitor for signs of infection

The surgical site needs to be watched for signs of infection and to monitor healing progress. Have Dr. Saber’s office phone number available in case you see any signs of infection around the wound, as this may require an emergency room visit. Some things to look out for:

  • Pain is worsening
  • Redness or swelling
  • Bleeding or oozing pus
  • Bad odor
  • Increasing wound drainage
  • The incision is larger, deeper, and dried out
  • Body temperature increases above 100° F for more than four hours.

6 – Assist with incision care

To avoid infection, you may have to help your loved one properly care for their surgical incision.

  • A gentle wash with soap and water is the only care the incision needs unless otherwise directed by the surgeon.
  • Scabbing is normal around surgical staples so don’t pick at them! Removal of scabs slows down the healing process.
  • Soaking the incision is harmful because it can weaken the suture line. Therefore, many surgeons recommend showers instead of baths following surgery. Check with the surgeon for special instructions.
  • Keep the incision clean. Don’t use any lotions or moisturizers on the surgical site until it has fully healed. After a facelift, avoid makeup for three to five days.

7 – Keep the patient moving

Remaining mobile is one of the most important things to do for recovery. While they’ll have to avoid strenuous activity, movement is important to promote healing and prevent blood clots.

A gentle walk around the house a few times a day will keep the blood moving and slowly transition back into normal activities.

8 – Follow up with the surgeon

Your loved one will have at least one follow-up appointment with their plastic surgeon. This appointment will be to monitor the healing and check the results. Depending on when the appointment is and how your friend is feeling, you may have to be the one to drive them to this appointment.

Why choose Saber Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Sepideh Saber is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing cosmetic procedures and surgeries from a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. She ensures that all questions are answered so that each patient can make a truly well-informed decision.

Keeping her patients safe remains her top priority. She employs the latest state-of-the-art techniques and performs her procedures in the top surgical centers and hospitals, where she enjoys full admitting privileges.

To request a consultation, please call (877) 205-4100 or click here to schedule a consultation online.

Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

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    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020