Preventing Complications after Surgery in Costa Rica 

After having your procedure, following all indications is also very important for preventing complications after surgery in Costa Rica.  Take it easy, relax, but do not stay in bed, unless instructed to do so.  Get up, walk a bit, go to the kitchen, the restroom, and sit in the living room with your legs up.   A common cause of complications after surgery is fever, occasionally caused by poor pulmonary ventilation and too much bed rest.

You will have some discomfort caused mainly by swelling.  Your surgeon will manage these.  You will be given specific instructions for the procedure you will have about showering and changing bandages, use of make up or skin care products, even about coloring your hair, when having a face lift, for example.

DO NOT take any medications that are not prescribed by your surgeon.  Keep your surgeons number on hand and inform of any unusual discomfort, redness, discharge, fever that you might have.  After most procedures you should not exercise for about a month.  Your surgeon should inform you of all the specifics for the procedure you are having.  If you have questions ask you doctor directly.  Remember that these are elective procedures; you are not having them because you are sick or curing a condition.  To begin with you will be healthy, so with the proper selection of a qualified surgeon, your recovery should be uneventful.

Acting on the advice given above will help in preventing complications after surgery in Costa Rica.

Article contributed by:

Dr Miguel Alfaro, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Hospital CIMA, Costa Rica