How long will it take me to heal?

Every patient heals differently. Full recovery times will depend on your health and the extent of the procedures performed. Recovery times for Plastic Surgery are generally brief. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days following the procedure.

Depending on the operation, you may leave the hospital on the day of your operation after spending a few hours in the recovery room or you may require hospitalization for a few days. Swelling, bruising and sensitivity may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

In general, wounds take at least 6 weeks to gain strength and heal. After that, the scars take many months to mature and fade. It usually takes one full year to achieve the final scar and the final result after all the swelling has gone away.

General recovery times by procedure are listed below, but these are approximations only. You should discuss the expected recovery period with Dr. O’Grady for a personalized schedule based on your health and the operation.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery):

Patients can usually take care of themselves at home by the second day and could return to work after a week to ten days. Bruising generally takes one to two weeks to subside.

Face lift:

Patients can usually take care of themselves by the second or third day. Patients often don’t feel comfortable going out in public for the first week or two. Most of the bruising and swelling will normally subside in two to three weeks.

Breast surgery (Augmentation, Reduction and Lift):

Patients usually can be independent by the second day, and may return to work after one to two weeks. Most of the swelling may last for up to three or four months, depending on the procedure. It may take a full year for things to settle.

Liposuction (Lipoplasty):

Patients can usually live independently by the second day, earlier if a smaller area is treated. They can often return to work and normal activities within the first week. Some smart liposuction patients even go out for dinner later that same day.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck):

Patients require assistance for two to seven days. They may return to a desk job after two weeks, but most jobs require four to six weeks. No exercise for 6 weeks and no sit-ups for 3 months.

Rhinoplasty (nose job):

Patients may require assistance for the first day or two following the operation. Bruising and swelling will normally disappear during the first two to three weeks. Noses generally has some swelling that continues for up to a year.

Dr. O’Grady will be able to give you an accurate idea of recovery time based on your personal risk factors, such as age and type of procedure being performed.