Anesthesia and Incisions
The first step is administering anesthesia. This can be general, twilight, or local anesthesia. To maximize both safety and comfort, we always use a board-certified anesthesiologist. Once the patient is fully unconscious, Dr. Varkony will make the necessary incisions and raise the skin and muscle layers before the excess skin is removed to create the desired tightening effect. Dr. Varkony will then close the incisions with sutures and the patient will be moved to the recovery area.
Recovery and Results
Most patients can typically go to their residence immediately following their procedure. As with any surgery, they will need to be taken home by a friend or relative. They must also have someone staying with them the first night of their recovery.
They will need to be off work (unless they work from home) for about a week before returning to their daily routine, and they should refrain from attempting strenuous exercise until advised by Dr. Varkony. Discomfort immediately following surgery is usually easily controllable with acetaminophen (Tylenol).Minimal postoperative swelling and bruising can be expected, though it should begin to recede after about a week or two.
Some results should be evident within a few days of the procedure, but it will take a period of several months before the final results are fully visible. For the best outcomes, patients must carefully follow all of our instructions regarding what to do during the recovery and healing period.
