Plastic Surgery for Men – How to Ensure a Smooth Recovery (Updated 2025)

As taboos fade and the use of teleconferencing and social media soars, male plastic surgery has become much more widespread. Men now make up 16% of plastic surgery patients, according to a survey of nearly 3,000 plastic surgeons conducted by the data-gathering firm Statista. One of the primary concerns among male plastic surgery patients is how much time it takes to recover before they can return to work and other activities. 

Below are some ways to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Cut out nicotine use. Smokers are encouraged to quit their nicotine habits before surgery if at all possible. Although this is not always a requirement, plastic surgery patients generally heal quicker and more easily if they do not have nicotine present in their system following surgery.
• Prepare yourself for some downtime. Many men undergo strenuous activities in their personal and professional daily routine. The period of rest you will require depends on the type of surgery you are having done and other details related to your individual situation. At the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery in Paramus, NJ, all patients undergoing cosmetic surgery attend a one on one Preoperative Education session with the Center’s nurse coordinator. During this one hour meeting, the patient will be instructed on what to do in preparation for surgery and what specifically to expect afterwards. This time spent on patient education has played an important role in helping provide a low stress, more relaxed and quicker recovery.
• Create an exercise plan. Following their surgery, patients will be guided by Dr. Parker and his staff regarding the progressive resumption of physical activities, including gym activities, classes, personal training, group sports, and their other usual exercises. Men who are physically active may be eager to jump back into their routine immediately, but it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions and respect the recovery needs of your body in order to optimize your recovery. At the Preoperative Education session, discuss your regular workout routine. That will help Dr. Parker and his staff to develop a plan that will allow you to ease back into that routine smoothly following the procedure.