Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon

Facial procedures generally fall into two categories with respect to recovery: The “short recovery” procedures and the “longer recovery” procedures. In the first group are chin augmentation, upper and/or lower eyelid surgery with or without brow lifting, otoplasty (correction of protruding ears), cheek implants and nasal surgery, both for function and appearance.

Procedures with a longer recovery are face and neck lifting, chemical wrinkle removal and some neck sculpturing procedures.

While I do not perform body procedures, I do understand that there is a similar categorization for body procedures. Breast reduction, tummy tuck and major liposuction generally require longer recovery. Breast augmentation and breast lift require a shorter recovery.

Here are the definitions: the short recovery procedures are those where the patient can return to work and normal activities including light athletics in ten days. Long recovery procedures are two weeks or slightly longer. And for some, the period of suggested refraining from athletic activities can run up to three weeks. For that, think in terms of breast reduction where running, jogging and other exercises would produce bounding or movement of the breast tissue. Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck likewise takes several weeks and while one may typically return to work at the two-week mark, major exercises are best deferred for at least one other week.

None of these common cosmetic procedures require prolonged bed-rest. It is quite proper to be up and about within a day or two and, in fact, all surgeons recommend walking , beginning the next day, as an exercise which is not likely to put any stress on the healing tissue regardless of the procedure. Walking is a wonderful exercise because it promotes relaxation, stimulates circulation and even offsets the tendency towards constipation in the post-operative period since patients often through lessened activity and the use of pain killers are apt to have a slow down in colon function. And, never forget that doctors worry about blood clots in the legs. The best prevention: Get up and about quickly.

- Robert Kotler, MD, FACS