 Boca
Beautiful
by Dr. Daniel Man
Dear Dr. Man, I am having plastic surgery done in June and I’m concerned about the pain and recovery following my surgery. Specifically, how much pain will I be in after surgery? How soon before I can go back to work? How soon before I can exercise? I’ll be having a facelift, tummy tuck and implants.
Each patient handles post-operative pain differently. While some patients only feel minor aches, others may feel greater discomfort. Surgery that requires elevation or tightening of muscles, such as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or breast augmentation may cause more post-operative pain. After your surgery, your doctor will prescribe you pain medications to help minimize any discomfort.
Recuperation time after plastic surgery varies, depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most patients require assistance for the first two days after surgery. After that, most patients can care for themselves. For facelift surgery, patients are usually up and about by the second day. Patients are usually out in public in about 5-7 days. Most patients wait about 10-14 days before returning to work.
Following breast surgery , patients usually get around independently by the second day. Many return to work after about 5-7 days, as long as their work does not require them to lift more than 15 pounds.
Patients usually take between 2 and 4 days before getting around independently after a tummy tuck. The recovery from a tummy tuck is very similar to that of a C-section. Patients can usually return to a desk job after about 5 to7 days, and most other jobs in about10 to 14 days.
The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation(s) performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second day following surgery. In order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising, exercise is not recommended for about six to eight weeks after surgery.
Personally, I do not perform all of these surgeries at one time. I prefer giving the body time to heal and focusing on one or two procedures at once. However, this is something you and your doctor need to decide upon. Your recovery times will vary since you are having all three procedures at once. Your doctor and nurses should give you all of the information you need regarding recovery times. A good rule of thumb is to rest as long as you can to let your body heal and to allow any swelling to go down.
Email your questions or comments to askdrman@yahoo.com
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