- Hospital Stay: For minor procedures the minimum recommended stay is of 8 hours. Patients that have undergone major procedures are encouraged to remain in the hospital 1 or 2 nights after surgery.
- Recovery time: Recovery time depends on the type of surgery performed. It usually takes from one to two weeks after surgery. People that live outside Costa Rica are asked to stay 1-2 weeks after surgery. Small and cozy hotels or bed-and-breakfasts are ideal for the recovery period.
- Well-balanced diet: Continue the well-balanced diet begun during the pre-operative period. During the first two weeks eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and white meat.
- Vitamins: Take Vitamin C everyday to promote healing. Two weeks after surgery vitamin E cream can be applied with a Q-tip to clean the stitches, aid scar-healing and remove excess scabs.
- Antibiotics and Analgesics: Continue with the antibiotics prescribed for one week after surgery. (Augmentin, Ceclor or Ciproxine). Acetaminophen, Naproxene or Aleve, Codeine or Tylenol are prescribed as analgesics for the first week. Avoid aspirin or similar, since they are blood thinners.
- Avoid: Smoking or drinking alcohol for four weeks to avoid hematomas or seromas.
- Exercise: Avoid exercises for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Avoid sudden, abrupt movements and bending over. Relax as much as possible. Consult your surgeon before starting any exercise routine.
ARNOLDO FOURNIER M.D.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
"The hands of a surgeon,
the eyes of an artist,
the heart of a friend."