Beauty Doc Blog

After making the major decision to have plastic surgery, many patients wonder what the recovery will be like.  Questions about pain management, the recuperation period and returning to work and normal activities are always a concern for plastic surgery patients.

Every patient experiences post-operative pain differently.  Some patients merely ache while other have great discomfort.  Pain medications may be prescribed postoperatively to minimize pain.  Facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort while liposuction may be more uncomfortable.  Procedures such as breast augmentation and abdominoplasty require elevation or tightening of muscles and have discomfort much like a C-section.

Recovery from plastic surgery procedures depends on the surgery performed and the person who was operated on.  For the first two or three days, most patients needs assistance.  After this time, the majority of patients can care for themselves but may require help with small children.  Consider this recovery time table for some of the most common plastic surgery procedures:

• Abdominoplasty patients need 2 to 4 days before they can get around on their own.  Recovery is much like a c-section with patients able to return to desk work in a week and other jobs in 10 to 14 days.
• Breast surgery patients can usually get around on their own within 2 days and return to work within 5 to 7 days if they do not need to life more than 15 pounds.
• Eyelid surgery patients are mobile by the second day and may feel comfortable to go the store by the third or fourth day with sunglasses.  With makeup, patients may return to work within a week.
• Facelift surgery patients can get around on their own by the second day but are usually not comfortable in public for 5 to 7 days.  Those working in the public eye need 10 to 14 days before returning to business.
• Liposuction patients can get around independently by the second day or earlier of small areas are treated.  Patients may return to work within 5 to 7 days.

Another concern many patients have is returning to their exercise routine.  All patients are encouraged to begin walking slowly on the second day after an operation.  For the first two weeks, vigorous and aerobic activities are not permitted to minimize the risk of bleeding, bruising and swelling. Patients should weight a month in most instances before returning to contact sports and weight lifting.

Taking the proper recovery time ensures a completely successful plastic surgery procedures so patients can get back to their everyday business.