Dr. Saber’s Blog

Tips for a Smooth Plastic Surgery Recovery: From a Top Plastic Surgeon

Today, there is a large increase in people getting cosmetic procedures since most want to feel like the best version of themselves. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 1.5 million cosmetic surgical procedures are carried out every year. While cosmetic surgery can boast considerable benefits, the outcomes are not instant. Instead, there are a few days and sometimes even weeks of plastic surgery recovery to endure before feeling like new.

Plastic surgery recovery

Plastic surgery, as the name implies, is a surgery. The goal of plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery is to correct defects or enhance a patient’s appearance. Plastic surgery can also be used for reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery restores the face or body’s appearance after surgery, accidents, or trauma.

Tips for Plastic Surgery Recovery

Because it’s surgery, you’ll need time to recover. On average, plastic surgeries have a recovery period of about two weeks. At that point, the incisions should be properly healed, any excess fluid drained, and you’ll be able to resume normal activities.

Some procedures have a longer “recovery time” as your body fully adjusts. For example, breast augmentation and rhinoplasty (a nose job) take an extra couple of months for the final results to be visible.

Plastic surgery recovery tips

The cosmetic surgery recovery process can be long and uncomfortable. But, with these tips from Dr. Sepideh Saber – Encino’s top plastic surgeon – you can make the most of your downtime and help your body heal quickly.

Here are our top tips for what to do after plastic surgery:

How to rest after surgery

As a society, we are terrible at actually resting. You may have work or errands or children. Plus, you have to get groceries and cook and the bed is all the way upstairs…

We’re going to stop you there. Your body needs rest to heal properly. And after some surgeries – tummy tucks or other body contouring procedures – it’ll be difficult to move for a few days while the pain subsides. In addition, you’ll have to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a while.

The best way to ensure you’re getting adequate rest after surgery is to prepare ahead of time.

Preparing for surgery

  • Plan to have a friend or family member stay with you for the first week (when the side effects are worst).
  • If you have kids, leave them with their grandparents for a couple days while you rest.
  • Put books, phone chargers, TV remotes, and whatever else you need within arm’s reach of your resting spot.
  • Have pre-prepared meals your helper can just throw in the microwave for you.

While cosmetic surgery can boast considerable benefits, the outcomes are not instant.

Drink plenty of water after surgery

It is essential to stay hydrated during plastic surgery recovery. Every cell in your body relies on water to function, so you need plenty of fluids (and no, wine isn’t a fluid). To keep hydrated, you can incorporate the following into your diet:

  • coconut water
  • lemon or lime water
  • natural juice
  • milk
  • soup
  • herbal tea

Remember that caffeine and alcohol are diuretics. Not only will they have you constantly standing up to go to the bathroom, they’ll dehydrate you faster. So, save that bottle of wine for celebrating the end of your recovery.

What to eat after surgery?

A healthy diet is paramount during your healing process. It helps provide your body with the strength and energy required to expedite recovery. Always take food rich in protein, healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates. 

Tips for Plastic Surgery Recovery

Wear comfortable clothes

If you undergo a body contouring procedure or breast surgery, you’ll be sent home with compression garments to decrease swelling. Make sure to wear it as long as you’re told to! Make sure your other clothing is soft enough to keep you comfortable. They should also be simple and easy to wear. Loose-fitting clothing helps to curb rubbing or pressing on the incision site.

Button-up shirts are also great for post-surgery wear. Lifting your arms over your head to take a shirt on and off might be painful or difficult depending on what surgery you’ve had.

Follow after surgery care instructions

After the surgery, your plastic surgeon will give you some instructions to follow. To ensure a speedy and smooth recovery, make sure you follow those instructions! If you’re confused about any of the instructions, ask! Your surgeon’s instructions may include:

  • Call your surgeon with any concerns or unexpected side effects
  • Take pain medications as prescribed (or over-the-counter medication if directed)
  • Go to your follow-up appointments so your doctor can track your healing and check for problems
  • No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise

How to prevent blood clots after surgery?

Despite being a rare side effect, many surgery patients are understandably worried about blood clots. When you’ve gotten the okay from your surgeon, walking is a great tool for recovery. Being up and moving around will make you feel better, and walking promotes blood circulation, decreasing your risk of blood clots.

However, it is not advisable to engage in strenuous exercises after surgery.

Why it’s critically important to choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

All surgery comes with some risk, we all know this. But did you know that many doctors who perform plastic surgery are not American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeons?

For a surgeon to become board certified, they must have at least 14 years of higher education including special intensive training in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. 

This means that in the very unlikely event of a complication, it can be handled quickly and efficiently. Because board-certified plastic surgeons have full admitting privileges at local hospitals. Non-board-certified plastic surgeons do not, thus they cannot even treat you outside of their own surgery center. Additionally, Dr. Saber always works with leading board-certified anesthesiologists during her procedures to ensure patient safety (unfortunately this is not always the case with surgeons).

Why choose Saber Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, is an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified Los Angeles plastic surgeon. In addition to plastic surgery, she is also highly skilled in the application of Botox, dermal fillers, and other injectable cosmetic treatments.

She graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC). She then completed a fellowship at New York University (NYU) in the extremely challenging and delicate area of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients of all ages and from all walks of life have praised not only their outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to all types of appearance and health-related matters.

To request a consultation, call 818-818-2939 or schedule a consultation online.

Dr. Saber takes her patients’ safety very seriously. Her facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. Masks are required in our office at all times during the coronavirus pandemic.

The practice of 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.

The plastic surgery practice of Dr. Saber specializes in numerous procedures including abdominoplasty, breast implants, breast reduction, breast lift, rhinoplasty (nose job), facelift surgery, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), neck lifts, brow lifts, facelifts, plus Botox and fillers, to name a few.

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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
    🏥 Encino, CA | Book a Free Consult
    ☎️ (833) 215-0500
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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

    4.8
    Over 16 Reviews

    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