What Is the Recovery Period for Plastic Surgery?

Plastic Surgery Columbia, MD

Are you considering one or more plastic surgery procedures, but first want to learn more about the recovery and healing process? When you are interested in undergoing a plastic surgery procedure, you can expect the entire process to go much smoother if you are completely prepared. This includes understanding the preparation process, as well as the recovery period.

About plastic surgery

Learning more about plastic surgery and all that it entails is necessary before a patient commits to having one or more procedures performed. Many people are choosing to undergo plastic surgery due to the many advancements made, as these advancements make it easier than ever to have certain surgical procedures performed. While many people are choosing plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons, plastic surgery is also often performed for medical reasons. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, almost 18 million people underwent surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the United States in 2018.

The plastic surgery process

The plastic surgery process starts with an initial consultation appointment. The information below is a brief overview of the entire plastic surgery process once someone has decided to get plastic surgery, including what the recovery period is like.

Before surgery

Before undergoing plastic surgery, patients need to let the plastic surgeon know what type of medications they are taking, as well as follow the pre-surgical instructions given to them. Instructions include things like not eating after a certain time the night before, packing a bag of personal items and wearing comfortable clothing. If they smoke, they need to stop smoking, as this increases the chance of experiencing problems and can lead to a slower recovery.

The day of surgery

It is important for patients to arrive on time the day of the surgery. Bringing a friend or loved one is recommended, mainly for support reasons and to drive one home if the surgical procedure is an outpatient procedure.

The recovery period

After the surgery has been completed, the patient is moved to a recovery area. Once released, patients will recover anywhere between one and four weeks, which is dependent on the type of surgery performed. All plastic surgery patients will need to rest for at least 48 hours, making sure to get up and move around at least five times a day. After this time, limited activities are acceptable, like walking. It may be necessary to avoid taking a shower for up to 48 hours to keep any incisions clean and dry. If a patient develops a fever that is 101° or higher, is not getting any pain relief or is experiencing an excess of drainage are bleeding, it is time to call the doctor.

Prescription pain relievers or over-the-counter relievers can be used to minimize pain. Ice or cold packs can also be used. When drain care or wound care is necessary, patients will learn how to do this before leaving the hospital.

Ready to schedule a consultation appointment?

When you schedule a consultation appointment for more plastic surgery information, you will feel completely prepared for your upcoming plastic surgery. During this first appointment, you and the experienced plastic surgeon will discuss exactly what it is that you want to achieve by undergoing plastic surgery. In turn, you will understand the process in detail. This is also the time for you to ask all of your questions, as the answers will also help you feel completely prepared.

Request an appointment here: https://spectracorehealth.com or call Spectra Core Health LLC at (240) 330-1815 for an appointment in our Columbia office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Plastic Surgery in Columbia, MD.

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