Plastic surgery is an ever-evolving industry that has seen many advances in recent years. As more and more people consider undergoing plastic surgery procedures to address areas of concern, the number of questions nurses are receiving about plastic surgery are also increasing. With so much information available, it can be difficult to discern which questions are important and helpful to ask. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 17 of the most frequently asked questions put forth to nurses, and some of the answers may surprise you.
1. How Long Will The Swelling Last & When Will It Begin to Fade?
Swelling is a normal part of the recovery process, and every patient may experience different levels and severity of swelling depending on their body type, and the type of surgery they underwent. Generally, swelling will begin to fade within the first few weeks after surgery (2-3 weeks), with minor swelling lasting another 2-3 weeks, and residual swelling being the last to go. Your swelling should subside within 3-4 months, but may take upwards of a year for it to completely dissipate if you’ve had a major surgery, which also depends on the procedure.
2. How Long Will Bruising Last For
Bruising is very common after plastic surgery and can be minimized with proper post-operative care. If the bruising is mild, it should begin to fade within 3-7 days, but can last upwards of 2-weeks to 1-2 months. The less invasive the plastic surgery procedure you’re having, the quicker your bruising will heal. It is best to follow all post-operative instructions and wear your compression garment as directed to reduce swelling and hasten the healing process. Amica is a tool we like to utilize to aid in healing bruising quicker.
3. How Long Should Numbness Last Following Surgery? For
Any procedure that requires an anesthetic, particularly those that involve incisions in the skin, have the potential for numbness as a side effect. The most common reason for persisting numbness is from the swelling and inflammation that your body must work through after the surgery is complete. It’s important to note that some degree of numbness is normal, and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks while the body heals. The invasiveness of the surgery plays a role in how long the numbness will last, with more invasive procedures having longer wait times of several months to upwards of a year. However, numbness can be permanent, so it’s important to speak with your surgeon, so you know exactly what to expect.
4. How Soon Can I Board a Plane, Safely? For
Due to the risk of developing blood clots, it is advised to wait at least two weeks before flying after surgery. This is especially important for those who have had a tummy tuck, liposuction, or facelift, as these procedures involve long incisions that can be vulnerable to developing clots. It’s important to wait until the surgeon clears you for travel, and even then it is still advised that you wear compression stockings and move about frequently to minimize the risk of clotting.
5. How Long Do I Have To Wear My Recovery Garment For?
Your recovery compression garment should be worn for the length of time your surgeon recommends, which can range from a few weeks to several months. This is important because these garments help to maintain compression and support the incisions while they heal, as well as reduce swelling and discomfort. Not wearing your garment can affect your results.
6. How Soon Can I Get A Lymphatic Massage?
Lymphatic massage can be very beneficial in helping to reduce swelling and pain, as well as promote the healing of the incision sites. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least 2-6 weeks before getting a massage, as the area needs time to heal and settle first. You may be able to have it sooner, depending on the surgery type you’ve undergone and what your individual healing timeline looks like.
7. How Soon Can I Get Back To Exercising?
Lymphatic massage can be very beneficial in helping to reduce swelling and pain, as well as promote the healing of the incision sites. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least 2-6 weeks before getting a massage, as the area needs time to heal and settle first. You may be able to have it sooner, depending on the surgery type you’ve undergone and what your individual healing timeline looks like.
8. Are The Results Of Plastic Surgery Permanent?
While the results from plastic surgery are considered long-lasting, they can be altered by factors such as aging, sun exposure, and weight fluctuations. This may mean that your plastic surgery areas may require additional touch-ups or repeat treatments in the future.
However, “long-term” refers to anywhere from several years, to decades in the future, and as such, results are often touted as permanent. It is important to note that lifestyle factors can impact your appearance over time, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and regular exercise, can preserve your results for as long as possible.
9. Will I Need General Anesthesia?
The type of anesthesia used during plastic surgery depends on the extent of your procedure. Most minor procedures are done with local anesthesia or a combination of local and intravenous sedation. However, more complex procedures, such as a facelift or tummy tuck, may require the patient to be put under general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used is discussed during your pre-op consultation.
10. Will Liposuction Help Me With Weight Loss?
While liposuction can help to target and eliminate stubborn fat from certain areas of the body, it should not be viewed as a weight loss tool. Plastic surgery is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise, and will not produce long-term results unless the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction is designed to give you a more contoured appearance, and should be used as part of a larger plan for achieving your overall body goals.
11. Can I Drive To My Post-Op Appointment?
We recommend that you take another form of transportation to your post-operative appointment, especially if it is scheduled within 24-hours of your procedure day. The reasoning for this is because you may still be feeling the effects of the anesthesia and/or medication provided, which can impair your ability to drive safely. A friend or family member can help you get there safely without putting yourself at risk. If you must drive, make sure to arrange for someone else to be present with you in case of emergency. We use the rule of the patient being off pain medicine and able to make a defense during movement which can be good indicators to be able to drive.
12. Do I Need To Take Time Off Work?
Yes, it is recommended that you take 1-2 weeks off work after your plastic surgery procedure so that you can rest, recover, and heal by following the post-operative instructions. You may need more time than this, though, if you undergo a more invasive procedure, or have a combination procedure completed (Neck/facelift, Mommy Makeover).
13. Why Do I Need To Change Eyelashes/Nails For Surgery?
In the appointments prior to your plastic surgery procedure, you’ve likely been asked/told to remove all beauty-related products, including eyelashes, fake nails, and nail polish. The reason for this is that these beauty products can interfere with the healing process, and they pose a risk for infection if the minuscule particles from them get into the surgical site.
14. When Can I Switch My Bra Out?
If you’re having breast augmentation surgery, you’ll be given a compression-style, post-surgical support bra to help reduce swelling and provide support to your breast tissue as it heals. It is recommended that you wear this bra for at least 6-weeks, before you switch it out for a sports bra or regular bra. In some cases, depending on how slowly you heal, you may need to wear the post-surgical bra for up to 3-months before being allowed to swap it out. If no concerns, we let our patients wear an underwire at six weeks.
15. When Can I Get Botox After My Plastic Surgery Procedure?
If you are receiving a facial-related plastic surgery procedure, it is recommended that you wait 4-6 weeks before getting Botox injections. The healing process from your plastic surgery could affect your facial expressions, which could interfere with the success of the Botox. It’s best to wait until you’re fully healed, and the swelling has subsided before you get Botox treatments.
16. Will The Surgeon Be Too Tired If I Am The Last Patient Of The Day?
Absolutely not. Plastic surgeons are highly-trained professionals who are accustomed to back-to-back surgical procedures, and longer working days. Our plastic surgeons here at Clark Aesthetics will always put your best interests first and make sure that they are at their very best for your procedure, so that you receive the highest level of care regardless of when you’re scheduled.
17. How Long Until I Look and Feel Normal?
Due to individual healing times and the complexity of plastic surgery procedures, the average time it takes for someone to look and feel at their best is anywhere between 3-12 months. For most individuals, swelling and bruising subsides within 3-6 weeks, which puts them on track for a full recovery between that 3-6 month mark. Of course, everyone heals differently, so for those who undergo more invasive procedures, the full recovery may take upwards of 12 months. Plastic surgery is a long-term commitment, so you should see gradual improvements over time as your body adjusts to its new shape and contours.
Undergoing plastic surgery is an important decision that requires careful consideration and research. We hope that the answers to these frequently asked questions give you more clarity on what to expect after your plastic surgery procedure. If you are considering plastic surgery, contact Clark Aesthetics today to have any additional questions or concerns answered, and to book your consultation to get started on your journey towards a beautiful, confident you.
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