Reconstructive
procedures are operations carried out with the goal of restoring form and
in many cases function of body parts that are abnormal due to injury, disease,
or congenital defects. The repair of severe lacerations and the repair of
fractures of the facial bones are common plastic surgical procedures. Use
of tissue expansion and flaps and grafts to repair disfigurement due to
burn injury and the transplantation of muscle from the back to a severely
injured lower extremity are other common examples of reconstructive procedures
carried out by plastic surgeons. The removal of skin cancers and repair
of cleft lips and palates are other reconstructive procedures which make
up the majority of the work done by many plastic surgeons. Reconstructive
surgery might be defined as a surgical procedure performed on abnormal parts
in an attempt to restore a more normal appearance and to improve function.
The primary consideration here is the fact that the procedure is carried
out on abnormal parts or tissues.
Cosmetic
procedures are operations done purely to enhance the appearance of body
parts which fall within the normal range of appearance and function. Examples
would include procedures such as face lifts, nose reshaping done only for
appearance, and fat suction procedures. The desire of humans to enhance
their appearance is not a recent phenomena. The ancient Egyptians used makeup
quite extensively, and we can be certain they were not the first society
to do so. Surgical manipulation of tissue to enhance appearance was apparently
common in India in 400BC. Numerous cultures have used surgical procedures
to enlarge ear lobes, lips, and to produce scars in a pattern felt to enhance
attractiveness or in some cases to appear more fearsome to enemies. The
desire to change appearance does not appear to have emerged solely at the
bidding of the Madison Avenue advertising executives. Americans are said
to have spent $ 16 billion on beauty products in 1994. Against that backdrop
cosmetic surgery is a tiny but important tool in the quest for personal
beauty.
What is the Recovery from Plastic Surgery Like?
Will I be able to
tolerate the pain post-operatively?
Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and
we consider this. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache,
others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed
for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most
facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post- operatively. Liposuction
is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or
tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation
have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.
How long is the recuperative period and when can I return to work?
The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending
on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most patients will
require assistance for the first two days. Then most patients are able to
care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children
to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure.
These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.
Eyelid
Surgery -Usually
can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses,
may feel comfortable going to the store by day 3-4, and with makeup could
return to work by 5-7 days.
Facelift Surgery -Usually can get around
independently by the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going
out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work
if in the public eye.
Breast Surgery -Usually can get around independently
by the second day. May return to work at 5-7 days if not required to lift
more than 15 pounds.
Liposuction -Usually can get around independently
by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas treated. One can
return to work and normal activities in 5-7 days.
Abdominoplasty -Patients may take between
2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical
to C-section. One can return to a desk job at 5-7 days, other jobs 10-14
days.
When can I resume regular exercise?
The
time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation
performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine
on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities
are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks
of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports
are allowed at 1 month in most cases.
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