Questions for Plastic Surgeons About Recovery
While the surgery itself may be over when patients are sent home following plastic surgery, a procedure is not truly completed until the body has healed. While results can be seen soon afterward, this healing may not be complete for several months. As a patient, you need to know what to expect so you can monitor your progress and take an active role in ensuring an optimal recovery and outcome.
Below are some important questions to ask a plastic surgeon about the recovery period before going ahead with a procedure.
What can I expect in terms of pain, bruising, swelling, and other post-operative side effects?
Good plastic surgeons should be able to minimize post-operative problems but any surgery will have some side-effects. These usually include some bruising and edema (swelling) but the length and severity of these will vary greatly depending on the procedure. Make sure your plastic surgeon clearly explains the degree and duration of these and other side effects.
What can be expected regarding post-operative discomfort?
Due to variations among procedures, and differences among patients, the length of downtime following surgery and the amount of possible discomfort will vary. Often, doctors will initially prescribe prescription pain medications until over-the-counter painkillers are sufficient. However, for some smaller procedures, prescription meds may be unnecessary. A plastic surgeon should be able to tell you a great deal about what to expect.
How long is the recovery period, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
Most procedures will involve a certain amount of downtime but it can vary greatly from procedure to procedure and patient to patient. On the most obvious level, a facelift or eyelid rejuvenation involves a much smaller area of the body than a tummy tuck or a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and so the recovery time will be commensurately shorter. You will need to know how much time it will be necessary to rest in your specific case and when it will be safe for you to resume your daily routine in terms of work and exercise.
Importantly, all patients will need some help with simple tasks for the first-24-48 hours after they return home as they get over the lingering effects of anesthesia as well as the surgery itself. If children are present, it may be necessary to have assistance for a longer period. Caring for pets may also be an area where more help will be needed, particularly if the animals are larger or more rambunctious. Be ready to discuss your daily schedule and the kind of tasks involved in both your home and work life. This will help you plan appropriately and ensure your responsibilities are covered.
What kind of follow-up care do you provide after the surgery?
Dr. Varkony provides outstanding post-surgical care, seeing patients at regular intervals, and being readily accessible by telephone. Whoever you chose as your plastic surgeon, he or she should be able to make a similar commitment.
What is your policy on revisions if I am not satisfied with the initial result?
A good plastic surgeon will always try to make sure that patients have realistic expectations. Even so, sometimes procedures don’t produce the expected outcomes. Ask your doctor about how much you will be charged for a revision surgery under differing circumstances.
Interested in Learning More about a Procedure? Call Dr. Varkony Today
Dr. Steven J. Varkony is one the most respected surgeons working in the Greater Los Angeles area and he is ready to answer all of your questions and help you learn about the procedure you have in mind. Please call us today or reach out to us via our contact page.
Dr. Varkony is based in Encino but his patients come from throughout the LA area, including Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, and Calabasas as well as Burbank, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood.