Tag: Wound Healing

A cesarean section (C-section) is a common and sometimes lifesaving procedure for both mother and baby. The surgery requires the pregnant mother to be under anesthesia while a surgeon makes an incision in the mother’s lower abdomen to safely retrieve the baby from her belly. Every C-section is different but healing time after a C-section generally takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks. If there is a problem with the surgery or the mother develops an infection post-op, then healing can take longer. To speed up recovery from C-section surgery, new mothers can practice proper wound care, nutrition, and other lifestyle choices that will aid in her recovery.

9 Tips for How To Heal Faster After a C-Section

1. Rest

Sleep is vital to recovering after surgery. Your body does most of its repair work during sleep including fighting off infections, repairing skin cells, and building new skin tissue. Ask your friends and family to help take care of your newborn when you are recovering from your C-section surgery. Sleep whenever you can and avoid doing strenuous activities. Getting plenty of rest is key to an easier recovery.

2. Pain Relief

You shouldn’t be expected to suffer in silence. If you are having trouble managing your pain, have your doctor prescribe pain relievers. Should pain relief medication not work for you, contact your doctor. They may be able to get to the root of your pain and provide a more effective alternative.

3. Wound Care

Your doctor or midwife should give you tips on how to best care for your incision wound after C-section. Generally, wounds should be cleaned and dried every day to help prevent infection. Wear loose clothing so as not to restrict blood flow to your healing wound. Check regularly for signs of infection such as red streaks coming from the incision, inflamed skin tissue accompanied by a painful, burning, and itching sensation at the wound site.

4. Nutrition

Wound care recovery starts from the inside. When you feed your body properly, it will have the energy it needs to repair itself. Be sure to eat plenty of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Hydration is equally important. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and electrolytes throughout your entire recovery process.

5. Supplements

Vitamin supplements will provide you with the necessary nutrients your body needs for recovery. Diet alone is not always the best way to obtain the essential vitamins and minerals you need, especially if you have less of an appetite after surgery. WoundVite from Zen Nutrients is an all-in-one dietary supplement that contains 21 of the most important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed for wound recovery. The unique all natural formula was co-created by licensed Tampa Bay based pharmacist, Devan Patel, along with other leading industry physicians. WoundVite was formulated specifically to aid post-op patients recover more quickly from their surgeries.

6. Go For Walks

Although you should be careful of how much exercise you get during recovery, you will need to do some form of regular movement to prevent blood clots and other heart vessel issues. Walking is a low intensity workout that gets the blood and oxygen flowing through your body. Regular blood flow and oxygen will increase your body’s ability to heal faster.

7. Prevent Constipation

Constipation after a C-section can happen due to hormonal shifts, weaker stomach muscles, and inactivity. Constipation can be painful and straining too hard can prevent the C-section incision from healing. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and taking a stool softener to prevent strained bowel movements.

8. Don’t Skip Postpartum Checkups

The 12 weeks after a baby is born is sometimes referred to as the 4th trimester.  You should visit your doctor or OBGYN no later than 3 weeks after giving birth. During your checkup your doctor will discuss your physical recovery, mental health, how well you’re sleeping, your baby’s health, and how you’re managing pregnancy related problems like high blood pressure. It’s important not to skip your doctor’s appointments so he or she can give you the best possible care.

9. Know When to Seek Medical Advice

After every surgery there is always the risk of complications. Proper post-op care can help to prevent complications such as infections, but there is still a chance you may experience problems. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care;

• Severe pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Leaking urine
• Painful or swollen wound
• Discharge of pus or foul-smelling fluid coming from wound
• Swelling or pain in your lower leg
• Cough or shortness of breath

Experiencing any of these symptoms could be a sign of an infection or blood clot.

In Summary

A C-section operation is common, but a different experience for every woman. Proper wound care, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes will help to heal C-section incisions more quickly. Preventative care will reduce your risk of serious complications, but should you experience unusual symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately

Cosmetic surgery in the US is now more common than ever. Changing beauty standards along with more advanced surgery techniques that ensure better results are among the many reasons Americans undergo cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery that involves reconstructing one’s nose shape. Recovery from rhinoplasty can be lengthy. In general, it can take 12-18 months to see the final result and improvement of reconstructive nose surgery. To ensure you are healing properly, it’s important to practice proper post-op wound care. Keep reading for 10 tips on how to heal faster after a rhinoplasty procedure.

10 Tips To Heal Faster After a Rhinoplasty

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

First and foremost, you should always listen to your doctor or surgeon. The doctor or surgeon who performed your rhinoplasty should give you a post-op recovery checklist of how you should properly care for your nose. Follow your doctor’s orders as described, they know how best to care for you.

2. Reduce Swelling

It’s important to ice your wound for the first three days after your procedure. A bag of frozen peas (or ice pack designed for wound care) applied to your eyes and cheek area will be most effective for reducing swelling and bruising. Placing frozen peas or an ice pack over your cheeks and under eye area (where most swelling and bruising occurs) will cause the blood vessels to constrict, which will reduce swelling. Less swelling will enable your nose to heal faster.

3. Nutrition

Following a healthy diet full of whole foods such as fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and protein will provide your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to repair itself. Proper nutrients will help your body fight off infection and build and repair skin tissue faster. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids as hydrated skin heals faster and lessens the appearance of scar tissue.

4. Supplements

Dietary supplements are helpful for those who have difficulties getting proper nutrition through their diet. WoundVite is an all-in-one dietary supplement co-formulated by Tampa Bay veteran pharmacist, Devan Patel, and other leading industry wound care physicians. The supplements unique 21 ingredient formula was created specifically to aid post-op patients in their wound care recovery. All 21 vitamins, minerals, and supplements are backed by science for their wound healing properties. Regular supplement intake will ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need to speed up the healing process.

5. Rest

Getting plenty of rest is essential to your rhinoplasty recovery. When you sleep, your body can put forth all its focus to repairing damaged tissue. Sleep, followed by plenty of rest will ensure your body has the energy to continue healing. Make sure to schedule time off work and take a break from your usually hectic routine post-op.

6. Don’t Eat Spicy Foods

You should avoid anything that might cause irritation to your nose or nasal passage for at least three weeks after your rhinoplasty. Any irritation could cause complications and impede your recovery. Spices such as cayenne pepper can irritate your sinuses and cause more swelling. Avoid spicy foods and stick to blander, less irritation food choices.

7. Don’t Smoke

If you’re a smoker, you should stop two weeks before your surgery and at least two weeks after. The nicotine in cigarettes limits blood flow and can interfere with your body’s recovery. Plus, the smell of smoke may be irritating to your nasal passage, which will further impede your healing.

8. Keep Your Head Elevated

Keeping your head elevated while you sleep can limit the amount of bruising and swelling that occurs 1-3 weeks post rhinoplasty. Propping your head up at night will keep the blood flow moving away from your nose and drain any other fluids associated with healing.

9. Stay Out of the Sun

You should avoid getting too much sun on your face while healing from rhinoplasty. UV rays are harmful to new skin tissue and can permanently darken scars. Be sure to wear plenty of sunblock and wear sun hats to protect your skin from the sun.

10. Don’t Skip Post-Op Appointments

Your doctor schedules post-op appointments for a reason. Don’t miss these scheduled appointments, even if you think you’re healing okay. Your doctor or surgeon needs to be able to monitor your recovery and ensure you’re healing properly. Missing an appointment could mean missing a chance to spot a problem, which can set your recovery time back even farther.

The Takeaway

Rhinoplasty is a common procedure with a lengthy full recovery time. However, following proper post-op instructions and taking certain precautions can help to speed up healing. Proper nutrition and supplements play a major role in recovery, as does careful attention to doctor’s orders. Taking the time to heal properly is the key to your desired rhinoplasty results.