Procedures

How much pain is involved in plastic surgery?

Each plastic surgery procedure carries a different level of discomfort, and requires different methods of anaesthetic. In most situations, the patient's preferences for safety and comfort, as well as personal pain threshold, can help determine what type of anaesthesia will be used. Very minor, non-invasive surgeries might involve a topical anaesthetic, while minor invasive surgeries may call for local anaesthetic or local combined with sedation. In more involved surgery, general anaesthesia is usually used.

What is scarring? Will the scars be noticeable?

A result of any surgical procedure is scarring. Each and every time the skin is cut, a surgical scar is produced. The quality and appearance of scars varies widely with the individual's healing process, the position of the scar on the body, and the degree of tension placed on the scar. The types of scars can be influenced by personal, familial and racial factors and CANNOT BE CONTROLLED by the surgeon.

The surgeon will make every effort to keep scars as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. For the majority of procedures, your scars will fade over time and become barely visible.

Is plastic surgery outpatient or inpatient?

Most plastic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. In some cases, usually when the surgery is very extensive or complications arise, an overnight stay might be required.

What is the recovery from plastic surgery like? Will I be able to tolerate the post-operative pain?

Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and we consider this. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post-operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.

When can I resume regular exercise?

The time before a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at 1 month in most cases.