Plastic Surgery Recovery and Risks.

BREAST AUGMENTATION

• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• Implant rupture
• Asymmetry of the breasts
• Breastfeeding difficulties
• Implant slippage or movement
• Capsular contracture refers to when scar tissue forms around the implant. It is generally a normal part of the healing process & can actually prevent slippage). However, occasionally it can interfere with the shape & feel of the breast. In rare cases, capsular contracture can be painful & caused by ruptured implants.
• Lumps in lymph node tissue caused by leaking silicone. This is not a health risk
• Reduced effectiveness of breast screening. However, modern imaging has made this less of a concern.

BREAST LIFT

• Skin discolouration/permanent pigmentation changes
• Fat necrosis resulting in hard lumps in skin
• Breast asymmetry
• Stiff shoulder

BREAST REDUCTION

• Skin discolouration/permanent pigmentation changes
• Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs (temporary or permanent)
• Fat necrosis resulting in hard lumps in skin
• Breast asymmetry
• Stiff shoulder

BREAST EXPLANT

• Breast deformity
• Breast ptosis (sagging)
• Breast asymmetry

RHINOPLASTY

• Heavy nosebleeds
• Loss or reduction of sense of smell
• Dark skin under eyes which can last up to 6 months
• Difficulty breathing due to narrowed airways
• Weakened support structure of nose

FACELIFT

• Nerve damage which may result in smile asymmetry, difficulties closing eyes & loss of movement in forehead
• Temporary or permanent hair loss around scars
• Skin loss from impaired blood supply
• Deformity of earlobe
• Facial asymmetry

BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID LIFT)

• Removal of too much skin which can expose the cornea to injury
• Itchy, watery, or dry eyes
• Persistent pain
• Eyelid asymmetry
• Difficulty closing eyes
• Eyelid ptosis – temporary or permanent sagging skin that pulls upper eyelid down
• Ectropion – temporary or permanent lax or droopy lower eyelids
• Temporary or permanent blurred or impaired vision. This is an extremely rare complication. Smoking, pre-existing eye disease, and straining, lifting or excessive coughing after surgery can increase this risk.
• Skin discolouration

OTOPLASTY (EAR PINNING)

• Nerve endings may be cut during the procedure. If this occurs, clients will experience a temporary itchy sensation as the nerves regenerate.
• Ulcers (near incision site) (This is the first procedure that has ulcers listed as a complication – is this across all procedures?)
• Asymmetry of the ears
• Re-protrusion of the ears if the sutures break during the healing process.

ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

• Heart or lung complications
• Tightened skin preventing forward bend
• Future skin grafts required from areas not healing completely

ARM LIFT

• Restricted movement from tightened skin
• Fat embolism after liposuction
• Asymmetry

THIGH LIFT

• Distortion of genitalia contour & appearance
• Restricted movement from tightened skin
• Fat embolism (after liposuction)
• Asymmetry
• Temporary or permanent skin discolouration

LABIAPLASTY

• Fat embolism after liposuction
• Over-correction where too much tissue is removed or under-correction where too little tissue is removed
• Excessive bleeding
• Asymmetry

MALE BREAST REDUCTION (GYNAECOMASTIA REMOVAL)

• Asymmetry of the breasts or nipples
• Permanent pigment changes
• Re-occurrence of tissue growth. If the cause of the excess tissue growth is not identified and treated, it can grow again. Clients are asked to wait until they have stopped developing before they consider surgery. Similarly, any medications or drug use that might be causing the condition should cease. Clients should aim to be as fit and healthy as possible to ensure long-lasting results.
• Need for further surgery to remove excess skin

Your health is our number one priority. Which is why, failure to follow some of the following may result in your surgery being postponed or, even cancelled.

1. Read all documentation from CosMediTour and your Surgeon closely
2. Precisely follow all the advice from your Surgeon as this will be tailored to your individual needs.
3. Disclose your full medical history, including:
   • Physical health including but not limited to allergies, medical conditions, diseases or illnesses, smoker status, weight.
   • Mental health illnesses or concerns including but not limited to anxiety, depression, body dysmorphic disorder.
   • Medications, vitamins and supplements
4. Alert your CosMediTour Client Manager and/or Surgeon to changes relating to any of the above.
5. Be in great physical health prior to surgery
6. Ensure you have realistic surgical goals and work with your surgeon to ensure your treatment plan is safe. Also understand that results are never guaranteed and that individual results may vary. The outcomes for one patient may not necessarily reflect your results.
7. Minimise your exposure to post-operative risks during recovery by:
   • Quickly communicating any concerns you have with your Surgeon
   • Ensuring you are suitably prepared for your recovery period.
   • Attending all follow-up appointments
   • Ensuring proper wound care
   • Wearing post-surgery support garments as instructed
   • Maintaining good nutrition
   • Until advised by your surgeon, avoid activities that may hinder your recovery, including smoking, alcohol, strenuous exercise etc.

Indicative Plastic Surgery Recovery information for each procedure is provided below.

BREAST AUGMENTATION 

In Australia, Breast Augmentation is typically regarded as day surgery. So, assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 – 3 hours after they wake.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary from person to person; however, we advise clients to allow 4 – 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery after a Breast Augmentation. Clients must rest for 2 weeks. Importantly, no driving, work or exercise in the 1st week. In the 2nd week, clients can ease into light, lower body exercise & in most cases, return to work.  To ensure optimal healing, post-surgery support garments must be worn for 6 weeks.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 6 – 9 months. During this time, the appearance of the implant will change & settle.

BREAST LIFT 

In Australia, Breast Lifts are completed as day surgery procedures. So, assuming good general health, clients are typically able to leave the hospital 2 to 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary from person to person; however, we advise clients to allow 4 – 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery after a Breast Lift. Clients must rest for 1 – 2 weeks. Importantly, no driving, work or exercise in the 1st week. Two weeks after surgery, clients are likely to be able to return to work, a normal shower routine can be reintroduced, as can light lower body exercise.To ensure optimal healing, post-surgery support garments must be worn for 6 weeks.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 6 months. During this time, Breasts will become softer & scars will fade.

 

BREAST REDUCTION 

In Australia, Breast Reductions are typically a day surgery. So, assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 to 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia. Although rare, in some cases clients may need to stay overnight. If opting for a combined procedure, all clients may need to stay in hospital for 1 – 2 days.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary from person to person; however, we advise clients to allow 4 – 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery after a Breast Reduction. Clients must rest for 1 – 2 weeks. Clients can resume gentle walking & driving after 1 week. In most cases, normal activities including work, can resume 2 weeks after surgery. Post surgery support garments must be worn for 6 weeks.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 6 – 12 months. During this time, the breasts will become softer & more natural. Scars may take up to 18 months to fade.

BREAST EXPLANT

A Breast Explant is typically a day surgery in Australia. So, assuming good general health, you can leave the hospital 2 – 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary; however, we advise clients to allow 4 – 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery. Clients must rest for 5 days after Breast Explant surgery. Clients who have experienced capsular contracture may experience more discomfort & a slightly longer recovery. While clients who undergo an Explant with a Breast Lift may feel tight & heavy for a few weeks.

During recovery, no returning to work for 5 days after surgery and no driving for 1 week after surgery. Clients can return to normal activities & moderate exercise after 6 weeks. For optimal healing, post-surgery support garments must be worn for 6 weeks.

When breast implants are removed & not replaced, it can take 2 -3 weeks for the breasts to regain their volume.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 3 – 6 months. During this time, the scarring, which is often inconspicuous, will begin to fade and breasts settle into their new position.

 

RHINOPLASTY 

In Australia, Rhinoplasty is typically a day surgery procedure. So, assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 to 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia. In some cases however, a short hospital stay may be required.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary; however, we advise clients to allow 6 weeks for recovery after a Rhinoplasty procedure. This includes 2 weeks of rest. A nose splint must be worn for the first week. Bruising, particularly around the eyes, and swelling can last for 2 weeks.  Clients can generally resume normal activities, including work and light exercise after 2 weeks. Strenuous activities and contact sports must be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

Clients will need to be patient for their final result. Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 6 – 12 months. During this time, prolonged swelling of the tip and bridge of the nose should reside.

 

FACELIFT

In Australia, a Facelift is considered a day surgery procedure. Assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 to 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia.

Recovery periods vary; however, we advise clients to allow 4 – 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery. This includes 2 weeks of rest following surgery. The face is bandaged for 24 hours. Once bandages are removed, a chin strap may be used to provide support. Drains will be used for 1 – 2 days after surgery to collect excess blood & fluid . Bruising, swelling & numbness around the face & ears should start to dissipate after the first week. Clients will need to keep their head elevated for 2 weeks. Most clients can return to work 2 weeks after surgery. Light to moderate exercise can also resume at this time.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 4 – 6 months. During this time, numbness in the face and ears should start to subside.

 

BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID LIFT)

In Australia, Eyelid Lifts are typically considered a day surgery procedure. So assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 – 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia. This may change depending on the focus of the Eyelid Lift (upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both) and any additional procedures required (eg Facelift).

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary; however, we advise clients to allow 2 weeks for post-surgery recovery. This includes 5 – 7 days of rest following surgery. Light sensitivity is common & clients may need to wear sunglasses for 2 – 3 days. In most cases, driving can resume 4 to 5 days after surgery.  In most cases, clients can return to work after 7 to 10 days.

Activities that raise the blood pressure (bending, lifting, straining, strenuous exercise) must be avoided for 3 weeks.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 3 weeks. During this time, bruising & swelling should subside.

 

OTOPLASTY (EAR PINNING)

In Australia, Otoplasty is typically considered a day surgery procedure. So assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 to 3 hours after they wake from general anaesthesia.  Children are required to stay in hospital overnight.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary; however, we advise clients to allow 2 – 3 weeks for post-surgery recovery. This includes 48 hours of rest following surgery.

The results of an Ear Pinning procedure are visible immediately. Bruising will emerge in the first few days. A post-operative head band must be worn for 10 – 12 days. While clients can return to work/school 48 hours after the procedure, they typically wait 2 weeks for the dressings to be removed and the bruising to subside.  Care must be taken to not scratch the ears as this could disrupt recovery.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 4 weeks. During this time, any scarring (which is typically well concealed) and swelling will subside.

 

ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK) 

Time spent in hospital following a Tummy Tuck varies from patient to patient. While some clients can leave hospital 2 to 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia, others may require a short hospital stay (up to 3 days).

Recovery periods also vary from person to person; however, we advise clients to allow 4 – 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery. Clients must rest for 2 weeks. A catheter & drains will be in place for the first few days. It may be difficult to stand up straight in the week following surgery. Until advised by your Surgeon, wounds must be kept dry. Clients must not drive for 4 weeks and no strenuous exercise (including sit-ups & sexual intercourse) for 6 weeks. Changes in skin sensation are part of the healing process. In most cases, it will improve over the first few months. Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 6 – 12 months. During this time, swelling will subside, & scars will begin to fade.

 

ARM LIFT 

In Australia, Arm Lifts are generally considered day surgery. So assuming good health, clients can leave the hospital 2 to 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary from person to person; however, we advise clients to allow 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery after an Arm Lift. This includes 2 weeks of rest.  To aid recovery, clients must keep their arms elevated for 3 days after surgery & should restrict arm movement as much as possible. Post-operative dressings must be worn for 2 – 3 weeks. Light activities can resume in the first week, and most clients can return to work 7 to 10 days after surgery. Your Surgeon will advise when you are able to drive.

Strenuous activity, heavy lifting and swimming must be avoided for up to 6 weeks. During this time, a compression garment must also be worn.

The results of an Arm Lift are visible immediately; however, become more pronounced once swelling subsides. Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 3 months, during which time scars will begin to fade.

 

THIGH LIFT

In Australia, Thigh Lifts are typically considered a day surgery procedure and assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 to 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary from person to person; however, we advise clients to allow 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery. This includes 2 weeks of rest.

Following surgery, clients will experience bruising and swelling. It may take 2 – 3 weeks before clients can resume normal activities, including work or driving. We recommend clients have someone stay with them during this time to assist with moving around the house. Clients must wear compression garments for 6 weeks.

Swelling may take up to 10 weeks to subside. After which time the results will be completely visible. Surgeons will need to assess healing before strenuous exercise, jogging and swimming can recommence.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 3 – 6 months.  During this time, scars will begin to fade and clients will start to feel the effects of a full recovery at this point.

 

LABIAPLASTY

In Australia, Labiaplasty is typically regarded as day surgery. So, assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 – 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia.

Plastic Surgery Recovery periods vary from person to person; however, we advise clients to allow up to 6 weeks for post-surgery recovery. Clients must rest for 2 weeks. Swelling & bruising will emerge in the first week & a small amount of bleeding is normal.  A barrier ointment must be applied twice a day as prescribed. In most cases normal activities, including work can be reintroduced 10 days after surgery. Avoid vigorous exercise & sexual activity until a surgeon advises as increased blood flow in the genital area can induce complications.

Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 3 – 6 weeks. During this time, results will start to show. Full results will be visible 6 months after surgery.

 

MALE BREAST REDUCTION (GYNAECOMASTIA REMOVAL) 

In Australia, Male Breast Reductions are typically considered day surgery procedures. So assuming good general health, clients can leave the hospital 2 – 3 hours after they wake from anaesthesia.

Recovery periods vary from person to person; however, we advise clients to allow up to 5 weeks for post-surgery recovery. Clients must rest for 2 days after surgery.

Clients can typically return to work 1 to 2 days after surgery, depending on the nature of their work. Heavy lifting and contact sports should be avoided for at least 4 weeks and upper limb exercises should be approached gradually. Weight training and swimming should be avoided until the surgeon advises.  Healing is an individual process but generally takes place over 3 – 6 months.