At Maloney Plastic Surgery, we want you to know all about your
cosmetic surgery procedure and recovery. Of course, every
person and every body is different; these are general guidelines
for what the average patient should expect.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing
unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips,
buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.
During the past decade, liposuction has benefited from several
new refinements helping many plastic surgeons provide selected
patients with more precise results and faster recovery times.
Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting
and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat
that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
Face Lift
A facelift can "set back the clock," improving the
most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening
underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck.
A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures
such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.
Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, can reduce or increase
the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge
and/or narrow the span of the nostrils.
Brow Lift
A forehead lift or "browlift" is a procedure that restores
a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The
procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal
lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or
tired.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure
to remove fat and excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids.
Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags
below your eyes, features that make you look older and more
tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision.
Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other
facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift.
Botox®
Botox is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces
or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases and crows feet
near the eyes. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily
paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the
skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Injectable Fillers
Soft-tissue fillers, most commonly injectable collagen or hylaform,
can help fill lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother,
more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the
skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth
the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer
layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes,
wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty,
is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a
woman's breast. By inserting an implant behind each breast,
surgeons are able to increase a woman's bustline by one or
more bra cup sizes.
Breast Lift
As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their
shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breastlift, or mastopexy,
is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts.
Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker
skin surrounding the nipple.
Tummy Tuck
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess
fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles
creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.
Expected Recovery Time
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 3-4, and with makeup could return to work by 5-7 days.
Facelift Surgery - Usually can get around independently by
the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7
days. Requires 10-14 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 5-7 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 5-7 days.
Abdominoplasty - Patients may take between 2-4 days before
getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to C-section.
One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14 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 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling,
and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at
1 month in most cases. |