Being there for your loved one after a procedure is an essential step in ensuring that they make a healthy and happy recovery. Caring for someone after surgery is not only about helping them with tasks that might be more difficult but also a great time to show them support and encouragement. 

There are so many ways to let your loved one know you are there for them while they recover, but here are some more specific ways to show you care. 

Be There 

One of the best ways you can help your loved one recover after a procedure is to be present with them while they get better. No one wants to be alone while in pain, and even a procedure as minimally invasive as a rhinoplasty can lower a patient’s mood. Some quality time while they heal could be the best medicine. 

Take Some Responsibilities Off of Them

Any procedure that requires anesthesia will leave your loved one feeling groggy and tired on the first day. After that, the pain and discomfort can make some responsibilities feel impossible. 

Doing simple things for your loved one, like cooking a meal or caring for their pet, could mean a lot more to them than you might think. 

Remind Them Why

In the pain of recovering from any surgery, especially a cosmetic one, patients can sometimes begin to question why they even wanted to do it in the first place. Remind them that this is something that they chose to do for good reasons. 

Depending on the procedure their reasoning will differ, maybe they decided to have chin liposuction to feel more confident in their appearance, or a tummy tuck to get their body back. Whatever their reasoning was it’s important to be supportive and understanding especially during the recovery process. 

Distract Them

Studies have shown that patients who are in pain can be distracted from the pain to eliminate their perception of it. Recovering from any surgery can be uncomfortable to very painful, so it is helpful to be a positive distraction while your loved one is healing. 

Reading to them, telling a story, or just sitting with them to watch a movie can all be great ways to divert their attention away from what is bothering them. 

Encourage Good Habits

While your loved one is feeling uncomfortable and low-energy, it can be hard for them to continue to maintain good habits. Encourage them to eat a balanced diet, hydrate, move their body, and get good sleep. 

Respect Their Healing Time

Only your loved one and their doctor know what they’re ready for after surgery. It is important to be respectful of their recovery timeline, they may have good days and then bad ones. Your job is to be there every step of the way as an inspiration but be careful not to push them into doing too much too quickly. 

Take Care of Yourself Too

You will be less helpful to your loved one if you forget to also take care of yourself during this time. Caring for someone after a procedure is a lot of work, and neglecting your own needs will only lead you to burn out quickly. 

Be sure to take the time you need to maintain your own health and wellness, and reach out for help if caring for your loved one is more than you can handle. 

Author’s Bio: Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey.