First of all, plan and prepare for a recovery period. Don’t just expect to have the surgery and then be ready to return to work. Recovery following an extensive cosmetic surgery procedure could take up to a few weeks. It’s also a good idea to plan to have someone care for you at home for the first day or two after your discharge.

Since you will have to consider a range of both physical and emotional healing issues, it’s best to take the cosmetic surgery recovery process slowly. Take it easy as much as possible as you wait for the pain, bruising, and swelling to lessen. Next, adjust your expectations. Cosmetic surgery recovery takes time, so expect to look worse for awhile before looking better.

For any swelling, particularly on the face after facial surgery, apply ice regularly, whether you already have bandages applied to reduce swelling or not. If you had surgery on your head or neck, keep them elevated to help reduce swelling as well.

Drink, drink, and drink some more—water, that is. Hydration is key to any healing process—cosmetic surgery recovery included.  Your body will also need to replenish lost fluids. Further, avoid direct sunlight as well as any anti-inflammatory medications during your initial cosmetic surgery recovery period.  Finally, make sure you follow your surgeon’s guidelines exactly, including taking any medication and following his recommendations on activity and hygiene.