If you are planning to have reconstructive surgery to your face, it is a good idea to have some insight into what the recovery period will be like. After all, this type of reconstructive surgery is very intense, so it is understandable to wonder what the first few days at home are going to feel like and what you can do in order to make them as easy as possible. To help you with all of this, you are going to want to make sure to review the following tips:

Apply Ice Often Enough

You may come home with your face wrapped in bandages that you have to keep on, but you will still need to apply ice. The ice will reduce swelling, which will help improve your comfort and decrease the pain. You will want to speak with your doctor about how often they suggest for you apply the ice and how long each ice application should last.

Have Help Or Care On Hand

It is important to make sure that you are taking it easy as much as you can for the first few days of recovery. You do not need to worry about doing dishes, running the vacuum, or making dinner. You can cook a bunch of dinners ahead of time and store them in the freezer or your family can order in. If you have small children, you will want to find a friend or relative that can come stay with you at the house so they can help with the kids. You may also need extra support your first day home. For example, if you are not used to taking prescription pain medications, you might feel a little off balance and need assistance getting into and out of bed.

Take All Of Your Prescriptions

You will want to take all of your prescribed medicines, exactly how they are intended to be taken. You do not want to use aspirin in place of whatever pain medication the doctor gives you. Aspirin is a blood thinner, and you do not want your blood thin when you are recovering from surgery. If you have any questions or concerns about the medications you have been given, you can always reach out to your doctor or your pharmacist.

Don't stop here. Get in touch with your doctor to ask more questions and to get you one step closer to your surgery date.