How We Feel After Cosmetic Surgery: Dr. Niamtu’s Tips for a Healthy Recovery

The recovery period after surgery varies from person to person, and of course, depends on the procedure you’re having and whether multiple procedures are being performed at the same time. The following graphics have been modified by me based on information that has been around for a while and I am not sure who originally put them toghether, but my goal was to and to and publish this in a format that is better suited to the patient so they can have a better understanding of how different patients react to surgery. Some patients literally breeze through the recovery process and others have a more difficult time. Some patients get a bit depressed and wonder if they did the right thing in having cosmetic surgery. The following charts will provide insight into the recovery process and hopefully put patients at ease when they have a more thorough understanding of the surgical healing and physical and psychological changes involved the first month after surgery.

 

 Regardless of the procedure there will be both physical and emotional issues to consider during recovery. It’s important to remember not to rush the healing process. Here are some helpful hints for a healthy recovery:

• Reduce swelling following facial surgery by applying ice. Even if your surgeon has applied bandages to reduce swelling you may need to apply ice periodically. Ask your surgeon how long you should continue this.
•  Plan your recovery time smartly. Depending upon the surgery, recovery time could range from a few days to a few weeks. Keep this in mind as it affects your work, family, and social schedules after surgery.
• Be realistic in your expectations. Let’s face it, you’re going to look worse before getting better. Just about all types of cosmetic surgery procedures involve bruising and swelling. Your real results won’t reveal themselves for a few days (or longer) so don’t panic! Let the natural healing process take place. If you suspect a problem see your surgeon.
• Follow your surgeon’s guidelines. Whether it’s taking prescribed medication or when to resume regular exercise, or hygiene instructions, your surgeon can provide the best advice for a safe and healthy recovery.
• Arrange for care for the initial 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Even though you may believe you can resume your normal routines, having someone there to assist you will bring peace of mind and allow the healing process to occur normally and with less disruption.
•  Rehydrate your body often. Surgery of any kind can reduce fluids in your body. Drinking water frequently will help replenish these lost body fluids. Also, eat lightly for the first few days and only food that is easy to swallow and digest.
•  If you’ve had surgery on your head or neck, keep them elevated for a few days. This will reduce swelling and speed the recovery process without compromising the results.
•  Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Use sun block with proper UV protection to protect your skin.
•  Don’t take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications. These might interfere with medications prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to check with your doctor about which over-the-counter and prescription medicines you should avoid during recovery.

For more information about cosmetic facial surgery visit www.lovethatface.com

Joe Niamtu, III DMD

Cosmetic Facial Surgery

Richmond, Virginia

What goes around…..comes around.

I had an interesting experience at the office today.  Not my first of this type, but a good one.  I went to a treatment room to see a patient that I have treated many times for Botox and small procedures.  I noticed that she would not make eye contact with me and thought that was odd. I asked her how her summer was and she said “terrible”, again while staring at the floor.  When I asked her why, she said she made a terrible mistake.  She went on to explain that she had consulted me months ago about a facelift, but on the recommendation of a friend, went to another surgeon and the result was a disaster.  I held her hand and reassured her that I am not offended and this happens to all doctors but I was sorry about her result.  Upon examination, she was correct, she had a poor surgical result.  Her incisions were improperly placed and noticeable, her neck still had much laxity, she had lost areas of tissue that healed with scars and had folds on her neck and chin from improper technique, to name the major problems.  She began crying and said she wanted to sue the other doctor.  I asked her who the other surgeon was and she told me.  She also told me that she should have know better than to go to him because when she told him that she had also consulted me, he “went off”.  She said this surgeon went into an embarrassing 5 minute diatribe about how I am unqualified to perform her facelift and many other degrading things about me.  She said that she already had paid a deposit and signed some papers so against her feelings she went ahead with the surgery.  She explained how disappointed she was and how much she suffered and how it ruined her entire summer.  She also reminded me that she asked me one time about this surgeon and I did not say anything negative about him and after his assault on me, she now sees the value of being a bigger person.  She stated “wow, you must really have taken a lot of this surgeons business for him to be that jealous, I am so sorry I did not choose you to begin with.” This was a good reminder of how astute patients really are. 

I again told her not to feel bad and that her actions were in the past and she can’t change that.  She spoke about suing the other surgeon which I totally discouraged, knowing that if the shoe was on the other foot, he would have relished in the process.  We began working on the scars and made a treatment plan to deal with the other problems and upon leaving, she gave me a hug.  I hope a lot of younger surgeons see this blog as there are a multitude of lessons to be learned in a case like this.  First of all, always speak with purpose and never lower yourself to the level of negative, insecure people.  You will always look bigger and patients can see right through an insecure surgeon.  Secondly, many doctors are victims of “competitive insecure bashing” and they should never let that bother them.  If a surgeon treats his or her patients like family and does good work, it will all catch up with the good doc and take away from the bad doc.  A Chinese proverb says “if you sit by the river bank long enough, you will eventually see the bodies of your enemies float by”.  It’s true.  Most doctors that talk trash are identifying themselves to that patient as insecure and intimidated by their competition.  If you can’t say something positive, then simply say “I don’t know anything about him”.  So today I wanted to thank Dr. X for his kind referral of this patient and all her friends.  I actually received patients without any marketing.  What goes around comes around.

To learn more about cosmetic facial surgery in Richmond, Virginia visit www.lovethatface.com

Joe Niamtu, III DMD

Cosmetic Facial Surgery

Richmond, Virginia