Compassionate Recovery. Expert Support. Total Care. At Galanis Plastic Surgery, your transformation doesn’t end when you leave the operating room. We believe that recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. Dr. Charles Galanis and his team are here to guide you through every stage of healing with the same compassion, precision, and professional excellence that define your surgical experience.
Post-Operation Care
Your Transformation, Our Commitment
We understand that surgery is not about chasing perfection, it’s about removing barriers so you can live more fully, confidently, and comfortably in your own skin. That’s why we offer a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to post-operative care. Whether your journey is about reclaiming your body, refining your appearance, or simply moving forward, our team will support you every step of the way.
What to Expect After Surgery:
Transportation & Support
After surgery, arrange for private transportation—no public transit allowed—and ensure a responsible adult stays with you overnight. This is a requirement for all procedures.
Follow-Up Appointments
We will typically see you at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-op. Exact timing may vary, but will be clearly communicated to you by your care team.
Activity Guidelines
- Limit activity for the first 24 hours.
- Short walks are encouraged to support circulation and prevent blood clots.
- Most procedures gradually allow resuming light to moderate exercise between weeks 2–6, with full activity typically resumed by 6–8 weeks depending on your procedure.
- Keep areas like the abdomen or buttocks protected from pressure post-surgery.
- Always wear a supportive bra or compression garment when returning to exercise.
Compression Garments
If provided, know that compression garments are critical to your recovery.
- Wear continuously (except when showering) for 6 weeks to help minimize swelling, support tissues, and encourage optimal contour.
- If prescribed, double compression may include both outer and foam garments.
- Garments should be washed and worn again immediately after showering for as long as your doctor recommends.
Drain Care Instructions
If you are sent home with Jackson-Pratt (JP) drains:
- Keep the bulb compressed to maintain suction.
- Empty and record output twice daily—don’t forget to bring your records along to any follow-up appointments.
- Strip the tubing regularly to prevent clots.
- Clean the insertion site and apply antibiotic ointment as instructed.
- Never attempt to replace a drain if it falls out—call our office immediately so we can help.
Nutrition for Healing
Healing is hard work for your body—fuel it properly with the right foods:
- Calories: Try for 15–20 per pound of body weight, evenly across 3–4 meals.
- Protein: 0.5g per pound. Sources: chicken, yogurt, cottage cheese.
- Carbs: Fruits, sweet potatoes, quinoa to support metabolism.
- Fats: Avocado, olive oil, butter for skin repair and inflammation.
- Vitamins:
- Vitamin K & D: Leafy greens, liver, eggs (support clotting and healing)
- Vitamin C: Citrus, berries (boost collagen and immunity)
- Zinc: Oysters, eggs (tissue repair and reduced inflammation)
Specialized Recovery Therapies
Beyond general after-care, our patients have seen great success with these additional therapies. Ask your doctor for more information and for recommended, trusted providers.
Lymphatic Massage Therapy (LMT)
Recommended to begin 48 hours post-op.
- Enhances drainage, reduces swelling
- Accelerates contour definition
- Improves nerve sensation and flexibility
- Typically performed every other day for the first two weeks
LightStim LED Therapy
Offered in-office as an optional post-surgical enhancement:
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Improves healing and circulation
- Boosts collagen production
- Non-invasive and drug-free pain management
We’re Here to Help: When to Contact Your Care Team
Contact Galanis Plastic Surgery immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Fever over 101°F
- Worsening pain, swelling, or bruising
- Pus or foul-smelling drainage
- Persistent nausea or vomiting 24+ hours post-op
- Concerns about drains or compression garments
If it is a weekend or after-hours, you can call our regular phone number at (310) 858-8930 to get after-hours contact information and receive assistance as soon as possible.
