Recovery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lexington, Cincinnati, Knoxville, Northern and Louisville, KY

Recovery after plastic surgery is one of the most important phases of your entire journey. Many patients have questions about their recovery process and what it entails, but it can be difficult to find straightforward information. Through this guide, you can learn more about what to expect during your own recovery and how to manage it.

Plastic Surgeons of Lexington is the original plastic surgery group in Lexington, Kentucky, and we have been helping patients since the 1950’s. Our practice is rooted in providing safe and honest care to the community so they may emerge from their procedures refreshed and confident. To start working with our team of board-certified plastic surgeons, please contact us online. Alternatively, you may also call (859) 276-3883 to speak to a member of our team directly.

About Recovering

Recovering from a procedure can be one of the most difficult parts of your transformation. This is the phase post-procedure where healing and rest are paramount. We have put together a guide so you understand what to expect from each aspect of your recovery. However, it is important to remember that each patient is different, which means your healing process and experiences may also differ.

Caring For Yourself After Plastic Surgery

Your surgeon will provide you with a set of postoperative instructions to guide you through your recovery. Your instructions will vary, but they typically include the following:

Taking Your Medications

Your surgeon may prescribe you pain medications after your procedure. We ask that you take them as directed and avoid driving if you are taking any narcotic medications. During this time, you will also need to refrain from taking any blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medications and supplements. These include many common substances such as:

  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin
  • Naproxen
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Garlic
  • Ginseng
  • Green Tea
  • Fish Oil
  • Tumeric
  • Moringa

Wearing Compression Garments

Many procedures, such as body-contouring or breast enhancement procedures, require the use of a post-operative compression garment or supportive bra. We ask that you wear it for the duration your surgeon asks of you, as this garment places pressure on certain regions of the body to mitigate soreness, limit swelling, and shape and preserve your tissues as they settle.

Caring For Your Incisions

Your surgeon will provide you with details on caring for your incisions before you undergo your procedure. Your wound care instructions will vary depending on the type of procedure you undergo, but you must follow each one regarding how and when to clean your incisions. If you still have drains or sutures in place, your surgeon will also direct you to avoid soaking in the bath or in the shower.

Coordinating Care

Have a trusted friend or family member pick you up and transport you home from your procedure. We use general anesthesia for many procedures, and with it, you will not be able to drive yourself home. We also recommend that you arrange for your trusted friend or relative to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after your recovery to help you care for yourself and complete certain tasks around your household.

Eating Nutritiously

You should eat a balanced and nutritious diet to prepare your body for your procedure, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Nutritional status is one of the most studied and well-known determinants of surgical outcomes, as preoperative malnutrition is associated with higher rates of infection and worse wound healing rates. (1) This means that you can achieve better outcomes overall by fueling your body properly.

Abstaining from Substances

You will need to cease any alcohol or nicotine consumption as part of your preparation for your procedure, and you will need to maintain your abstinence throughout your recovery.

Alcohol can negatively affect your body’s tissue repair processes and all wound types, including those from bone fractures, burn injuries, and traumatic injuries. Nicotine can reduce blood flow to certain regions of the body, and the components of cigarette smoke can act synergistically to reduce oxygen utilization, decrease oxygen delivery to tissues, increase blood clot formation, and impair cellular repair. (2)

Returning to Your Routine

We recommend taking walks whenever you feel well enough to, as it will promote circulation to the healing tissues. You will need to rest for several weeks before returning to your career and other non-strenuous activities. You will need to continue avoiding anything arduous or demanding for several more weeks, or until your surgeon has directed you otherwise.

As you begin to reintroduce exercises and workouts into your daily schedule, it is important to remember to start lighter. Do not push yourself too hard, and stop working out if it starts to become painful. Gradually increase the scale of your workout routine as you continue to recover, and movement becomes easier and more comfortable. Your surgeon will let you know when you can resume certain exercises.

Attend Your Follow-Up Appointments

Your surgeon will have you attend follow-up appointments as you recover. These appointments will help them monitor your recovery progress, your well-being, and the development of your results. If you have any drains or sutures in place, your surgeon will remove them during these appointments.

Recovery Results

You will be able to enjoy the results of your procedure once you have fully recovered. While they will vary depending on the type of procedure you undergo, you can expect to enjoy improvements across your contours and curves that contribute to a more alluring and youthful-looking appearance.

The results of our procedures are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for many years to come. To preserve them, we recommend maintaining a stable weight, a proper skincare routine, and a healthy lifestyle.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will meet with you individually to finalize your candidacy and create your treatment plan. They will ask you about your medical history, personal concerns, and desired results. They will also perform a physical evaluation to assess tissue quality before you undergo your procedure.

Using the details you share, they will form a one-of-a-kind solution for your concerns. They will also take the time to provide you with an explanation of what to expect from your procedure, your preparation, and your recovery.

To schedule this meeting at our Lexington office, we invite you to contact us online or call (859) 276-3883. We are proud to serve the regions and cities of Lexington, Cincinnati, Knoxville, and Northern Kentucky.

Cost of Plastic Surgery in Central Kentucky

The pricing of plastic surgery varies from patient to patient depending on the details of their treatment plan. This includes the type of procedure they undergo, the surgical techniques their surgeon uses, the overall extent of their procedure, and more. Once your surgeon has discussed each of these aspects with you, they will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate.

The Plastic Surgeons of Lexington additionally offers financing for those interested.

FAQ

How long will I need to rest before returning to work?

This timing can vary depending on the nature of your job, the type of procedure you receive, and how extensive your corrections were. Many of our patients experience rest periods ranging from one week to four weeks, but you will need to take additional time before reintroducing more strenuous tasks back to your routine.

How will I know if I need to wear a compression garment?

Your surgeon will let you know during your consultation if you can expect to wear a compression garment. Many body contouring procedures require them, as they limit additional swelling and maintain your new sculpt as you recover.

Are these directions specific to one procedure?

No, these recovery instructions apply to most of our surgical procedures, including tummy tucks, breast augmentation, liposuction, breast reductions, and more. These all require patients to take time away from work, care for their incisions, avoid certain activities, and more. However, each procedure may carry its own specific recovery instructions.

If I combine two procedures, will I only need to undergo one recovery period?

If your surgeon performs two procedures within one treatment session, then yes, you will only undergo one recovery.

Are certain procedures easier to recover from than others?

Most patients consider it easier to recover from less extensive procedures, as they involve a smaller amount of tissue manipulation overall.

Will I need to return for a follow-up appointment?

Yes, patients who undergo surgical procedures typically need to return for follow-up appointments. It is at this visit that your surgeon will remove any sutures or drains, and ensure that the region is healing healthily.

Will there be any scarring after my procedure?

Every surgical procedure will leave some degree of scarring, but our surgical team always takes great care when placing incisions to ensure they are in discreet or easily concealable areas. Over time, any scarring will continue to fade and flatten until it is barely noticeable.

References

  1. Martínez-Ortega AJ, Piñar-Gutiérrez A, Serrano-Aguayo P, et al. Perioperative Nutritional Support: A Review of Current Literature. Nutrients. 2022;14(8):1601. doi:10.3390/nu14081601
  2. Hom DB, Davis ME. Reducing Risks for Poor Surgical Wound Healing. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2023;31(2):171-181. doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2023.01.002