Dr.
Levens' Parkland Life Florida Magazine Articles
To Look Your Best for that Special Upcoming Event: Careful Surgical Scheduling is Crucial
By David J. Levens, MD, PA, FACS
Is a June wedding or a summer class or family reunion on your 2010 calendar? If so, you might be considering having cosmetic surgery to help you look your best at the event. Good idea, but remember, timing is everything.
If you’ve “done your homework”, you’ve learned that there are standard recovery periods typical for each type of procedure. These guidelines provide an approximate timeline including when one can expect swelling, bruising and pain to be resolved, how long before most can return to work, and a very common priority for many cosmetic surgery consumers, when can I “get back to the gym”.
For most cosmetic procedures, whether facial enhancement, as with facelift or eyelid surgery, or body enhancement as with breast augmentation or liposuction, improvement continues for several months after surgery, even though the initial recovery is long over. Therefore, if you want to achieve the maximum results from your procedure before your big event, it’s important to plan ahead.
First, plan to spend a week or two consulting with a few selected board certified plastic surgeons to get a few opinions on surgical approaches and expected outcomes. Most importantly, consider your intangible “gut feeling” of which consultation seems most right for you….that surgeon and office support team that feel most likely to ensure your highest level of comfort, success and customer service with your cosmetic procedure.
Next, plan to leave enough time not only for the initial recovery but also for maximal improvement. Here are some examples:
Facelift. There is a typical sensation and appearance of tightness immediately after a facelift. This early tightness is expected, and resolves over the first few weeks ultimately producing a natural feeling and appearing result in the long-term. Bruising and swelling usually resolve in 7-14 days. Return to work & social activity can occur in 7-10 days, and aerobic or strenuous activity, 3-4 weeks. Maximum improvement may take another 2-3 months depending on the individual.
Eyelid Surgery. The typical recovery schedule is: Bruising and swelling, 7-14 days; return to work & social activity, 7-10 days; aerobic or strenuous activity, 14-21 days. Maximum improvement may not be seen for another 1-2 months..
Breast Augmentation. Augmented breasts will feel tight at first but the tightness resolves in 1-2 weeks as swelling decreases. Then with stretching of the tissues, typically the breast will “settle” into position in 6-8 weeks. Bruising resolves in 1-2 weeks. Return to work and social activity can occur 3-5 days after surgery, with strenuous activity avoided for 3-4 weeks. Patients wear a soft, comfortable support bra for the initial 2-3 weeks prior to bra shopping. It may take 2-3 months to achieve a completely natural feel.
While serious complications are uncommon with cosmetic surgery, it is best to factor sufficient time into your post-surgical schedule to account for any potential “bumps in the road”. Cutting the schedule too close could result in unnecessary stress for an expected joyous special event.
David Levens, MD, PA, FACS has been practicing
cosmetic surgery in Coral Springs since 1989. In addition
to his private practice at 1725 University Drive, Dr. Levens
has served as Vice Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at the
Coral Springs Medical Center. He is Certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons. Dr. Levens has been cited repeatedly in Miami
Metro Magazine’s annual lists of “Best Doctors
in South Florida”. He earned his medical degree
at Columbia University, New York, and served residencies in
general surgery and plastic surgery at Montefiore Hospital & Medical
Center, New York. He lives in Coral Springs with his
wife, Linda, and their two children, Danielle and Ben. He can
be reached at 954-752-1020 or www.DrLevens.com.
