Post-Operative Plastic Surgery

After the intervention is carried out, the success of the plastic surgery depends on the reaction of the organism but, above all, the patient is faithful to each medical indication in the post-operative phase.

1. Abdominoplasty

Plastic surgery to remove fat, flab, excess skin and stretch marks, this intervention improves the entire area between the navel and the pubis. The surgery lasts 2 to 4 hours, with general or, in some cases, local anesthesia. The first 24 hours may be the most difficult, as there is a greater likelihood of complications due to anesthesia. You will experience swelling and moderate pain at first, but it is controlled by medication. Confirm that you can return to the clinic or contact the doctor if unforeseen circumstances arise.

1.1. Postoperative care

To drain excess blood or fluids, small tubes are placed in the incision area during surgery. These are removed as soon as the drain is completed (the doctor will give instructions on how to clean the drains if necessary). A surgical dressing will cover and protect the intervention area. The bed will have to be positioned to raise the upper body and the knees. The administration of antibiotics and anticoagulants may also be necessary during the ten days after abdominoplasty . For at least 30 days, it is recommended to use a specific brace to prevent the accumulation of fluid in the area involved, to benefit recovery and subsequent healing.

2. Liposuction

Through a tube and a vacuum device, the surgeon removes the excess adipose tissue in the area to be operated. This surgery helps to eliminate fat from areas as diverse as the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, ankles, chin, cheeks, neck and upper arm. On average, liposuction can take 1, 2 or more hours to complete and requires general or localized anesthesia, depending on the size of the intervention. Initially, liposuction causes some pain and discomfort, symptoms that are controlled with pain relievers.

2.1. Postoperative care

You should follow the surgeon's instructions to avoid infection, fibrosis, depression or other complications. About 2 to 3 weeks after liposuction , the patient is prepared to return to active life, although swelling and bruising can take between one and six months to disappear, depending on the body's ability to regenerate. In the abdomen area, a modeling belt is used to prevent the accumulation of liquids and favor the accommodation of the tissues. In the recovery period, it is important that you can be at rest. The results are evident, but to be long lasting, they need to be supported by a balanced diet and exercise. After 3 months, the area that has undergone liposuction looks normal.

3. Augmentation mammoplasty

Silicone or saline breast implants are placed below or above the pectoral muscle, providing an enlargement of the breast and an improvement in its shape. This surgery is indicated to increase the volume of the breasts and for cases of asymmetric or sagging breasts. However, the effect is not immediate. In the first month, the implant begins to adapt to the body and, at the end of a quarter, it gains its definitive shape. In some patients, it may take up to 12 months to stabilize.

3.1. Postoperative care

It is one of the most sought after plastic surgeries at the moment and also one that requires less recovery time. After a few days, the patient can return to active life, as long as she does not make any physical effort. At first, you will feel a decrease in sensation in the chest, especially in the nipple area, as well as some discomfort and temporary bruising. In the first 3 to 4 weeks, efforts are prohibited to prevent the risk of implant rupture. You cannot wear a bra in order to avoid physical contact with the breasts. The scars disappear between 3 to 12 months after the surgery.

4. Rhinoplasty

It is a low risk surgical procedure, sought by those who intend to improve the appearance of the nose, after advice from a plastic surgeon, or the respiratory function, in this case, at the suggestion of an otolaryngologist. Rhinoplasty reduces or increases the size of the nose, corrects the very flat or pointed shape, eliminates the sharp back, changes the tips too low or raised, narrows the base of the nostrils, when too large or wide, or change the angle between the nose and the lip.

4.1. Postoperative care

The nose surgery is not very painful, but the patient may have some difficulty breathing on the first or second day after the operation. Edema and bruise around the eyes are normal. You may need to put on a splint for a week. Ecchymosis will take about 15 days to disappear, at which point the patient is prepared to return to normal life. Because it is a detailed surgery, the healing process takes a few months, depending on the person's cell regeneration capacity. It is very important to use sunscreen daily and avoid sun exposure.

5. Otoplasty

Plastic surgery that changes the shape, position and size of the ear . Due to congenital malformation or prominent ears, this intervention can be performed from 5 years old and up to adulthood. The doctor will examine the position, size and symmetry of the ear to understand which techniques are most suitable. General anesthesia may be required for interventions that require the removal of larger cartilage or skin. After surgery, support splints will be placed to keep the ear in the new position, which will be removed a few days later. It is normal to experience discomfort and some itching.

5.1. Postoperative care

Golden rule for any surgery, quitting smoking is a pre- and postoperative condition, since smoking habits decrease the blood flow in the skin and can delay healing. It may also be recommended to stop taking medications, such as anti-inflammatories, and supplements that increase the risk of bleeding. Initially, you will notice the swelling in the area and it is important to rest. In the first weeks, every two days, you will have to go to the clinic to change the dressing (after six or eight days the stitches are removed). In the first weeks, you should also avoid sudden movements, sleep with your head elevated and, if necessary, use a compression band.

Each plastic surgery requires specific care so that you can benefit from the real results of the intervention you have undergone. The proper performance of the surgery is a physician's obligation, but the responsibility for an adequate recovery rests with the patient.