Dr. Vitenas’ Body Lift Recovery Guide
Because it is such a major surgery, nearly all of my body lift patients have lots of questions about the recovery period. The recovery process for a body lift varies a bit depending on several different factors, so it’s important to understand what is and isn’t normal before the day of your surgery.
I want you to have the smoothest and safest recovery possible. Of course, after your body lift, I will provide you with care instructions that are tailored to your needs. Our office will also be on hand to answer any questions.
But, to give you an idea of the general recovery process, I’ll talk about specific tips that will help speed up your healing time. I will also give you an idea of what you can expect so you can get back to your life as soon as possible.
How Long Will It Take to Recover From A Body Lift?
A body lift targets several different areas of the body to address loose skin and poor contours, creating a more youthful appearance. A few different body contouring techniques are combined into a single surgery.
In short, this is an invasive procedure. In comparison to other cosmetic treatments, the recovery time will be much longer. This is because body lifts encompass many different areas of the body, which makes this a much more extensive surgery.
What this means is that you can expect the recovery process to take, at the very least, six weeks. In some cases, recovery might take even longer.
How Can Dr. Vitenas Help With The Recovery Process?
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I understand the process of body lift surgery and know how to help you recover swiftly and safely. After you have this procedure, I will personally help you navigate your recovery.
In the weeks following the procedure, we will schedule follow-up appointments and consultations to make sure that your recovery is going well. That way, you know you are healing properly and you will feel the least amount of discomfort during your recovery.
What Can You Expect After Surgery?
The recovery process for your body lift will begin as soon as the surgery is complete. I will employ several different techniques to keep the incision site safe and sterile for healing. Bandages and dressings will be placed to protect the incisions.
Additionally, draining tubes will be placed directly under the skin. This will keep your wounds from becoming infected.
Furthermore, I will give you some specific instructions that will be personalized. In general, though, I’ll tell you how to care for your incisions and give you tips for staying comfortable.
I’ll also provide you with a list of medications that you might need to take. Antibiotics might need to be prescribed in addition to painkillers.
Finally, the surgical sites are prone to infection, so I’ll tell you what signs to look out for. You’ll also learn how to take care of the drains placed in your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be given medication after my body lift?
After surgery, you might be prescribed several different types of medication. Pain meds are most common, as the site of surgery can become inflamed and sensitive. Some people use Tylenol, but others might need something stronger.
You might also need medication for nausea. Pain meds and anesthesia do cause some stomach discomfort, so this might be necessary. Laxatives after surgery might also be beneficial since some patients do experience constipation.How do I care for my bandages?
Compression garments and bandages will need to be worn after surgery. This is to ensure that your stitches stay sterile and uncontaminated. Compression garments will need to be washed, but otherwise, they should stay on at all times.
Your bandages will stay on until you see me during your follow-up consultation. Afterward, we will remove your bandages for you.How should I shower or bathe after surgery?
You’re probably going to want to stay clean after surgery. But how can you shower or bathe after a body lift? First off, tub baths are not recommended after a body lift.
Instead, shower to stay clean. You can remove your compression garment during this time, but keep your bandages on. We will put on waterproof bandages to keep the incision site safe and give you tips on showering safely.When can I get my stitches removed?
Stitches will be removed anywhere from fourteen days to twenty-eight days after surgery. This will depend on how well you are healing.
How long should I wait to exercise?
It will be harder to move around and do things for yourself the first few weeks of recovery. So, I don’t recommend exercising, driving, or engaging in other strenuous activity directly after surgery.
You don’t want to stay completely immobile, of course. But limit your movements and exercise routine as much as you can during this time.
I would wait until the third week of recovery to start doing light exercises. Then, wait a few more weeks before you start ramping up your exercise routine to a higher intensity.
When will my follow-up appointment be scheduled?
You can talk about your follow-up visits with me before your surgery. Times and dates will vary depending on availability. But in most cases, you should have a post-op follow-up after one to two weeks of recovery.
Contact Dr. Vitenas Today
If you are interested in having a body lift, visit our website page here. Our site will give you a complete rundown of this procedure and tell you the specifics of this surgery. And, if you want to have a body lift consultation at Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery in Houston, you can contact me at 281-484-0088. You can also fill out a patient form at this link.
