Chapter IX
What To Expect As You Recover
Take all prescribed medication as instructed. Pain medication is typically only necessary for the first 24-48 hours. Once discomfort is tolerable, switch to Tylenol.
Things to know about specific procedures:
Face and neck lift patients are seen at both 24 and 48 hours after their procedure, as we like to closely monitor our patients in their early stages of recovery. Patients will be required to wear a compression garment around the lower face and neck for approximately one week 24/7.
Rhinoplasty patients typically have a splint on the bridge of their nose for one week.
Fat transfer patients will be required to wear a lower body compression garment which applies gentle pressure to the fat harvest site for up to 5 days.
You may experience some or all of the following for several weeks following surgery:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Stiffness/restricted facial mobility
- Numbness
- Discomfort
- Asymmetry
(It should be noted, individual recovery time and pain thresholds will vary patient to patient.)
Most patients can return to work within a week, however this will largely depend on your comfort level with others possibly recognizing you had plastic surgery, as well as the type of work you do. Physical exertion (heaving lifting, working out) will be limited for a minimum of two weeks. In an effort to reduce your anxiety/stress during recovery, it is recommended you take adequate time off from work and social commitments.