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Have your significant other, parent or good friend there to take care of you for the first 48-72 hours after your lip surgery.
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Take your pain medications -- there is simply no reason to suffer. Studies have proven that lack of pain and stress can significantly decrease healing time during cosmetic surgery recovery.
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Take your antibiotics -- you do not want an infection.
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Do not eat raw meats such as sushi or steak tar tar. Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly. No kissing your significant other until your incision is healed and your sutures removed.
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Keep changing out the bags of berries, peas or whatever you're using as an ice pack. Cold really helps the swelling and discomfort, especially during the first 48 hours. Do not place ice or extremely cold compresses directly on skin for long periods of time. If your surgeon says no icing, no icing. Always abide by your surgeon's rules.
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Try to eat something. You need your energy while your body is working over time to heal itself after your lip augmentation. At least some Ritz crackers, vanilla wafers or Goldfish crackers until you can keep other foods down. No natural garlic flavored crackers as garlic thins the blood and can cause acid indigestion.
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Drink lots of fluids -- this is imperative. Your body needs it to help flush out the residual anesthesia and pain meds, especially after you stop taking them. Plus you will retain more fluid, resulting in bloat, if you're not well-hydrated.
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Speaking of being bloated, it's going to be a fact of life. Don't be upset, it will subside.
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Some patients recommend daikon (a root vegetable) to help with constipation brought on by pain medications. It also helps flush out the system. This may work best after you are finished with your medications. Mild stool softeners like Colace are really effective, but ask your surgeon first.
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Have pillows alongside as well as in back of you. These can either support your arms or assist you in trying to roll over. Sleep on your back and keep your torso elevated for at least 10 days.
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Take your temperature regularly! An elevated temperature over 101° could mean an infection.
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Take those antibiotics on time. Keep in mind that is you're taking birth control pills, some antibiotics can interfere with their effectiveness. If you have relations, use a back up form of protection as well.
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When you get tired, sleep. It gives your body more time and energy to direct towards healing.
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Get up and walk around when you are able, but don't over do it. Too much too soon spells disaster and problems.
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If you had to quit smoking before surgery, please do not start again. Smoking decreases vascularity and can result in wound closure problems and necrosis (death) of skin cells and tissue.
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Keep moist towelettes near the bed. They allow you to fresh up without much effort.
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Keep the phone ringer turned off in your room. Proper rest is essential.
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Have a whistle on hand, a walkie-talkie or an intercom system so that you may alert your caregiver in case of need. Do not abuse this arrangement!
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Ask your surgeon about silicone sheeting, Kelocote, Steri-strips, Maderma or whatever else he or she recommends for scar treatment after lip surgery. The old standby, vitamin E, can actually cause contact dermatitis in some patients, as well as worsen scars.
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Take your after photos or day-by-day photos if you are keeping track of your progress.
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If you are keeping a journal, write in it daily because you may forget later due to the amnesiac properties of the anesthesia.
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Have someone post or email your online friends after your surgery so they won't worry about you.
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Make sure you don't take any aspirin containing products or drink alcohol for at least 2 weeks.
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Have your friends stop by to visit. When you're feeling up to it, go out and get some fresh air – it'll do you good. Just don't overdo it.
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Don't start getting depressed and thinking that you are "ugly" because of the swelling. It may take a long time to subside. Besides, depression and stressing out over anything is not good for proper recovery. Expect it and you will know how to conquer it.
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If you are using topical arnica, try not to get it on your actual incisions. It could irritate your wounds.
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Continue taking vitamin C during your recovery, if your surgeon approves. Sometimes taking vitamin C postoperatively can cause excess collagen formation and increase scar tissue, but this is usually only a problem with eye lift patients.
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No heavy lifting, which generally means nothing over 5 to 7 pounds.
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No bending over! This is important. Bending over can increase blood pressure on your wounds and cause hemorrhaging.
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Go to your postoperative appointments. These are important. You don't want to void any revision "warranties" between you and your surgeon, nor do you want to compromise your chances of a great result.
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Be careful around your significant other and children, and ask them to be careful around you. Your implant may shift during the first stages of healing, especially if you do not have the implant stitched in place.
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If your back hurts, ask your surgeon what muscle relaxers or medications can help alleviate it.
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Or try hot water bottles or heating pads for your back - but do not sleep on them, as they can cause burns.
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Watch for suspicious swelling and discolorations that could be a hematoma. Know the difference between a hematoma and a simple bruise.
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Make a chart for taking your meds. Some are taken every four hours and others four a day. Don't confuse the instructions. Or print out our own Medication Time Chart for your convenience.
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After you bathe, place a towel on the closed toilet seat and sit down to dry yourself. This can be a blessing if you are dizzy from pain meds.
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If you are a woman and you are expecting your period and it does not come, do not become worried. Medications, trauma and anesthesia can affect your menstrual cycle. This goes for it starting at an "inopportune" time as well, such as surgery day. Have your feminine supplies on hand and expect it when you least expect it -- or not at all.
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You are probably going to be depressed a few days after your surgery or at some point during your recovery. This is very normal. Just warn your loved ones beforehand and keep your chin up. Your body has been put through a trauma, albeit a planned trauma and it will make you pay for it in its own subtle ways. Crying sessions, feelings of unattractiveness and general sadness are all normal and will pass.
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Most importantly, relax. Don't stress. Take care. Contact your surgeon if you feel there is anything wrong.
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