Cosmetic Surgery Recovery

In spite of the often dramatic alterations in a person’s appearance that may result after a cosmetic surgery procedure, the actual operation does not last longer than a few hours. The adjustment involved in cosmetic surgery is just the first half of the journey towards a rejuvenated look, however. Most of the time, the recovery period is just as integral. It is during recovery that the body adapts to the effects of the surgery, healing from the artificial changes made to it and reinforcing itself to ensure that any additions or subtractions remain in accordance with the patient’s desires. Likewise, it is only after full recovery that the true results of the enhancement make themselves apparent.

The first element to consider is pain, which strikes after the local or general anesthesia wears off, and can cause varying degrees of discomfort depending on the patient’s threshold for physical discomfort and the extensiveness of the surgery. Standard pain medication can be used to provide relief, although aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines will be discouraged. Ice packs can also be used to numb the area.

Swelling of the treated area is another concern, common to most cosmetic surgery procedures. To reduce swelling, doctors apply compression bandages, but the swelling should subside on its own without additional treatment. The period for the swelling is dependent on the nature and extent of the surgery, and could last as short as a few days or could remain for up to a year, though even the most severe cases become much less noticeable or bothersome after several months.

The operated area is normally held in place with stitches and bandages, reinforcing the alterations made while your body heals to accommodate them. In addition, bandages provide an extra level of protection from the elements, which is particularly important for procedures that involve the face and skin. Stitches are either absorbable, and will be assimilated by your body, or non-absorbable, in which case they will be removed along with the bandages within 3 to 10 days.

Since the body has suffered a certain level of trauma from the surgical procedure, strenuous activity is normally discouraged for a period of time during recovery, and patients are advised to remain at home and possibly in bed to minimize unnecessary movement that could dislodge the effects of the operation. White-collar workers may return to work in about a week or less, while employees engaged in a more physical occupation may need up to two weeks off. If you had a regular fitness routine prior to the surgery, you should expect not to be able to return to it for about a month as part of the recovery process.

Patients are also expected to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, and should not sunbathe or use a sauna while recovering. If a skin procedure was involved, the sun’s rays could end up doing considerable damage, as the newly growing skin may not be able to produce sufficient pigmentation. Sudden temperature changes also inhibit the healing process, and may instigate unwanted side effects.

In all cases, it is important to maintain contact with your doctor and attend regular follow-up appointments so that he can check your recovery progress and prescribe further measures if complications arise.

Lastly, it is a good idea to seek support from friends, family, or other individuals who have been through similar procedures. One should also endeavor to relax and accept that there will be a period of inevitable inactivity after the operation. Depression is common following cosmetic surgery, triggered by stress regarding complications and the possibility of disfigurement, adjustment to one’s new look, and the physical exhaustion associated with recovery.