Category: Recovery

Many patients decide to undergo Mommy Makeover surgery, which can reverse many of the adverse effects of pregnancy and childbirth. While most women prepare sufficiently for the days leading up to the surgery, not very many typically look into what they should plan for after their surgery is completed. 

So what should you expect during your post-op recovery? Here are some details on what you will likely experience and some tips on how to have a comfortable and smooth recuperation.

What Happens After I Get Home?

Every Mommy Makeover is customized to match each patient’s needs, so the procedures that were included in your surgery will affect your recovery. 

Typically, the breasts and midsection are wrapped in a support bra or a compression garment. You may feel sensitivity and tightness in the chest region and experience mild bruising and swelling. Redness may also occur around the incision locations.

Discomfort can be addressed with prescription pain medication. Refrain from physical activities such as lifting, pulling, pushing, twisting, or anything that can irritate the skin or body. Your surgeon tracks your progress and will let you know when it is safe to resume regular activities.

How Can I Ensure a Comfortable Experience?

Establish a relaxing environment by preparing things prior to your surgery is the best way to make sure that you are comfortable and content during your recuperation. Some tips for a comforting atmosphere include:

• Having all of your prescriptions filled before your procedure
• Following all of your post-surgical care instructions
• Arranging for adequate childcare, as you will be unable to lift anything
• Scheduling a friend or loved one to drive you home and stay with you for the first few days
• Stocking plenty of pillows where you will be spending most of your time
• Sleeping and getting plenty of rest
• Drinking water to stay hydrated
• Gathering plenty of entertainment, such as books, magazines, television, electronic devices, and your cell phone
• Being sure to have all charging cables and spare batteries handy
• Beginning to walk around the house after the first day or two

When Can I Resume Work?

Every patient will feel different after their procedure, but most patients can return to work in a couple of weeks. 

After at least four weeks, you can begin introducing regular activities, as long as your doctor has cleared it. It is important to listen to your surgeon and your body; avoid overexerting yourself—it can prolong your healing process.

It will usually take a few months for you to feel back to normal. Remain patient with your recovery and get plenty of rest.

What Results Should I Expect?

Dr. Robert Wald takes his time with each patient to understand their desires and preferences and creates a personalized surgical plan accordingly. 

In their Mommy Makeover, most patients choose to include breast augmentation to enhance their breast volume and cleavage, a breast lift to improve their nipples and areolas while simultaneously raising the breasts, a tummy tuck to remove excess abdominal fat and skin for a tighter stomach, and liposuction to reduce fat in stubborn locations. 

Regardless of which procedures you decide to include in your Mommy Makeover, most patients feel a significant improvement in their overall body contour after they have healed. 

To learn more about Mommy Makeover surgery, please call our office for a consultation at (714) 312-3549. You can also fill out our contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 15th, 2019 at 9:00 am and is filed under Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Recovery. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

When all other avenues for weight loss or anti-aging treatments have failed, many people consider plastic surgery to achieve their goals. However, with so many celebrities putting plastic surgery in a negative light, some people tend to not look at plastic surgery favorably.

Plastic surgery is surgery; therefore, it is crucial that a patient who is considering the process takes it seriously. Besides the preparation for surgery, the recovery is an important aspect of the plastic surgery process. How someone cares for themselves following a procedure helps them to achieve the best results and dictates how their surgical wounds heal. Whether you are undergoing liposuction or breast augmentation, here are some of the top factors that will affect your healing following plastic surgery.

1. Your Age

The older a person gets, the harder it is for them to recover from a sickness or injury, especially after surgery. When someone in their 40s, 50s, or 60s decides they want to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, they should keep in mind that they might not recover as quickly as someone in their 20s or 30s. Depending on your age, your plastic surgeon will provide you with an idea about how your recovery process will go and the best surgical approach to help you heal safely and efficiently. They may also suggest less invasive options, such as injectables or fillers that provide anti-aging results but are less strenuous on the body than a surgical procedure.

2. Your Genetics

Genetics also play a significant role in the recovery process. Patients who have a family history of poor wound healing is something that cannot be changed; though, if you live a healthy lifestyle and listen to instructions before and after surgery, it can make for a positive healing experience. Depending on the patient, they may need to take more time away from physical activities or work. Any concerns regarding your genetics and family history should be discussed with your doctor before booking your procedure. Your plastic surgeon will consider any previous medical problems when designing your individualized surgery plan.

3. Caring for Your Surgical Wounds

Age and genetics are a factor some of us can’t change when undergoing a surgical procedure. However, how you care for yourself and your surgical wounds following your surgery should be taken seriously. Patients should keep their incisions clean and covered and should avoid touching them. They should keep track of any changes in the color or appearance of their surgical incisions. If any surgical wounds look pink or red or have any drainage, the patient should seek medical attention to make sure the incisions are not infected.

4. Your Health

A patient’s health before and after surgery will significantly impact how their surgical wounds heal. It is important that patients follow a healthy diet before and after surgery, and refrain from any unhealthy habits such as smoking or consuming alcohol. You can discuss with your doctor about what types of foods should be avoided during the recovery and ways that might improve your healing after surgery. You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and abstain from consuming drinks high in sugar such as soda and certain juices.

If you are interested in a plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Wald is a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide you with the best advice on how to achieve the best healing experience after your surgery. Schedule your consultation today! Contact us by calling (714) 312-3549 or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 25th, 2017 at 10:43 am and is filed under Recovery.

You have decided that you are ready for plastic surgery, and now it is time to book your appointment. The question you may be asking yourself is, “When should I schedule my surgery?” Most patients find that the ideal season to undergo plastic surgery is winter. Whether you want a breast augmentation or liposuction, the cool weather makes winter the perfect time to schedule your procedure. Plus, with a new year just starting, why not get your face and body into shape to look your best for 2017!

Start Early on Your Summer Body

Plastic surgery results do not appear overnight. Most patients will have residual swelling for six months to one year. Someone who is wanting to get their body in shape for summer would ideally need to undergo their procedure during the winter or early spring. This allows time for swelling and bruising to subside and for surgical wounds to heal. Once the entire recovery process has come and gone, patients can be ready to show off their new results at the beach or pool this summer.

A Relaxing and Comfortable Recovery

Once the temperature drops, many people find themselves layering their clothes and snuggling up. Staying comfortable and relaxed away from the sun and activities is conducive to a healthy recovery. Winter is a convenient season to bundle up and stay indoors to ease through recovery.

After the procedure, the recovery is the most important process. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons can provide you with all the information you need to know about the recovery for your particular surgery.

It’s a Perfect Time for a “Staycation”

Life gets crazy, and every once in a while, we need a vacation. After undergoing plastic surgery, why not use some vacation time to take a “staycation”? Most operations will require a week or two of recovery. You should allow yourself to stay home or in a comfortable environment for postoperative care. Patients who take their recovery process seriously will benefit by achieving the best results possible.

Cover Up While the Body Is Healing

Winter time is all about throwing on extra clothing to stay warm and protect the skin from the dry weather. Many plastic surgery patients will notice their swelling, bruising, and surgical wounds are easier to conceal this time of year. Patients can discreetly recover from their surgery without revealing their body before unveiling their final results in the warmer months down the line.

If you want to undergo plastic surgery before the weather heats up, you should schedule your consultation with Dr. Wald today! He can evaluate your face or body to help you decide on the best procedure for you. Contact us by calling (714) 312-3549 or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 at 10:22 pm and is filed under Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Recovery.