Plastic Surgery and Swelling - What to Expect as You Heal
Dr. Gregory T. Mesna and his entire team have been helping people throughout the greater Minneapolis area achieve all of their aesthetic goals. This is thanks to comprehensive cosmetic surgery treatment, including facial plastic surgery procedures to reduce telltale wrinkles and breast augmentation surgery to dramatically enhance curves and body contours.
Regardless what surgery is performed, patients are bound to experience some side effects. One such side effect is swelling. Let's take a moment to look at swelling after surgery in broad terms and what can be done to address the issue.
How common is swelling after plastic surgery?
Swelling is a common side effect after any kind of surgery, whether medically necessary or otherwise. In other words, swelling is normal and to be expected after your procedure is performed.
You will notice the most swelling occurs in the first days after the surgery, with the most noticeable swelling gradually abating as your recovery progresses. Many times the most notable swelling will diminish along with any bruising.
How long will swelling last?
This depends on a number of factors, such as the type of surgery that you have undergone and the nature of your recovery period. Most of the significant swelling should have faded by the end of the first month of healing. However, some mild swelling may persist for some time.
During your consultation with your surgeon, you will be able to learn about the duration of swelling after your procedure is performed and how long it will take to fully abate.
Compression Garments Can Help Reduce Swelling
A number of patients who undergo body contouring surgery will often wear compression garments as part of their recovery. These compression garments are form-fitting undergarments made of breathable materials. When worn, the compressions garments provide support for the muscles, skin, and underlying structures in the treatment area. Along with the psychological benefits of wearing a supportive undergarment, patients report less swelling after surgery when they wear compression garments.
Surgical bras are like a variation on compression garments and are given to patients following breast augmentation, lift, or reduction surgery. The same principles are at work: the surgical bras provide support for the breasts and in doing so improve the healing experience and help reduce post-surgical swelling.
Other Tips for Dealing with Post-Surgical Swelling
When it comes to reducing surgical swelling, it's important that you follow all of your post-surgical instructions to the letter. These instructions are in place to help ensure that you heal quickly and avoid complications. Pre-operative instructions should also be followed closely as these will help ensure ideal conditions for healing.
In general, patients will want to make sure that they are well-rested as they heal and remain well hydrated as well. Cold compresses can be applied to the swollen area as directed as well, which is also helpful when it comes to treating bruising and discomfort in the surgical site.
Keep in Touch with Your Surgeon as You Heal
As you recover from surgery, be sure to keep in touch with your cosmetic surgeon. This will allow pressing concerns to be addressed as soon as they arise and help you have a much better healing experience in the process.
Learn More About Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Options
If you would like more information about your options for aesthetic enhancement and what to expect after treatment has been performed, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. The entire team here at Mesna Plastic Surgery will help you achieve all of your aesthetic goals.
