Plastic surgery isn't just surgery, it’s a transformational journey, and your recovery is an essential part of that journey. To make sure you reach your destination, it's important that you follow your postoperative instructions. If you are considering plastic surgery, it is important that you commit to following those instructions before agreeing to the procedure.

This page is intended to give background information to people considering plastic surgery. If you are a current patient, you should consult the post-operative instructions given at the time of your procedure. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call us at 770-425-0118 or 678-494-2380.

If you are considering plastic surgery and would like to talk about the procedure with one of our surgeons, please schedule a plastic surgery  consultation at either of our Atlanta-area offices today.

The Day of Your Plastic Surgery

After your plastic surgery, you will be taken to our recovery area, where we will monitor your condition to ensure you are recovering properly from the effects of anesthesia. We want to be completely sure you are okay to be released. Once we're confident you are ready, we will go over specific postoperative instructions with you and your driver. We'll also give them to you in writing so you have them handy.

Your driver or another responsible adult must stay with you for the first 24 hours after release. When you get home, your main priority should be to rest. You can eat, and you should drink fluids to keep hydrated and help your body remove the last of the surgical medications.

The First Week of Recovery

It's important to quickly increase your diet to include a good supply nutritious food so your body will have the resources it needs to recover properly. At a minimum, remember to have food with your medications to avoid getting sick to your stomach.

Avoid alcohol for as long as you are using pain medications, and at least the first 24 hours after surgery.

Take your medications as instructed, and only as instructed–don't take any other medications or deviate from the schedule you were given. Pain medications can make you "spacey," so it's best to have someone else making sure you're taking them at the proper intervals. If this isn't possible, use a personal timer. Watch out for itching, rash, wheezing, or tightness in the throat. This may be a sign of a drug allergy, and you should call our office immediately.

Also call us if you have a fever, severe pain that does not respond to medications, swelling that is greater on one side than the other, or incisions that are red or hot to the touch.

It's best if you emphasize rest and minimal activity for the first 48 hours. Relax and enjoy some pampering. This is something very special that you've done for yourself, make it a true holiday and take it easy. Take the week off work, and limit lifting, pulling, or pushing for 10 days after surgery. Do not drive for at least two days after surgery, and do not drive if you are still taking pain medications. Only drive if you feel complete comfort at the wheel.

Remain within a reasonable traveling distance of our office for the first 10 days, and make your postoperative visits. At about a week, we'll review your progress, remove any stitches that need it.

Full Recovery from Plastic Surgery and Final Results

Once you are cleared to return to work, you can begin gradually returning to your new routine. This includes your normal exercise routine, but it's important to ease back up to your pre-surgical level. Check with your surgeon before starting any new activity.

Avoid taking a bath for at least 2 weeks after surgery, and do not get in a hot tub for at least 4 weeks after surgery. Remember, no smoking for at least four weeks after surgery.

Swelling from your procedure may go down gradually. In some cases it may take up to a year. Your incisions will also continue to improve in appearance for about a year. During the early recovery period, make sure you put sunscreen on your incisions, even when they're under a swimsuit, to avoid discoloration.

If you have further questions about recovery from plastic surgery, please contact one of the surgeons at Marietta Plastic Surgery in either of our Atlanta-area offices.  Serving Atlanta, Woodstock and Marietta, Georgia cosmetic surgery patients.