Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
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Body aesthetic surgeries are performed in accredited surgical facilities or hospitals. These environments adhere to strict sterility and safety standards. The operating room is equipped with advanced monitoring technology, anesthesia machines, and emergency equipment.
The surgical team includes the lead surgeon, surgical assistants, scrub nurses, and a board-certified anesthesiologist. This multidisciplinary team works in unison to ensure the procedure is efficient and safe. The room temperature is carefully controlled to maintain the patient’s body heat.
General anesthesia is the standard for most major body contouring procedures. This ensures the patient is completely unconscious, feels no pain, and remains still. The airway is protected with an endotracheal tube.
The anesthesiologist continuously monitors vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Fluid management is critical, especially during liposuction, to balance the fluids removed with fluids replaced.
For smaller, localized procedures like minor liposuction, local anesthesia with sedation or twilight sleep may be an option. This avoids the stronger effects of general anesthesia and allows for a quicker wake-up. The choice depends on the extent of the surgery and patient preference.
The surgeon begins by marking the incision lines on the skin while the patient is awake and standing. Once anesthetized, the skin is prepped with an antiseptic. The incisions are made with precision to ensure they fall within the pre-planned contours.
Dissection involves separating the skin and fat from the underlying muscle fascia. Techniques using electrocautery help minimize bleeding by sealing small blood vessels as they are cut. The surgeon carefully navigates around nerves and lymphatic vessels.
In excisional surgeries, such as tummy tucks or lifts, excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining tissue is then redraped and pulled taut. The surgeon tailors the skin edges to ensure a smooth closure without dog ears or skin bunches at the ends of the incision.
For muscle repair, permanent sutures are used to plicate (fold) and stitch the fascia, tightening the abdominal wall or lifting the internal structures. In liposuction, the cannula is used to sculpt the fat layer, creating curves and definition.
Surgical drains are commonly used in body contouring. These small, flexible tubes are placed under the skin to remove fluid or seroma and blood that accumulates after surgery. Preventing fluid buildup is crucial for allowing the tissue layers to adhere and heal.
The drains exit through small holes near the incision and are attached to collection bulbs. While inconvenient, they are a vital safety measure. Some modern drainless techniques exist for tummy tucks, using internal sutures to close the space, but drains remain standard for many body lifts.
The incisions are closed in multiple layers. Deep sutures hold the repair tension, while superficial sutures or surgical glue approximate the skin edges for a fine scar. Absorbable sutures are typically used to avoid the need for removal.
Sterile dressings are applied to the incisions. The patient is then placed in a compression garment such as a girdle, binder, or vest while still on the operating table. This garment applies pressure to reduce swelling and support the new contours.
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The patient is moved to the recovery room or PACU. Nurses monitor the patient as they wake up, managing pain and nausea. Vital signs are checked frequently to ensure stability.
Patients are encouraged to take deep breaths to clear their lungs. Leg compression devices continue to operate to prevent blood clots. Once the patient is alert, pain is controlled, and they can drink fluids, they are discharged to their caregiver.
Pain management is multimodal. Surgeons use long-acting local anesthetics at the surgical site to provide relief for the first day. Oral narcotics are prescribed for breakthrough pain in the first few days.
Muscle relaxants may be used for tummy tucks to ease muscle spasms. Anti-inflammatory medications are often avoided initially to reduce bleeding risk, but may be added later. The goal is to keep pain manageable so the patient can move and breathe comfortably.
The first two days are the most intensive part of recovery. Patients should rest but must get up and walk short distances every few hours to promote circulation. Assistance is needed to get out of bed and use the bathroom.
Patients with tummy tucks must walk bent over at the waist to protect the muscle repair. Hydration is key. Drain bulbs must be emptied, and the output recorded. This period requires dedicated home support.
Swelling and bruising are expected and peak around day 3 or 4. The body retains fluid as a reaction to surgical trauma. The treated areas may look swollen, distorted, or asymmetrical initially.
Compression garments must be worn 24/7, except during showers, to control this edema. Patients are advised to limit salt intake to prevent further water retention. Understanding that this is temporary helps reduce anxiety.
Patients can typically shower 48 hours after surgery. Drains are often clipped to a lanyard around the neck. Water is allowed to run over the incisions, but scrubbing or soaking is prohibited.
After showering, incisions are patted dry, and fresh dressings are applied if needed. Keeping the area clean prevents infection. Surgical glue or tape usually stays on until it falls off naturally.
Early walking is vital, but strenuous activity is restricted. Patients should not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first few weeks. High-impact exercise is avoided for 6 to 8 weeks.
Driving is prohibited while taking narcotic pain medication and until the patient has a full range of motion to react safely. Returning to work depends on the job’s physical demands, ranging from 2 weeks for desk jobs to 6 weeks for active roles.
It varies widely. Liposuction might take 1 to 2 hours. A tummy tuck takes about 3 hours. A lower body lift or mommy makeover can take 5 to 6 hours. Safety limits usually cap elective surgery at around 6 hours.
For most excisional surgeries like tummy tucks and body lifts, yes. Drains prevent fluid from building up under the skin. They are typically removed after 1 to 2 weeks when the fluid output decreases.
You will walk hunched over for the first week to protect the muscle repair. Most patients can gradually stand straight by day 10 to 14. Forcing it too soon can pull the incision open.
Pain is manageable with medication. Tummy tucks involving muscle repair tend to be the most sore. Liposuction feels like a deep bruise or muscle ache. Most patients switch to Tylenol within a week.
Walking starts immediately. Light cardio can usually resume at 3 to 4 weeks. Heavy lifting and core exercises are restricted for 6 to 8 weeks to allow the fascia and deep tissues to heal fully.
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