Many patients have plastic surgery for a variety of reasons, whether for cosmetics or for health. According to Forbes, there were 11.36 million procedures in 2019 alone, and many more have taken place in 2023. If you’re scheduling your own procedure for the first time, you may be unsure of what to expect. Here’s what you need to know about your plastic surgery procedure.
The Consultation
You’ll meet with Dr. Travis Shaw, your plastic surgeon, and go over your procedure. He will look over your medical records and make sure that you’re a great candidate. You can ask any questions you may have about the procedure during your consultation as well.
Pre-Op
This is the time to let the surgeon and other staff, like an anesthesiologist, about your medical history, including the medications you take. They may tell you to stop eating and drinking after a certain hour, usually midnight. Make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the procedure. Your reflexes will be off due to recovering from the anesthesia, which makes you a potential hazard on the road.
Surgery
Make sure that you’re wearing comfortable clothes and arrive well before your surgery time to fill out any additional paperwork. Depending on the type of procedure you’re undergoing, the surgery may take 1.5 to three hours. Some surgeries, like eyelid surgery, only take about 45 minutes.
Post-Op
There will be a recovery process afterward. Your plastic surgeon will give you explicit instructions on what you need to do to heal properly. While some discomfort is to be expected, it can be managed by taking over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain worsens or if you notice things like discharge, you need to contact the office. How long it takes for you to completely recover ultimately depends on your procedure, but you can typically expect to resume regular activities in a few weeks and be completely healed in a few months. Rhinoplasties may take longer to completely recover from, but any numbness or abnormal sensations should resolve in six months at the latest.
Are you looking for a plastic surgeon in your area? Synergy Face + Body by Travis Shaw, MD has you covered. Contact us today for more information about our services or to schedule a consultation.
