Let the Healing Begin: Recovery Times for Common Plastic Surgery Procedures
As a plastic surgeon, one of the most common questions I’m asked when patients are considering a cosmetic procedure is, “How long is the recovery process?” The answers vary depending not only on the specific surgical procedure, but also on various factors such as performing multiple procedures, skin elasticity and the general health of the patient.
Despite these variables, I’ve put together a resource tool for general recovery times of common cosmetic procedures—in several phases.
Home Recovery:
During this stage of recovery I always like to remind my patients, “You’re not sick, you just had surgery”. You’ve begun to move around and do the most basic tasks on your own, like go to the restroom or feed yourself. Visible signs are still present. You have a caregiver around at times to check on you, administer medications and assist with any dressings.
Back to Business:
Initial discomfort from surgery has subsided but you are probably still relying on over-the- counter medications. You’re moving around more comfortably and letting your body heal from the most visible signs of surgery, like bruising and swelling. This can be a frustrating time because sometimes you feel better than others and try to over-accomplish due to boredom. Don’t! Listen to your body and let yourself recover. At this stage, most people can work from home or travel to their office, if they are taking non-narcotics, and begin resuming normal, non- strenuous activities.
Back to Real Life:
This highly anticipated stage of recovery is near the final step to achieving the end result! At this stage, you are allowed to resume your typical day-to-day life including most strenuous exercise or sports activities. The end-result from your surgery is clearly noticeable yet improvement continues.
End Result:
All swelling is gone and your body has had the maximum amount of time needed to fully recover. Any facial or body reconstruction is complete and everything feels and looks relatively natural. The final results from your procedure are on full display for you to enjoy.
Liposuction
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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
End Result: 3-4 months
Breast Augmentation
Home Recovery: 1-2 days
Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Lift)
End Result: 3 months
Blepharoplasty (Lower Eyelid Lift)
End Result: 3-6 months
Forehead Lift
Home Recovery: 1-2 days
Rhinoplasty (Nasal rehshaping)
End Result: 6-12 months
Mini-Neck Lift
Home Recovery: 1-3 days
Mini-Face Lift
Home Recovery: 1-2 days
Back to Real Life: 2- 3 weeks
Lower Face & Neck Lift
Home Recovery: 1-3 days
Only a few of the many cosmetic procedures that I perform are listed above, so please let me know in the comments section if you have a question about another procedure and I’ll be happy to answer your question or schedule a consultation.
As a final note, it’s important to remember that patients often undergo multiple procedures at the same time and this may frequently impact recovery times. Other variables may also affect recovery times, so keep in mind that the above guidelines are just estimates. Specific recovery times must be customized for each individual and discussed with your surgeon.
