How to Accelerate Surgical Healing

Undergoing an elective surgical procedure can be overwhelming. You likely have taken time to do adequate research on your surgeon, the staff, and the facility you will be undergoing your operation in. While there are many components that go into the decision to get elective procedures done something that is not always considered as part of the planning process is your healing plan afterward. So much time is spent researching the actual procedure, results you are expecting, pre-operative testing, etc that often the healing phase is overlooked. Below are my simple steps on how to accelerate your healing process after your procedure.

1. The balance of movement and rest

   Following your surgery, you will be given specific “discharge instructions” from your surgeon regarding restricted movements, how long until you can exercise again, and what level of discomfort you may experience with movement. It is absolutely essential to follow these restrictions especially when it comes to LBT—-lifting, bending, and twisting. You will likely be limited in these range of motion activities for quite some time depending on the type of surgery you had. However, that said, movement in the form of walking is great to engage in after surgery. Walking after surgery helps to expand the lung tissue and gets blood flowing which helps prevent blood clots from forming. Walk as much as you possibly can. With that said, also know when your body needs to rest. Some days you will feel more fatigued than others and that is completely normal. Give yourself the grace to recognize when you need to rest and relax as well.

2. Meal Plan

   I could go on and on about the importance of proper nutrition in the pre and post-operative period. I have worked with a variety of patients all with varying levels of nutrition and the post-operative course would often change depending on the baseline level of nutrition. You are undergoing an elective procedure—which means that you overall are not severely nutrient deficient, but there are still ways the right meal choices can enhance your healing after surgery. Meals packed with antioxidants and protein help the body heal and give you the energy you need to do that walking we just talked about. Having a meal prep plan prior to your surgery will make the post-operative period easier and less stressful. By planning and cooking your meals ahead of time you ensure that your first few weeks post-operative will be as seamless as possible and nutrient-packed!!

3. Wound Healing

   Depending on the type of surgery you underwent your incision will look different. Wound monitoring and maintenance though stays relatively the same. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing that does not tightly rub against or irritate the surgical incision. Unless your surgeon specifically tells you another cleaning method the best way to keep the surgical incision clean is to let the soap and water run over the incision while you shower. Avoid baths as you do not want to actually submerge any of your incisions underwater. Try to also avoid scar creams and lotions directly on the incision unless directed otherwise by your surgeon. Key things to watch and call your surgeon about would be —increased redness (what we call erythema) around the incision, drainage, foul odor, or significantly increased pain. Any of these symptoms warrant a call to your surgeon’s office so they can properly evaluate you and decide on the next steps.

These are just 3 basic steps to follow to accelerate surgical healing. It really comes down to making a plan and being mindful of your body and how you are healing.