How Long Does It Take to Recover from Plastic Surgery?

"According to ASPS, plastic surgery procedures up by 5%, the number of procedures, including breasts, body, and facial plastic surgery procedures logged in 2022 was 1,498,361, and in 2023, this surged to 1,575,244."

·       Did you know over 1.5 million cosmetic plastic surgeries were performed in the United States of America by ASPS members in 2024?

·       Did you know cosmetic breast surgeries, including augmentation, lift, reduction, and gynecomastia, continue to remain the most sought-after procedures, and breast augmentation is the number one choice among Gen Z?  

·       Did you know liposuction procedure has increased by an impressive 7% and with almost 350,000 liposuctions performed in 2024, it has become the top body contouring procedure globally?

·       Did you know eyelid surgery/ blepharoplasty has become the most requested facial plastic surgery, with over 120,000 Blepharoplasties performed in 2024, an increase of 5% compared to 2023?

The demand for plastic surgeries is increasing, with body contouring procedures now being more popular than non-invasive procedures. The latest statistics show a significant rise in cosmetic surgeries, indicating their relevance and high demand. This is due to advanced techniques that minimize the need for lengthy recovery periods, stated Dr. Karishma Kagodu (MS, MCh), a board-certified plastic surgeon and head of Dr. Karishma Aesthetics. Dr. Karishma also contributes to Kinder Women's Hospital in Whitefield, Bangalore.

Nowadays, undergoing plastic surgery procedures is no longer as taboo as it was before. It has become more socially acceptable to strive for the latest beauty standards, which allow no room for flaws or imperfections. As a result, there has been a significant increase in interest in cosmetic surgeries. Social media plays a significant role in influencing individuals to consider going under the knife if they are unhappy with their looks or appearance.

What Factors Affecting Recovery from Plastic Surgery?

Every patient is unique and heals differently based on their physiological and anatomical status and several other factors that influence the procedure in a less or more extensive manner. However, various factors are responsible for the healing journey that a patient must be aware of while approaching a plastic surgeon. Thus, a healing journey could be made more hassle-free, comfortable, and free of chaos or doubts.

Factors that may influence one's recovery timeline are jotted down below:

Other than the type of procedure, employed technique, and extent of surgery, several factors associated with the patient's lifestyle, genes, and physiology play a pivotal role while recovering from plastic surgery.

Factors that are associated with a patient decide the recovery process include:

1.    Age: Younger patients heal faster compared to older ones. Older patients require more intense healing guidelines.

2.    Health: Of course, a physically healthy patient with no history of chronic illness will heal faster compared to someone with a medical illness, autoimmune conditions, or a history of mental trauma.

3.    Lifestyle: Smoking and alcohol behavior cause compromised healing, as nicotine present in cigarettes distorts a patient's immune system, increasing the risk of infection and resulting in delayed recovery after surgery. Smokers have a higher chance than non-smokers of blood clots after surgery, and repeated alcohol exposure reduces the level of certain components of the immune system necessary for healing.

Moreover, how closely you adhere to post-op guidelines, as suggested by your plastic surgeon, plays a crucial role in achieving a smoother recovery. However, following all the pre-and-post surgery instructions, including the follow-up visits and post-op measures, is suggested to minimize downtime and achieve a faster healing response.

Plastic Surgery Recovery Times by Procedure:

Even though some post-surgery side effects are common, including pain, swelling, numbness, or infection, each body contouring procedure requires a different recovery timeline. The extent of surgery, types, and employed techniques are pivotal in deciding the recovery timeline. Understanding the specific nature of recovery for each procedure is crucial for a smooth healing process. Thus, communicating plastic surgeons' advice effectively to patients is essential.

Here is what you can expect based on your chosen plastic cosmetic surgery procedure:

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty results are visible immediately post-op, but swelling and bruising may last up to two weeks and must be managed with post-op care. However, nasal splints are recommended to be worn for about a week. Once the nasal splint is removed, recovery from a nose job is complete, and one can resume daily work. Even though results appear immediately, your nasal appearance will continue to improve over the next few months as fuller healing is achieved.

Breast Augmentation

Recovery from breast augmentation surgery is relatively quick, but one may feel sore for up to 2-3 weeks. However, it may require significant recovery time to heal from breast augmentation surgery. Although fuller recovery may take up to 4-6 weeks, you will likely not experience pain or associated discomforts after 3-4 weeks post-surgery. Pain medications may be required for a week or two. However, pain and bruising may subside in around two weeks, and the final results will be apparent within two months once healing is complete.

Facelift

Facelift surgeries require slightly longer recovery, and patients can typically return to work after 10-14 days. Swelling and bruising may take up to two weeks to subside, but patients can expect to look good at six weeks. After three months, final results are visible and one can experience dramatic improvement in their facial appearance. Fuller recovery often takes 5-6 weeks for most patients, as every patient heals differently based on their anatomical and physiological status.

Neck Lift

The recovery process of neck lift is similar to facelifts, and it generally requires ten days off from work to experience a smooth healing journey.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

One may require at least two weeks off work to recover from a tummy tuck surgery. Ten days off work is advisable if a tummy tuck surgery involves muscle tightening. Strenuous activities can be resumed after six to eight weeks. However, the final results may take up to six months to be visible.

Labiaplasty

Patients are advised to take three to four days off work. Most women may resume using tampons and having intercourse after 6-8 weeks.

Brazilian Butt Lift

Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery usually requires one week off from work to recover smoothly. However, direct putting pressure on your buttocks should be avoidable for about three to six weeks. Thus, sleeping or sitting on your buttocks should be avoided for at least six weeks to ensure proper healing and to avoid any complications.

So, if you are ready for the next step with any plastic surgery, in that case, Dr. Karishma Kagodu will work with you to ensure the shortest recovery from plastic surgery.

Call us at +91 8042036382, +91 9108969006, or +91 7624809006 today to schedule an in-person consultation.