The phase following an aesthetic surgery is generally characterized by a feeling of well being and relief, especially when the retouching has been long thought out and desired.
As Professor Marco Klinger, Head of Plastic Surgery at Humanitas explains: “The feeling most often reported by patients is that of finally feeling themselves, happy in their own bodies as this may have never happened before. For this to happen, however, it is essential that the operation be performed well, in respect of what is shared with the patient and in a perspective of naturalness and harmony.
Attention during convalescence
“From a medical point of view, convalescence is a time to follow carefully, to avoid complications and if possible to maximize results. An example of this is the recommendation to patients subjected to lipoaspiration, to perform massages to make the contours of the body even more symmetrical and homogeneous.
From a psychological point of view, convalescence is a precious moment to take stock of your lifestyle and in the case of patients who are lazy or not very attentive to food, assume positive habits to continue in the future. Especially in remodeling interventions (such as abdominoplasty and lipoaspiration), I begin to share with patients the importance of a healthy and active life from the first meetings, when the intervention is not yet decided. It makes no sense to remove excess tissue and fat from a woman’s abdomen if the patient does not commit herself to avoiding fattening and slimming in alternating phases in the future,” underlines Professor Klinger.
The patient’s commitment is fundamental
“I generally make it clear that the success of the operation depends not only on me, but also on the patient’s commitment immediately after the surgery and in the years to come. Without the right movement and essential nutrients, the tissues will age earlier and lose tone and elasticity. It is therefore important to arouse an active commitment in the patient and I find that this too is about being a doctor, before being a surgeon and even before being a plastic surgeon,” the specialist points out.
A healthy lifestyle
“My recommendations are more in the name of “philosophy” than precise indications, where I leave the field for professionals in nutrition and training. I therefore suggest that we follow a varied and balanced diet, preferring seasonal fruit and vegetables and avoiding eating to such an extent that we are completely satisfied. I don’t think the “satisfaction” aspect should be overlooked: yes to a few mischievous things, as long as they’re not daily, and above all yes to the little pleasures of every day, including the time to dedicate to the most important and positive relationships, to the right amount of sleep and relaxation.
Finally, there can be no lack of physical activity. I recommend that my patients move: as much as possible and always avoiding fanaticism, which is harmful in all areas. For those who have never done so, starting a sport can be tiring, but you can rely on the advice of specialists and thus find the right motivational key.
Plastic surgery can therefore help – albeit with due care and following a path shared between the surgeon and the patient – to feel better with themselves, but it is not enough. It is important to make a personal commitment to taking care of oneself in one’s own lifestyle, thus ensuring an even longer post-surgical outcome,” Professor Klinger concluded.
