Will I Be Able To Tolerate the Pain
Post-Operatively?
Each patient will tolerate pain
post-operatively in a different way. While some patients may describe
the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate
pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and
these help minimize discomfort. Most facial-cosmetic operations have
minimal postoperative discomfort. Liposuction is slightly more
uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of
the muscles, such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation, have
discomfort equal to that of a C-section.
How Long Is the Recuperative Period, and
When Can I Return to Work?
The length of time it takes to recuperate
after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and
the person operated on. Most patients will require assistance for the
first two days. Then most patients are able to care for themselves but
may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The
specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These
are approximations and do not include return to exercise.
Eyelid Surgery — Usually can get
around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses,
may feel comfortable going to the store by day three to four. With
makeup could return to work by five to seven days.
Facelift Surgery — Usually can get
around independently by the second day. Usually do not feel
comfortable going out in public for five to seven days. Requires 10 to
14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.
Breast Surgery — Usually can get
around independently by the second day. May return to work at five to
seven days if not required to lift more than 15 pounds.
Liposuction — Usually can get around
independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas
treated. One can return to work and normal activities in five to seven
days.
Abdominoplasty — Patients may take
between two to four days before getting around independently. The
recovery is almost identical to C-section. One can return to a desk
job at five to seven days, other jobs 10 to 14 days.
When Can I Resume Regular Exercise?
The time a patient resumes regular exercises
varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged
to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day.
Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during
the first two weeks to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling and
bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at one month
in most cases.
