Plastic surgery has changed people's lives for decades, and nurses have stood by patients to assist them on their journeys to a happier life.
We live in a society that values immediate satisfaction. On the other hand, Patience is a virtue when it comes to recovering from a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure. The road to seeing the actual outcomes of your therapy might be long, from the immediate downtime to the longer recuperation phase that can last weeks or months. The length of time it takes for drains, sutures, or splints to be removed, as well as the time it takes for incision site markings to diminish, is all part of the recovery process.
While each patient and surgical procedure is unique, you can expect your cosmetic surgery recovery to follow general guidelines. This article delves into the recovery process of some of the most common cosmetic surgeries, including face procedures, breast lifts, and body contouring. So, keep reading.
Different Procedures And Recovery Time
Plastic surgeons are skilled at closing wounds, and most cosmetic and plastic surgery incisions are designed to be as undetectable as possible. Despite this, incision sites require time to heal, and patients should expect their scars to disappear over a year. The scar will compress, restructure, and fade during 12 months. A scar revision operation may be a possibility if a patient is unsatisfied with the appearance of the incision mark at that time. Patients should apply sunscreen to their scars daily (rain or shine!) to ensure optimal healing. Additional relief may be provided by topical vitamin E and scar gels, but nothing beats sunscreen.
Here are some other procedures and recovery times;
Eyelid lift (Blepharoplasty):
Over time, looseness and sagging of the tone and form of the eyelids can be corrected with an eyelid lift.
● Standard Aftercare: Eye drops and face bandages are frequent aftercare options.
● Private Post-Operative Nurse Medication administration: swelling/bleeding monitoring,
assessment, communication with a physician regarding complications (bleeding, infection, out-of-proportion swelling), and pain management.
● 24/7 care: should be done in the first 24+ hours post OP.
● Perform wellness checks: 1x after 3+ days.
For the first two weeks after surgery, your eyelids may be sore or tight. Within ten days of the surgery,you should be able to resume routine activities.
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery):
The proportions of the nose are improved via nose reshaping. It may also help with breathing problems.
● Aftercare: To support the new structure during the healing process, a splint or packing may be inserted within the nose, and another splint may be placed on the outside. During the first healing period, one of the more painful treatments is frequently accompanied by breathing, eating, or swallowing issues.
● Private Post-Operative Nurse Medication: includes administration, ongoing evaluation,
communication with a physician about any occurring problems (bleeding, infection, out-of-
proportion swelling), and pain management.
● 24/7 Care: Needed in the first 48 hours or more
● Perform wellness checks: 1x after 3+ days.
Recovery: After a few weeks, the swelling will subside. It could take up to a year for the new nasal contour.
Facelift/Necklift;
This procedure involves removing excess facial fat, tightening facial muscles, and stretching the skin to give the face a smoother, firmer appearance.
● Aftercare: may include face creams, eye drops, and icing, among other things. Face healing is particularly prone to difficulties, and a nurse's careful assessment can help prevent irreversible harm.
● Post OP Private nurse: Application of face creams and eye drops, icing, continuous assessment, and correspondence with a physician regarding complications (bleeding, infection, out-of- proportion swelling), pain management
● 24/7 care: Needed within first 48+ hours
Check your health daily till your recovery path is stable.
Recovery: It can take up to two weeks to return to their routine. The swelling, changes in skin sensation, and bruising of the skin, on the other hand, can take up to a year to go away.
Breast Implants:
A breast implant is placed beneath the pectorals major muscle during breast augmentation, and this procedure is associated with mild discomfort for several days afterward.
● Aftercare nurse required: not necessary
● Time off needed: 3-5 days
Most people return to work in five to seven days. Some doctors recommend patients take a relaxing weekend. Generally speaking, in two weeks, you'll feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit without noticeable swelling or bruising; in three months, the shape and size should be fully settled.
Tummy Tuck;
This is a procedure that removes excess skin from the stomach area.
● Aftercare Nurse: Yes, for a couple of nights.
● Time off required: 10 days.
In general, patients feel well enough to resume some aspects of their daily lives in five to two weeks. It is essential to avoid increased intra-abdominal pressure for at least six weeks, which entails wearing a compression garment and not lifting anything heavy.
According to plastic surgeon Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, you can expect to see final results anywhere between six to eight months out.
Liposuction;
This technique involves suctioning excess fat from the body to modify the body's contour and shape.
● Aftercare: Some surgeons require their patients to wear a compression garment for a couple of months after surgery to control swelling and complications. Small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions under the skin to extract any extra fluid or blood.
● Post Op Private Nurse: Empty/remove drains, comfort measures, assessment and discussion with a physician regarding problems (bleeding, infection, out of proportion swelling), pain management.
● 24/7 Care: The first 24 hours and more
● Wellness check: 1x after 3+ days of recovery. The worst part of the discomfort may go away in the first several days. Complications are most common on days 3 and 4 after surgery.
Gynecomastia;
This is an expansion of male breast tissue caused by an imbalance of hormones, drugs, or various disorders.
● Aftercare Bandages will be applied to incisions, and a support garment may be used to minimize swelling during recovery. A small thin tube may be placed under the skin to drain any excess fluid that collects.
● Post Op Private Nurse Empty/remove drains, change bandages, assessment and correspondence with a physician regarding complications (bleeding, infection, out of proportion swelling), pain management.
● 24/7 Care: First 48 hours
● Wellness checks: 1x after 3+ days
Recovery: During the first few days, the worst part of pain may subside. Days 3 and 4 postops are generally the peak period for complications.
Why Do People Employ A Private Nurse For Post-Operative Care?
The best method to recover from surgery is to have a strong support system. You can be confident that you're on the right track if you have a nurse by your side to help you follow the surgeon's recommendations and are willing to make changes to your recovery plan.
While plastic surgery aftercare facilities get 24/7 specialized care, patients prefer to hire a nurse for a day or daily check-in visits to their home, hotel, or, in the case of medical travel out of town or state, to their home.
The privacy, being surrounded by loved ones, and savings are all different reasons patients prefer to hire a private nurse.
How Do You Prepare For Post-Surgery Care?
First, you must have an open and honest discussion with your plastic surgeon. Ask any questions about pain, potential complications, and recovery times.
Then you'll need to plan for all your responsibilities to be taken care of during your recovery period.
We usually advise patients to overbook a private nurse in advance for postop nursing care, then reduce hours later. Hope this helps!