What to Expect after Plastic Surgery: Swelling
Cosmetic plastic surgeon Lloyd Van Wyck uses the most advanced techniques and technologies, combined with finely honed surgical skills and a keen eye for aesthetics, to produce consistently exceptional results for his patients. From facial rejuvenation to state-of-the-art body contouring, he customizes each procedure to the unique needs and goals of the individual patient, prioritizing nothing above his or her ultimate satisfaction. He is a master of the subtle incision, and he is able to achieve remarkably natural-looking outcomes through his employment of minimally invasive methods.
Nevertheless, Dr. Van Wyck makes sure that his patients understand that, no matter how minimally invasive a procedure might be, all surgical procedures involve some side effects and a certain degree of risk. Of these side effects, one of the most likely to occur is swelling. Dr. Van Wyck discusses the issue of plastic surgery and swelling in detail during consultations at his Ottawa, ON practice so that patients know precisely what to expect before committing to any given procedure. He wants them to have all the information they need to make confident, educated decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.
Are you interested in learning more about plastic surgery? If so, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Lloyd Van Wyck today.
Swelling after Plastic Surgery
While some patients will experience swelling to a lesser degree than others, all patients should expect to experience some degree of swelling at the surgical site after any plastic surgery procedure, regardless of its scope. How much swelling you experience will depend on several factors, including the type of procedure you undergo, the extent of that procedure, and your body’s ability to heal from wounds.
In the vast majority of patients, swelling is extremely temporary, subsiding steadily over the course of the first week after surgery. Swelling may take longer to subside with more extensive procedures such as body lift and extended abdominoplasty.
As a patient, you can help to promote your own healing, including the timely reduction of your swelling. You can do this by:
- Keeping the body part on which you had the procedure performed elevated, even when you are asleep
- Doing as much light walking as you can beginning the day after your surgery, but abstaining from more strenuous activity until given clearance by Dr. Van Wyck
- Wearing any compression garments you are advised to wear exactly as recommended
- Taking all prescribed medications as advised
- Diligently following all of the post-surgical instructions provided to you by Dr. Van Wyck, including those regarding wound care, changing your dressing, and bathing
- Attending all follow-up appointments scheduled with Dr. Van Wyck
You will want to notify our office immediately if your swelling does not improve or actually becomes worse during the first week after your surgery.
Learn More about Plastic Surgery and Swelling
To learn more about plastic surgery and swelling, please contact our plastic surgery practice today. We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have.