The quality of your recovery environment directly affects your experience. Patients who prepare their homes in advance move through the first week with far less stress. The goal is to create a space that supports rest, minimizes exertion, and keeps everything you need within arm’s reach.
Your Recovery Space
Set up a recliner or adjustable wedge pillow on your bed to maintain 30–45 degrees of head elevation at all times for the first two weeks. This single preparation reduces swelling more than almost anything else. Keep your recovery space on a single floor — avoiding stairs during the acute phase is wise. A bedside table stocked with water, medications, a phone charger, and entertainment avoids the need to get up frequently.
Supplies to Have Ready
- Gauze pads and non-stick dressings for dressing changes
- Mild soap and warm water for incision cleaning — followed by Aquaphor on incisions to keep them moist
- Bacitracin or Polysporin antibiotic ointment for incision care as directed
- Ice packs or frozen peas wrapped in a thin cloth (never applied directly)
- High-protein, low-sodium foods you enjoy — no soft diet is needed after any procedure. Skip straws for two weeks after rhinoplasty, a lip lift, buccal fat removal or cheek implants, and follow your procedure’s instructions if your incisions are inside your mouth
- Soft, button-front or zip-front clothing so nothing is pulled over your head
- Mild, fragrance-free shampoo
Food and Nutrition Prep
Pre-cook or stock easy, high-protein meals: yogurt, smoothie ingredients, broths, scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables. Most patients resume a regular diet right away, but having meals ready eliminates the need to cook or rely on others for every meal. Adequate protein intake during healing is critical — consider protein shakes if solid intake is limited.
Arranging Support
You will need a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 72 hours following surgery — this is mandatory. The companion will help you walk, take medications on schedule, and limit bathroom trips during the first day. Many patients are independently mobile by Day 3. Driving may resume around Day 7–10 once you are off narcotics; certain procedures (e.g., facelift, hairline lowering) require Dr. Truesdale's clearance at follow-up.