Pre and Post-Op: What to Know About Your Body Procedure
Obtaining a beautiful, healthier body is easier than you might think. Whether you’ve become dissatisfied with your appearance due to age, genetics, pregnancy, or the rigors of life, cosmetic body procedures can help restore a tighter, more youthful look–and your self-confidence! If you’ve been thinking about a cosmetic procedure, such as liposuction, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, or body contouring, here’s what you need to know to prepare for best results, including what to do and what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Early Pre-Op: First Steps
So you’ve noticed some extra skin-or perhaps things simply aren’t as tight and young-looking as they once were. If diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes aren’t enough, the next step is a consultation with your surgeon. We’ll go over all the options available to you, including:
-Tummy Tuck
-Liposuction
-Mommy Makeover
-Labiaplasty
-Brazilian Butt Lift
-Thigh Lift
-Arm Lift
-Gynecomastia Correction
If any of the above is a fit, it’s time to plan your surgery date and start preparing for your procedure.
Like for any other procedure, smokers should aim to stop nicotine usage for at least 4 weeks pre-procedure and stay smoke-free for 4 weeks post-procedure to reduce the risk of complications like infection. Nicotine use may also cause nausea, aggravate the lungs, and decrease blood flow during surgery–all of which puts your body at more risk of heart attack or stroke.
Your surgical team will also advise on what medications to continue or discontinue. Typically, patients are advised against taking NSAIDS, blood thinners, and Vitamin C, herbal, or weight-loss supplements for at least 2-4 weeks pre-procedure. Be sure to go over your complete list of medications and supplements with your surgical team to avoid potential interactions with anesthesia and/or post-operative prescribed medication.
Finally, depending on the procedure being performed, patients may be asked to complete lab work (such as CBC, blood chemistry tests, or liver function panel) in order to be cleared for surgery. Your surgeon may also ask for body scans or imaging, such as MRI, CT, or X-Ray.
Pre-Op: Just Before Surgery
The best time to plan your recovery is just before your procedure. Recovery time may vary depending on the procedure, from as little as 5-7 days for liposuction or up to 6 weeks for a Brazilian Butt Lift.
In the days leading up to your surgery, fill any prescriptions you’ll need post-op, plan out easy meals, and clear your schedule so you can rest and recuperate. It can also help to have someone nearby for the first 24 hours post-op to help with basic tasks and ensure the patient can rest comfortably.
Additionally, patients should abstain from alcohol for roughly 72 hours before their procedure, as it can affect their immune system.
The Day of the Procedure
If you have questions or concerns, don’t wait until the day of your procedure to bring them up. Remember, communication and transparency are crucial to both a quick recovery and best results.
Your surgeon will tell you what medications you can and cannot take leading up to, directly before, and after your procedure, including the morning of. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s recommendations regarding food and drink; most procedures don’t permit eating or drinking after midnight the night before your procedure.
Dress comfortably and avoid wearing jewelry. Have your insurance card and all proper documents handy, as well as your personal effects securely organized.
Make arrangements for someone to drive you both to and from your procedure, as well as to stay nearby for at least the first 24 hours so you can rest and focus on your recovery. Try to arrive at our facility to give yourself enough time to adequately check-in and prepare for your procedure.
Post-Op: Just After Surgery
After your procedure, the most common side effects are mild discomfort, bruising, swelling, and redness. The most important immediate treatments are rest and ice. We recommend taking any prescribed pain medication before you start to feel pain and/or discomfort. Preventing pain is easier than trying to manage it.
Depending on which procedure you had (namely liposuction, Brazilian Butt Lift, and arm lift), your surgeon may provide a compression garment to help the skin tighten up and facilitate healing. These also reduce swelling and provide much-needed support to core muscles as part of the healing process. Your surgeon will provide instructions, including how to wear it and how long to wear it.
Once our team has determined it’s safe, you can return home. As mentioned, it’s important to have someone to drive you home and stay with you so you can rest and recover.
Within a few days post-procedure, your doctor will check your bandages, assess your condition, and ensure you’re well on your way to optimal recovery. Make sure to let your doctor know if you’re experiencing any significant pain or discomfort, as these may be signs of something serious.
Post-Op: What to Expect After Your Procedure
You should expect soreness, swelling, and mild discomfort for at least a few weeks post-procedure. It’s normal to experience fatigue or tiredness as part of the healing process; it can take 5-6 weeks for you to return to your pre-procedure energy levels.
Try to walk a little each day and remember to stay hydrated. Avoid strenuous activity such as exercise or heavy lifting. Start with light activity and bit-by-bit, ramp up the intensity, but avoid abdominal exercises and stay away from bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, and aerobics for at least 6-8 weeks.
Recovery from body procedures can range anywhere from a few days to 6 weeks or more. Typically, however, patients can return to work within one week of the procedure (depending on how strenuous the job is). Again, depending on what procedure you had, there are various limitations. For example, labiaplasty patients are advised against sexual intercourse for at least 6-8 weeks post-procedure.
Your surgeon will also schedule a follow-up appointment (within a week of the initial procedure) to monitor your progress and recovery, as well as to finalize any parts of the procedure. It is possible you may need an additional follow-up procedure to correct any issues that arise from the first surgery or if you’re not satisfied with your initial results. However, it may take months before you can accurately determine your satisfaction with your new look.
Women Who May Become Pregnant
A common question often asked is whether or not women who may become pregnant again should undergo cosmetic surgery like liposuction, tummy tuck, or a mommy makeover. While there is no inherent harm to fertility, we typically advise patients to wait until they’re done having children. The significant changes that occur during pregnancy often counteract the work done by cosmetic procedures, meaning patients often require revisional procedures if they become pregnant again after surgery.
Pre and Post-Op Recap
Early pre-op:
Quit smoking & nicotine use.
Talk to your doctor about what medications you can and cannot use.
Complete lab work.
Ask any questions/clear any concerns.
Late pre-op:
No alcohol for 72 hours pre-procedure.
Fill any prescriptions you need post-op.
Clear out your schedule to prepare for rest and recovery.
Day of procedure:
Arrive early enough to check in and prepare for your procedure.
Dress comfortably, and avoid jewelry.
Have insurance card/important documents handy.
Days-weeks post-op:
Rest & ice.
Wear compression garments
Avoid strenuous activity for ~ one-week post-procedure.
Follow up appointments with your team.
Love your new body!
Ready For Your Procedure? Schedule Today!
At DeLuca Plastic Surgery, the difference is in the details. Whether you’re looking to regain your pre-pregnancy body or roll back the years, our team of experienced professionals has the proven results you’re looking for. From the moment you meet with us for your consultation to the moment you revel in your new look after your procedure, you’ll feel comfortable, listened to, and taken care of. Get in touch with us today to schedule your in-person consultation, phone-in consultation, or instant email consultation, and start on the road to loving your new body!
Pre and Post-Op: What to Know About Your Facial Procedure
When it comes to your cosmetic procedure, pre and post-op care are just as important as the overall results. In fact, proper care, both pre and post-op, is instrumental for the best results. For your facial procedure, let’s go over what to expect, do’s and don’ts, and everything else vital to your pre and post-op care to maximize your results, minimize your recovery time and discomfort, and become your best self!
Early Pre-Op: First Steps
Once you’ve consulted with your surgeon, settled on your desired facial procedure, and booked the date, the next step is proper self-care and preparation.
Smokers: Smoking slows the body’s healing process by decreasing blood flow and inhibiting inflammation. Quitting 4-6 weeks before your procedure and staying smoke-free for at least 4 weeks post-op can decrease your risk of complications and help speed up the recovery process. It’s important to note that nicotine replacement, while safer than smoking, is still toxic. For best results, we recommend complete cessation and abstinence from nicotine for at least 4 weeks pre-op and 4 weeks post-op.
Roughly two weeks before surgery, patients should stop taking any blood-thinning medications, as well as any medications containing Vitamin E, diet pills and supplements, and aspirin or ibuprofen. You should discuss your medication list and physical history with your surgeon at your consultation.
Part of your preparation for a facial procedure also involves taking care of the skin on your face. For best results, we recommend a facial regimen with Vitamin C, Retinyl, and Moisturizing serums. This will help keep your face hydrated, moisturized, and ready for your procedure.
Pre-Op: Just Before Surgery
On the day just before your procedure, in addition to clearing out your schedule so you can rest and heal unimpeded, you should begin your antibiotics, as well as your Arnica (a holistic anti-inflammatory).
Antibacterial (or antimicrobial soap) is instrumental to your recovery. On both the night before surgery and the morning of, it’s important to wash your face thoroughly with this soap, as it will help minimize the risk of infection.
Continue your antibiotics and Arnica through the date of surgery, including the morning of your procedure. If you take an anxiolytic for your procedure, take that the morning of as well.
The Day of the Procedure
Don’t wait until the day of your surgery to ask your surgical team questions. If you have any questions or concerns in the days or weeks leading up to your procedure, be sure to contact your team without delay.
*Remember, communication and transparency are crucial to both a quick recovery and best results!*
As mentioned, your surgeon will tell you what medications you can and cannot take leading up to, directly before, and after your procedure, including the morning of. You should also arrange transportation to and from the facility. Depending on the procedure(s) performed, we also recommend having a loved one nearby for the first few days of healing. This can help the patient rest and focus on recovery.
Post-Op: Just After Surgery
Immediately after surgery, the most important things to remember are to keep the head elevated and to apply ice to help reduce swelling. As mentioned, we recommend having someone nearby for at least the first 24 hours post-op, to help the patient follow these two rules. Take any prescribed pain medications before you begin to feel discomfort–it’s easier to prevent pain than to try to control it.
Continue your antibiotics, Arnica, and any other medications as recommended by your surgeon immediately following your procedure. Try to restrict your activities for at least a few days post-procedure. It may take up to a week or longer to feel “back to normal”-at which point you can resume physical activity.
Post-Op: What to Expect After Your Procedure
Both bleeding and swelling are completely normal side effects of a facial procedure. Both should be easily controlled with rest, elevation, ice, and medication. If persistent bleeding or swelling occurs, contact your surgeon immediately.
As early as you can post-procedure, we recommend washing with antibacterial soap again. Continue your antibiotics, Arnica, and any other medications as directed by your surgeon. We also recommend the application of CBD restorative creams to help pain/numbness relief, moisturizing, and healing.
About one week to one-month post-op, you can discontinue your antibiotics. Remember to take the entire prescription, however, as avoiding even one dose can significantly reduce the efficacy. Continue your Arnica and CBD creams and consult with your surgical team about scar management.
Scar management: We begin scar management strategies about 10-14 days post-op. These include the use of sunscreen, gentle massages of the operative area, and the use of silicone-based gel to encourage optimal scar maturation. We continue these scar management strategies for up to a year post-op to ensure full scar maturation.
We also recommend patients start warm compresses around this time to reduce bruising. Your surgeon will tell you what compresses or apparel is best for your specific procedure. Continue use of these garments as recommended by your surgeon for as long as needed post-op.
Pre and Post-Op Recap
Early pre-op:
Quit smoking & nicotine use.
Stop taking blood-thinners, Vitamin E, ibuprofen/aspirin, and dietary supplements.
Begin facial regimen.
Ask any questions/clear any concerns.
Late pre-op:
Begin antibiotics, Arnica.
Clear out schedule to aid in rest and recovery.
Wash face with antibacterial/antimicrobial soap.
Day of procedure:
Continue taking antibiotics, Arnica.
For IN-OFFICE PROCEDURES, if you take an anxiolytic for your procedure, take that the morning of as well.
Keep head elevated, apply ice.
Days-weeks post-op:
Continue to wash with antibacterial/antimicrobial soap.
Continue antibiotics, Arnica. Remember to take entire course of antibiotics.
Apply CBD restorative cream for pain/numbness, moisturizing, and healing.
Start scar management.
Start warm compresses to relieve bruising.
Ready For Your Procedure? Schedule Today!
From face and neck lifts to facial implants, rhinoplasty, eyelid lifts and so much more, DeLuca Plastic Surgery offers dazzling results customized to your needs. We also take great pride in walking our patients through all the aspects of pre and post-op care. From answering your questions to outlining a customized treatment plan to standing by your side through recovery, DeLuca Plastic Surgery is about more than just results. Our over 30 years of experience is a testament to the personalized, professional care we provide to each patient who walks through our doors.
If you’re ready to experience a different side of cosmetic surgery, book a consultation with DeLuca Plastic Surgery today. We offer in-person, phone-in, and instant email consultations.
Choose the right experience for you and start on the road to changing your life today!
Is Wide-Awake-Surgery right for you?
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DeLuca Plastic Surgery are experts in Wide-Awake-Surgery–performed under local anesthesia right here in our office! That means less downtime, no nausea, and a much less stressful procedure! With local anesthesia, you’ll be comfortable, relaxed, and awake for the whole procedure!
What Procedures Can We Do
Liposuction
Also known as tumescent liposuction, we can perform the procedure using tumescent numbing-a diluted version of typical numbing medication. Through small, 1-cm incisions, we can remove the fat from under the skin. Results are instant and patients can see the transformation right before their eyes. This technique works best for small, stubborn areas of fat that are not responsive to diet and exercise.
Modified Mini Face Lift
A modified mini face lift corrects jowling and laxity of the skin of the face and neck-all through an incision hidden around the ear. We are able to perform a modified mini face lift under local anesthesia, which means less recovery time, no nausea or vomiting, and no trip to the operating room. This can be combined with a mini eye lift or liposuction for a complete transformation.
Mini Breast Lift
A mini breast lift allows moderate reshaping of the breasts using elevation of the nipple and tightening of the skin-all without a trip to the operating room or general anesthesia.
Mini Tummy Tuck
During a mini tummy tuck, a small amount of excess skin of the lower belly can be removed and the belly tightened under tumescent anesthesia. With Wide-Awake abdominoplasty, you’ll be able to see the results and progress before the procedure is complete! This can be combined with Mini-Liposuction for an all-over belly transformation.
Mini-Blepharoplasty
Also known as a mini eyelid lift, with this procedure, the upper and lower skin of the eyelids can be removed under local anesthesia. Bruising and pain are minimal and patients are back to normal activities in 1 week.
If you’re interested in our in-house, wide-awake surgery done with local anesthesia in our office, contact us today! We can even schedule and conduct virtual consultations so you can meet with us from the comfort of your own home!
Get more details on the management of swelling and scars in blog post: Post-Operative Care After Plastic Surgery.
Virtual Consultations: What You Need to Know
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As COVID19 continues to rear its ugly head, it’s understandable if you have concerns about where in public you want to go. At DeLuca Plastic Surgery, we hear you loud and clear. We’re committed to providing you the optimal level of service, satisfaction, and care. That’s why we’re proud to offer virtual consultations!
Safe, secure, and similar to our traditional consultation process, virtual consultations are a perfect way to get the personalized private cosmetic consultation you’re looking for without the worry and hassle of having to leave the house.
How do I schedule a virtual consultation?
You can contact us either through our online form, Facebook Messenger, or by phone at 518-724-2444. After a short screening interview with our staff, we’ll schedule your virtual consultation.
How do I prepare?
Our staff will provide you with detailed instructions on photographing and documenting your areas of concern. Take care to provide high-quality photos; utilize proper lighting, positioning, angles, and a high-quality camera if possible.
What can I expect during the consultation?
Our virtual consultations are conducted very similarly to our traditional consultations. We’ll review your photos, take a detailed history, and discuss goals. Our goal is for you to gain an appreciation for what we do as well as an understanding of the timing, cost, and expected recovery following the procedure.
We’ll answer questions and provide you all the information you need about your potential procedure. We urge you to continue to contact us with any questions, concerns, or comments!
Is a virtual consultation right for you?
If you are interested in our services but wary of coming into the office, contact us today to schedule a virtual consultation! Take a look at some of our past work, read reviews from past patients, and peruse our website for a comprehensive look at who we are and what we do. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Get more details on the management of swelling and scars in blog post: Post-Operative Care After Plastic Surgery.
Post-Operative Care After Plastic Surgery
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Post-operative care after surgery helps patients achieve their optimal results. The mainstays of the first week of surgical recovery are skin care, rest, ice, elevation, preventing bruising, and controlling swelling. As patients enter the second week of recovery our efforts switch to focus on contour and scar management and massage. Specific recommendations are tailored to each surgery and patient needs. As an Amazon Associate, DPS may earn from qualifying purchases.
Elevation and Icing
Surgical recovery usually begins with elevation and icing. To make icing the face easier, we recommend the TheraPearl Reusable Hot & Cold Therapy Face #Ad or Eye Mask. These masks utilize gel beads to better focus the cooling effect of the mask. Elevation of the head can be achieved by sleeping on a couple of pillows, however, the Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic Foam Bed Wedge Pillow #Ad makes it easier and more comfortable to maintain the elevation in any sleeping position.
Skin Care
To help with pain control and better skin hydration during the healing process we all recommend the Restore and Repair line from Ageless Millennial Aesthetics. The Restore and Repair line of skin care creams and serums includes the CBD and hyaluronic acid-infused CBD Restorative Cream. These help provide the hydration and essential building blocks the skin needs to recover after surgery.
Discover more skincare recommendations by checking out our blog post: Skin Care In The Age of COVID.
Bruising and Swelling
In addition to icing and elevation, for all surgeries we recommend, most patients take anti-bruising supplements, such as VitaMedica – Bromelain with Quercetin and VitaMedica – Arnica Montana 30X, starting before surgery and continuing for about a month after surgery. These supplements help to prevent and resolve bruising after surgery.
Scar Management
At about 10 – 14 days after surgery, post-operative scar management strategies are begun. Sunscreens, such as Neutrogena Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen #Ad, help block the UV rays and prevent the scars from staying dark/too pink. Gentle massage of the incisions and operative area encourages blood flow, helps to breast down scar tissue, and keeps the scars from getting too raised.
Silicone-based scar tape is recommended to help encourage optimal scar maturation for breast and body surgery and scaring after minor procedures, Soothing Silicone Scar Tape from Estéticoceuticals is a waterproof, soft, silky tape that can easily be worn under clothes and only needs to be replaced every 3-7 days. For scar management after face surgery, Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is a clear gel that dries to a thin layer.
These scar management products are continued for the full scar maturation period of a year or more. Typically the darkness or redness of the scar is the last to disappear.
Bras
Breast support is critical after augmentation, reduction, and lifting procedures. Our patients recommend SheFit and Marina Bras for their unparalleled support and comfort.
- Post Op – SheFit Lounge Bra #Ad or Marena Flex Fit Bra
- Light Activity Bra – SheFit Low Impact Sports Bra #Ad or Marena Flex Fit Bra
Compression Garments
Compression after body contouring help to control swelling and contour irregularities that can result after liposuction and skin removal surgeries. The day after body contouring surgery patients are placed into a binder or Stage One compression garment. This garment is made of a stiff material that provides a high amount of compression. Patients often purchase additional binders or Stage One garments for their convenience.
Deluca Plastic Surgery recommends Marena Recovery #Ad garments. These garments provide firm, form-fitting compression to help control the swelling that occurs in the weeks after surgery. These garments are tailored to your specific operation.
- Abdominal Binder #Ad
- Stage One Compression Garments of the Abdomen and Back #Ad
- Stage One Compression of the Abdomen, Back, and Thighs #Ad
- Chin and Neck Compression #Ad
- Arm Compression #Ad
After about 2-3 weeks of wearing this garment, patients are encouraged to purchase Stage Two garments to complete their healing process. These later stage garments provide more even compression and are less bulky than Stage One garments.
- Stage Two Compression Garments of the Abdomen and Back #Ad
- Stage Two Compression of the Abdomen, Back, and Thighs #Ad
For men, our patients recommend Underworks and Marena compression garments. These compression garments come in a range of styles and have several models tailored specifically to the post-operative management of gynecomastia and FTM patients.
- Stage One (Weeks 1-2) – Men’s Extreme Chest Binder #Ad or Marena Recovery Vest
- Stage Two (Weeks 3-6) – Men’s Ultimate Chest Binder #Ad
- Chin and Neck Compression #Ad
Deciding On Your Best Option: Mid Facelift vs. Mini Facelift
Click here to contact Dr. Tauber to make an appointment for a free cosmetic consultation today!
There are multiple types of facelifts; determining which procedure is right for you can be difficult. We want to help our patients make the right choices concerning their personal appearance, so we’re going to help you select a procedure that will benefit you the most. Specifically, let’s examine the differences between a Mid Facelift and a Mini Lift. These two techniques are somewhat similar, so distinguishing which one is for you will be dependent on factors unique to each individual.
Nothing But Neck – Kybella vs. Liposuction To Treat Neck Fat
Click here to contact Dr. Tauber to make an appointment for a free cosmetic consultation today!
Fullness of the neck due to excess neck fat can be treated with both invasive and non-invasive strategies. Reduction of this fat can give better definition to the jaw like and neck and make patients look younger and more fit.
Kybella
Kybella is a non-invasive injection that has been recently approved by the FDA to help improve the appearance of fullness associated with the submental fat of the neck in adults. Young adults, with a moderate amount of excess fat and good skin tone are usually good candidates.
During a office based Kybella treatment, the neck is first cleaned and numbed with topical lidocaine. A pattern is drawn on the neck and the product is injected into the fat of the central neck – dissolving the fat. The body then absorbs the fat over several weeks. There is swelling that occurs and may be bruising and some numbness in the area during this time. The injections are usually done once every six weeks and it usually it usually takes at least two treatments to achieve the desired improvement. (more…)
Do I Really Need A Breast Lift?
The decision to do a breast augmentation without lift versus a breast augmentation with a breast lift, however, is less based on patient preference and more dictated the saginess, the nipple position, and the ratio between the breast volume and the amount of excess skin that is present.
How Ptotic Are My Breasts?
The gold-standard method of assessing the need for a breast lift is the “pencil test.” Standing in front of a mirror, lift the breast and lay a pencil in the fold under the breast and allow the breast to settle over the pencil. Look at the position of the nipple in relation to the pencil.
The lower the nipples and breast are below the pencil and the more excess skin you have, the greater the chance you will need a breast lift and the more of a breast lift you will need. If your nipple and a majority of your breast are at or above the pencil (Normal), you will likely get a great result from a breast augmentation alone. Larger implants can shift this equation slightly for patients that have borderline ptosis (Grade 1).
(more…)The Brazilian Butt Lift – Baby Got Back
There has always been a fascination with the posterior of women, however, over the last few years plastics surgeons have seen the demand for the Brazilian Butt Lift to skyrocket. This new found focus has still not eclipsed breast augmentation or liposuction as the procedure of choice, however, the influence of celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Nicki Manaj have caused demand to surge 58% over the last year.
Dr. David Tauber and DeLuca Plastic Surgery have seen requests for buttock augmentation increase year over year during he same time period. In response to this demand we have recently began offering our patients the world famous Brazilian Butt Lift.
(more…)Botox and Facial Fillers – The Fountain of Youth (Without The Knife)
What Is Botox?
Botox is an injectable used to lessen the movement of specific muscle of the face in an effort to target wrinkles created by the contraction of facial muscle groups. The areas that are treated most often include the forehead, the area between the eyebrows, and the crows feet (on the side of the eyes). The goal is to soften these tell-tale stigmata of aging without leaving the face looking flat and emotionless. This can be a difficult needle to thread. If done correctly, however, Botox can make the face look younger, raise the eyebrows, and make the eyes look more open.
Botox is injected using a very fine needle into the affected areas. Most patients experience little discomfort and by the time they return home or to the office any redness or swelling has disappeared. The affect begins to be noticed over the next week and lasts for about 3-6 months until the effect, again, slowly fades out.
(more…)
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