Recovering from Surgery
Recovery is a winding road, and a weirdly different one for every patient!
This page has information on recovering from surgery. Keep in mind that everything here is written for everybody and EVERY body heals differently! Anything our medical team has told you about your own recovery always wins over what you read on this page
The short list of essentials
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Never use ice. Never use heat. Not at any point in your healing process.
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Leave your tape alone. Your bandage and gauze can come off around 48 hours. The tape underneath stays on until we remove it.
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Shower at about 48 hours. Leave the tape over your incision (it's waterproof). After showering, dry the tape by gently pat drying or blow dry on a medium or cool setting. Never rub.
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Sleep with the area elevated for the first couple of weeks.
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Move a little every day. Walking only, nothing that raises your heart rate (tummy tucks and body lifts, read more below).
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Avoid infection. Wash your hands often, keep your wound clean, stay out of baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc., and no pets in bed!
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Don't drive until you're completely off narcotics and at least 2 to 3 days past general anesthesia. AND listen to your body! If this is uncomfy, maybe you're not ready. This same rule of listening to your body applies to all activities.
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Keep your scars out of the sun. Your bandage covers you at first, then clothing or a big hat. Sunscreen only once we've cleared you.
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Wait for our go‑ahead on scar care and full exercise. Starting early can set you back.
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No smoking, no alcohol. Both work against your healing. Smoking limits blood flow to the area — none at all for the first 14 days. Alcohol not only adds to swelling and can increase bleeding, but it also can be dangerous in combination with pain medication.
Other helpful resources
What each medication is for and when to take them
General Patient Surgery Checklist
Key items on your to do list in preparation for surgery
Items needed in preparation for surgery and frequent questions that arise for patients
Part 1: General Guidelines
Below is general recovery care guidance for all surgical patients, organized by topic. Click to expand any topic below for the details.
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Very Important. If you have excessive bleeding or pain, call the office at (303) 831-8400, day or night.
Your First 24 Hours. If you are going home, a family member or friend must drive you because you have been sedated. Someone should stay overnight with you. If you have any questions about these matters, please ask one of our nursing staff.
Activity. Take it easy and pamper yourself. Try to avoid any straining. You may go to the bathroom, sit and watch TV, etc., but NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU FEEL, DO NOT CLEAN THE HOUSE, REARRANGE THE ATTIC, ETC.! We do not want you to bleed and cause any more swelling and bruising than is unavoidable.
Diet. If you have any postoperative nausea, Gatorade, carbonated sodas and dry crackers may settle the stomach. If you feel normal, start with liquids and bland foods, and if those are well tolerated, progress to a regular diet.
NO Smoking. Smoking reduces capillary flow in your skin. NO smoking at all during the first 14 days after surgery.
NO Alcohol. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and could increase postoperative bleeding. NO drinking until you have stopped taking the prescription pain pills — the combination of pain pills and alcohol can be dangerous.
Post-operative Appointments. Your first visit to the office will be within a few days of your procedure. At that appointment and the subsequent appointments, we will continue to work out the right cadence of visits with you in person and adjust it as we monitor your progress and healing. It depends on your procedure, on how you are healing, and on you.
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No showering until roughly 48 hours after your procedure. That is the same for every procedure.
When you are allowed to shower, you will take off the bandaging and gauze but LEAVE the tape over your incisions and your incisions alone. After your shower, gently pat the tape dry — or use a hair dryer on a medium, cool setting.
If you are unsure, ask us at your first post-operative appointment.
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Do NOT use any ice or heat during your recovery.
The medicine we give you will make you NUMB, and ice may end up damaging your skin and tissue (we really don’t want to do that!) — you can injure yourself without feeling it happen!! The same is true of heat.
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These differ by procedure — and sometimes by patient! Follow the instructions the medical staff give you in person at your pre-operative and post-operative appointments; they are specific to you.
What is typically true
Leave the top bandaging and gauze on until your post-operative appointment, or until roughly 48 hours after your procedure.
Do NOT take the tape over your incisions off until the medical staff tell you to. That tape is not the same as the bandaging.
To shower, take off the bandage and gauze (NOT the tape!). Afterwards, gently pat dry or blow dry on a medium or cool setting the tape over your incisions.
Garments
Most patients do not need special garments. If you have one of the procedures below, you will need a special garment. However, the staff will let you know if they have any suggestions that are specific to you and your procedure.
Breast procedures (augmentations, lifts, reductions, implant removal).
Tummy tucks, large-volume liposuction and fat transfers.
Instructions on special garments and our recommendations can be found HERE.
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Not everyone has a drain. The procedures that typically do:
Facelift, face & neck lift, or neck lift
Breast lift
Breast reduction
Breast implant removal
Body lift
Male breast reduction (gynecomastia)
Tummy tuck
Drains are removed somewhere between roughly 5 and 14 days after your procedure. What we are watching for is less than 30cc of drainage in each drain in a 24-hour period — that is what tells us a drain is ready to come out. The medical team will be in lockstep with you about this and will bring you in when they are ready.
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Typically, almost all procedures will use dissolvable sutures — meaning your sutures will dissolve on their own and there is nothing to remove!
Blepharoplasties and lip lifts use sutures that DO always need to be removed by our medical team. Typically, this will happen between 5 and 10 days after your procedure.
If you have stitches that need to be taken out, the team will work with you on that individually. We will be in lockstep with you — you will not have to figure it out on your own.
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Sleeping may be tricky for roughly the first two weeks. This looks different for every procedure and every patient, but here are some general guiding principles.
Procedures from your chest up (e.g., eyelid surgery, facelifts, breast procedures) — sleep with that part of your body elevated. A wedge pillow is ideal; a recliner works or prop yourself up in bed at a 45-degree angle with pillows.
Tummy tucks — sleep at about 30 degrees with a bolster under your legs. Think beach-chair-esque.
When it is safe to stop sleeping this way depends entirely on you and how you are healing. Ask us — we will talk about it at your post-operative visit.
Elevation helps to reduce swelling, and it is one of the few things within your control!
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All of this is very different depending on the patient. What follows are generalized ranges to help you think about and prepare for your recovery — but it is extremely important to know that every single person and every single body recovers differently. That is why you will be in communication with our staff throughout this process.
[WALKING AND LIGHT ACTIVITY]
We want everybody moving. Gentle movement is genuinely good for you, for your swelling, and for your healing — but we do mean LIGHT. Do not get your heart rate up.
For most procedures, you can start walking and doing light activity right away. However, you may have individual health factors that affect this. Talk to the medical team at your pre-operative or post-operative appointments if you have questions.
Tummy tucks, thigh lifts and body lifts are an exception to this rule. For about the first week it will be hard to stand up straight and you will feel ouchy doing it. The lack of moving around is exactly why wearing your compression stockings matter. After about a week or so, we want you up and moving some.
[BACK TO A DESK JOB]
A desk job means you do not have to do much movement at work — you are mainly at your computer, sitting. Always talk to us about what your work demands and what you’re having done, we'll help build a plan with you. Someone who can hide at home and stay put has a very different timeline from a flight attendant on their feet all day!
Also keep in mind there is a difference between “will I be in little enough pain to work?” and “will my face be bruised and noticeable to my colleagues?” Only you know your comfort level with that — some people know they bruise like a peach, and that is just their body.
Eyelid surgery and brow lifts. Give it about 48 hours to a week, then working from home is reasonable. By around 2 weeks you will hopefully have much less bruising.
Facelifts, face & neck lifts and neck lifts. Probably 1 to 2 weeks before returning to a desk job — your face tends to have a bit more swelling than procedures on other areas of the body.
Fat transfers, including to the face. Typically, minor bruising, and you really do not feel too bad. If you can work from home, and you have a fairly normal pain tolerance, often you can even consider going back within 48 hours, so long as you do not mind people seeing some swelling and bruises.
Breast procedures. Usually 7 to 10 days, as long as your job is truly a desk job and you are sedentary. No lifting, no pushing!
Tummy tucks, thigh lifts and body lifts. It issafest to plan on closer to a full 2 weeks off. After about 2 weeks off from work, you can often return to a desk job – starting at home if you can! Talk to the medical team about how to plan around these procedures.
Arm lifts. Roughly 1 week off, then back to a desk job.
For all of these: you also need to be finished with taking narcotics before returning to work. For most procedures, many patients are done with narcotics roughly a week out, if they took them at all — but people have VERY, very different pain tolerances!
FULL EXERCISE
For any surgical procedures, you should plan on roughly 6 to 8 weeks before returning to full exercise. This is can be slightly different for every patient, and our medical staff will work with you case by case to figure out when you can ease back into it. But to let your body fully heal, you will typically want to give yourself around 6 to 8 weeks.
DRIVING
No driving until you are on ZERO narcotics, and it has been at least 2 to 3 days since general anesthesia.
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This is IMPORTANT!
Hygiene. Bathroom and body hygiene is critical to avoid contaminating your surgical sites. Use Dial soap and wash your hands frequently — especially before and after touching anything near your incisions. Keep the area clean exactly as the medical staff instruct you.
No submerging yourself in water. No pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, or baths until we clear you — typically around 4 to 6 weeks, and longer for hot tubs. Showering is fine once you reach the 48-hour mark. Bodies of water carry bacteria that are harmless to intact skin but can cause serious infection in an incision that is not fully closed, and soaking can soften sutures and worsen a scar.
Do not remove your own tape or dressings unless we have told you to.
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Always protect your scars from the sun — either by covering them or with sunscreen. There is no point at which this stops mattering.
Cover them first. Clothing, or a big hat, is always the first thing to reach for and it is always safe. You may even still have them covered by bandages, which counts as being covered!!
Sunscreen comes later. The team will clear you for when you are allowed to put sunscreen on your scars. Until then, cover them.
If fresh scars are exposed to the sun, they will tend to become darker and take longer to fade.
Take extra care and precautions if the area operated on is slightly numb — you might not feel a sunburn developing.
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Beyond protecting your scars from the sun, scar care absolutely NEEDS to wait until we clear you. There are NEGATIVE consequences to your healing if you start this without clearing it with our team.
Scar care, such as massaging, silicone, ointments and creams, will ONLY work once our medical team determines something has FULLY healed! Started too early, the same things that help a mature scar can work against you: massaging or rubbing an incision that has not finished closing can pull at it, irritate it, or reopen it, and products applied to a wound that is still healing can trap moisture, cause a reaction, or introduce infection. Any of those can make the final scar worse rather than better.
So, there is no single date. Your scars need to be assessed rather than scheduled. When the team clears you, they will show you exactly what to do and what to use.
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There are slight variations in the medications you'll receive depending on your specific procedure and your individual health factors. Your own prescription label plus whatever our medical staff tell you — always wins over anything in this general guide.
The Post-Surgery Medication Guide covers what each medication is for, when to take it, what to do at each pain level, a daily map you can fill in, and the supplements that help with bruising.
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Swelling and Bruising. Moderate swelling and bruising are normal after any surgery. Severe swelling and bruising may indicate bleeding or possible infection.
Oozing. Small amounts of oozing and bleeding after surgery are normal. Your dressing may be stained and the size of the stain may enlarge after you go home — this is normal.
How Long Swelling Lasts. Swelling is different for every person and depends on many things. Expect roughly 6 to 12 months for most procedures to settle into their final version. Anything done on your face takes longer to normalize than other parts of the body — expect some amount of swelling for closer to 12 months.
How Long Bruising Lasts. Bruising is also very individual. Some people bruise significantly and feel quite sore; others barely bruise at all. Both are normal, and neither tells you anything about your result. For most people, wherever it is, bruising largely subsides at around 2 weeks.
Numbness. Small sensory nerves to the skin surface are occasionally cut when the incision is made or interrupted by undermining of the skin during surgery. The sensation in those areas gradually returns — usually within 2 or 3 months as the nerve endings heal spontaneously.
Healing of Sensory Nerves. Itching, burning, tingling and shooting or electrical sensations within the skin frequently occur as the nerve endings heal. These symptoms are common during the recovery period.
Redness of Scars. All new scars are red, dark pink, or purple. Scars on the face usually fade within 3 to 6 months. Scars on the breasts or body may take a year or longer to fade completely.
Asymmetry. Here's something true of every human body: it was never mathematically symmetrical to begin with. We are not robots! One side is always a little different from the other, and that was true long before you met us. Surgery improves what's there — it doesn't erase it. Minimal differences between the two sides are usually acceptable and heal out. If something looks significantly uneven to you as you heal, tell us!
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Some things are worth knowing before they happen to you. A common reaction is to feel low on the third or fourth day. Some patients say “not me, I didn't feel depressed” — and then have a crying session driving to work three weeks later. Somewhere near the end of the second week, most people begin to feel good, and there is a day there when they realize they look magnificent.
Line up someone to look after you and pick them carefully. Ask yourself who will be warm to you when you get home rather than saying “what on earth are you doing?” Your support person will be tired by the end of the first week, which is normal and worth planning for.
Family & Friends. Support from family and friends is very helpful, but because they may not understand what constitutes a normal postoperative course, their comments may unintentionally create emotional turmoil for you. We will tell you honestly how you are doing and what we expect your result to be. Please trust in our knowledge and experience when we discuss your progress with you.
Healing. Everyone has the capacity to heal themselves to one degree or another. This ability is variable and depends on a number of factors such as your genetic background, your overall state of health and lifestyle. Many people believe the surgeon “heals” the patient. No one person can make another heal. Our medical team can facilitate (but not accelerate) the healing process. Your cooperation and close attention are extremely important and in your best interest.
Call us, day or night, at (303) 831-8400 if you have:
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Excessive or heavy bleeding (very rare), or bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
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Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication, or pain that is increasing rather than easing
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A fever, or redness and red streaking from the incision sites
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Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
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Swelling that is suddenly and significantly worse on one side than the other
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Excessive swelling. A little swelling after surgery is normal, but not in excess
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Pain in your calves, especially when squeezed
Did you had your procedure in Dr. Huang's office?
Am I this person?
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Your procedure was in Dr. Huang's office, not at a hospital or surgery center
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You took oral sedatives, and did NOT go under general anesthesia
If both are yes, a couple things work differently for you. Everything else on this page still applies.
The day of your procedure
Expect to feel drowsy for up to 12 hours, sometimes longer. No driving, no machinery, no big purchases — and no big decisions today.
Line up a friend or family member to stay with you afterward. Feeling out of it is normal, and it is much easier with someone else in the house.
Before you come in
Eat very lightly.
Something small up to an hour beforehand, but no coffee, no tea, nothing with caffeine. You'll take oral medication when you arrive, so we want a little in your stomach — not a full meal.
Your ride home.
A responsible adult must drive you. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are not permitted after oral sedation. We'll take their contact information at check-in so we can call them as you're wrapping up, if they'd rather not wait here.
When you can drive again
Not the day of your procedure, and not while you're on narcotics. Once you feel normal, aren't too sore, and are on zero narcotics, you're clear to drive. If you feel light-headed or woozy at all, have someone else drive.
Did you have a procedure without its own instructions? Some procedures (e.g., lip lifts, labiaplasties, otoplasties, scar revisions and others) may not have a dedicated section. Follow the general guidance above, along with whatever our medical team shares with you in person — and call with any question at all. We would rather hear from you.
Part 2: Procedure-Specific Notes
Below you will find notes on specific procedures, however, as with all things in healthcare - every patient experiences surgery and heals differently!
Please always follow any specific instructions our medical staff have given you FIRST and when in doubt call us ❤️
Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty)
Covers: upper blephs · lower blephs · quad blephs (upper and lower together)
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Ointment.]
We will give you a prescription for erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Follow the instructions on it — apply a very small amount to your incisions in accordance with the medication instructions, and wash your hands before and after each application.
[Bleeding and Clotted Blood.]
If you bleed from one of the suture lines, apply pressure with a sponge for 10-20 minutes, and it will almost certainly stop. If dried or clotted blood is stuck in the sutures or along the suture line, we advise gentle cleansing with baby shampoo and water.
[Your Sutures.]
Blepharoplasties are one of the procedures where your sutures are NOT dissolvable and so you these will always need to be removed by our medical team, typically between 5 and 10 days after your procedure
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The timings below are what to expect so you can plan. Full exercise clearance comes from us (see general rules above).
[Cool Saline Compresses.]
Never use ice. Chilled salt water dampened sponges help tremendously after eyelid surgery. Keep a bowl of chilled salt water and sponges, clean washcloths, or a stack of clean gauze with you — they can soothe sore areas during the first few days.
It is more important to sleep than to have cold sponges on your eyelids, so don't "stay up" in order to apply cold compresses. When you do awaken, apply some chilled saline compresses for a few minutes before going back to sleep.
Salt water has healing properties and also moisturizes your eyes! A small compress made damp with salt water applied over your eyes (~20 minutes on/20 minutes off) helps reduce bruising. Keep the salt water in your refrigerator to chill it — never add ice. Place a clean, white compress or washcloth in the chilled salt water, then lay it over your eyes.
[Position.]
Keeping the head elevated will help reduce swelling. DO NOT BEND OVER, and do your VERY BEST to bend over as little as possible! Maintaining this for roughly 3-4 weeks is very beneficial to your healing.
[Activities.]
Most people feel nearly normal within a few days after eyelid surgery (except for the eyelid itself). You can return to work as desired, provided your job does not involve any heavy lifting or straining.
[Makeup Timing.]
You may begin applying makeup roughly 1 week after your sutures are taken out, so in total it will be around 2-3 weeks after your procedure. It is safest to ask our medical team whether you are ready!
[Eye Creams.]
You may use eye creams such as those promoted by Lancome, etc. They can be used once the scars have solidly healed, usually by 4-6 weeks. Ask the medical team for clearance.
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[Dryness.]
After surgery you may notice that your eyes feel dryer than normal. This usually subsides in a matter of days to weeks. Until then, use artificial tears to comfort and protect the eye surface. We recommend 'Refresh' eye drops which do not have preservatives. 'Celluvisc' is slightly stronger and 'Genteals Gel' is the most moisturizing. Even if your eyes are watery, please use the drops. We don't want you to tear excessively.
[Sensitivity and Vision.]
Your eyes may feel sensitive to light for several days, and your vision may blur for a week to 10 days. These are common occurrences and should not alarm you.
[Numbness.]
Expect some numbness along the lash lines. A normal occurrence, this usually disappears within several weeks.
[Swelling.]
All swelling will not disappear for several months. During this period, the eyelids will feel heavier and thicker than normal.
[Scars.]
The scars will become almost invisible when they turn white. This usually happens roughly 4-12 months after surgery.
[Eyelids Sticking Together.]
Occasionally, the upper and lower eyelids will stick together the night of surgery. Use a moist Q-tip to open them gently.
[Opening and Closing your Eyes.]
It may be slightly difficult to fully open or close your eyes for a while. This is normal and settles as the swelling does.
Brow Lift
Covers: endoscopic brow lift · lateral brow lift
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Position.]
Resting with your head elevated or being in the upright position will help to decrease swelling during the postoperative period.
[Activity.]
You may be up and around the house as soon as you feel able.
[Hairdresser.]
Avoid coloring your hair for roughly 5-6 weeks postoperatively. You may have your hair washed and combed, but have your hairdresser avoid very hot water, curlers, etc.
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[Scars.]
The small scars will be hidden in the hairline. The scars will become almost unnoticeable within a few months.
[Appearance and Swelling.]
You will probably appreciate your updated look in roughly one month. The results of a brow lift usually last for many years (longer than a facelift.) Swelling will not usually fully disappear for roughly 4-6 months.
[Hair Loss.]
If any hair loss occurs (which is unlikely), the hair follicles go into a resting phase for roughly 2-4 months. The hair then begins to grow again in almost all cases.
Facelift, Face & Neck Lift, and Neck Lift
Covers: facelift (standard rhytidectomy) · neck lift · facelift, lower · facelift, mini · facelift, temporal
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Bleeding.]
Small amounts of oozing and bleeding after surgery are normal. The bulky dressing may be stained and the size of the stain may enlarge after you go home -- this is normal. If serious bleeding occurs, apply pressure and call us. Bleeding under the skin flaps that causes serious swelling and discomfort is very uncommon, but if it does occur, it requires attention and evaluation by your surgeon. Call us at (303) 831-8400 immediately.
[Skin Care.]
All the skin of the face and neck may feel dry and chapped after facial surgery. We recommend that you make frequent and liberal use of a good moisturizer without fragrances in it.
[Hair Care.]
After a face lift, most patients experience a temporary change in the texture and manageability of their hair. Your hair is reacting to the "shock" of surgery and will recover naturally within roughly 6 weeks. If you color or perm your hair, plan to have it done before surgery or wait until roughly 6 weeks afterward for the best results. Your hair will be a little "lifeless" during that period of time.
[Shampoo.]
Forty-eight hours after surgery or 24 hours after the drains have been removed, you may wash your hair. In either case, a hair dryer, if used at all, should be kept on the lowest heat setting, as your scalp may be partially numb.
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[Position.]
Keeping your head elevated as much as possible will help to reduce postoperative swelling. If you can, sleep on two or three pillows to keep your head above the level of your heart.
[Makeup Timing.]
You may begin applying makeup roughly 1 week after your sutures are gone, roughly 2-3 weeks after your procedure. It is safest to ask our medical team whether you are ready!
[Activities.]
Most patients feel ‘reasonably normal’ within 3-7 days after surgery even though they are swollen. If you wish to do light office work, follow the general guidance above!
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[Numbness.]
When the skin is separated from the underlying tissues during surgery, small sensory nerves are cut. Varying degrees of numbness will be present after surgery and will improve gradually as the nerves reconnect to the skin. This process can take from 2 months for face, neck, and cheeks to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp.
[Tightness.]
Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck after a face or neck lift.
During surgery, not only the skin, but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result. Additionally, the swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed! You will not choke, and the sensation will decrease during the first month.
[Healing of Sensory Nerves.]
As the nerves regenerate, itching, burning, tingling, and shooting sensations will occur. Moisturizers, and gentle massaging are helpful during this phase of the healing process.
[Firmness under Skin.]
Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local gentle massage will speed resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.
[Asymmetric Swelling.]
Do not be alarmed if one side of your face is slightly more swollen or numb than the other. This is common and usually disappears within a few weeks.
[Eye Symptoms.]
Your eyelids may feel tight even if they have not been operated on, because of the swelling that occurs in the entire face. Your vision may also be blurred from the ointment that is placed in them for protection during surgery.
Chin & Neck Liposuction (Submental Lipectomy)
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Position.]
Resting with your head elevated or being in the upright position will help to decrease swelling during the postoperative period.
[Activity.]
You should start walking immediately. You may continue the activities of daily living as you feel able. If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause pain.
[Massage.]
If you so desire, feel free to have a gentle massage during your postoperative course.
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[Bruising and Swelling.]
Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas. Bruising is very dependent on the patient — some people bruise significantly and feel quite sore, others have very little, and both are normal. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The swelling, on the other hand, takes as long as 6-9 months to disappear completely, although you should see vast improvement within 1 month.
[Numbness.]
Scattered numbness in the suctioned areas occurs occasionally and will disappear within a few weeks or months.
[Lumpiness.]
As you heal, the suctioned areas may feel "lumpy" and irregular. This, too, decreases with time, and massaging those areas will hasten their softening.
Fat Transfer
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Donor Site.]
A small donor area requires no specific treatment. The bruising will gradually disappear over a several week period. If the donor site is larger, and tape has been placed over the area suctioned. Leave the tape in place for 3-4 days and then remove it while you are in the shower or bath. If a compression garment has been placed, you may remove it temporarily for comfort or laundering. The medical team will give you further directions.
[Recipient Site.]
DO NOT MASSAGE. Hard lumps are normal after fat transfer to the face — never massage that area. The area of fat injection will be swollen and tender, and you may have some bruising. You may have very small sutures at the injection sites that are dissolvable. To reduce swelling in your face, keep your head up! Avoid salty foods such as French fries, Chinese food, etc.
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[Position.]
Keeping your head (or grafting recipient site) elevated as much as possible will help to reduce postoperative swelling. If you can, sleep on two or three pillows to keep your head above the level of your heart.
[Activities.]
This procedure should not greatly affect your lifestyle. Patients are typically only sore around their donor sites, and typically do not need any narcotics to manage that!
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[Bruising.]
Bruising is very dependent on the patient. Some people bruise significantly and feel quite sore; others have very little. Both are normal, and neither tells you anything about how your result will turn out.
[Swelling. ]
The initial swelling may take 4 to 6 weeks to recede.
[Eat.]
It is especially important after a fat transfer to eat a healthy, balanced diet for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Transferred fat is living tissue that must survive in its new home, so keep those grafts fed. Please — no weight loss and no dieting while they settle in!!
Breast Augmentation
Covers: subglandular · subpectoral · removal and replacement of implants
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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If you have had a breast augmentation, you need to be doing a breast implant massage — roughly five times a day, once you have been cleared to start.
You will see us in the office somewhere between 2–7 days after your procedure, and the team will talk you through it then. We have an instructional video showing exactly what to do — linked here: lindahuangmd.com/surgery-faqs#videos
The point is to keep the implant moving so that it drops into the right place and stays feeling soft and natural.
If you have [Motiva implants, you DO NOT] do any implant massaging.
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[Position.]
During the first week, attempt to sleep on your back instead of on your side. We want your implants to stay in a perfect position during the initial healing process. This is not a "life and death" issue, however. As noted in the general instructions we also ideally want you to be sleeping with your chest elevated early in your recovery (e.g., in a recliner, on a wedge pillow, or propped up by pillows)
[Exercise.]
You may take gentle walks within a few days, or use a stationary bike or a treadmill. DO NOT SWING YOUR ARMS; DO NOT USE AN ELLIPTICAL. You are encouraged to do light range of motion exercises of your upper and lower body while recovering to prevent stiffness and blood clots.
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[Asymmetry.]
It is quite common for the two breasts to heal differently. One may swell more, one may feel more uncomfortable, or the shapes may differ initially. After complete healing, they should look remarkably similar and natural. Patience is required. Any differences between breasts before surgery will actually be enlarged because now your breasts are larger. It is very rare for breasts to be perfectly symmetrical. Your breasts are “sisters,” not “identical twins!”
[Healing of Sensory Nerves.]
Regeneration of the sensory nerves is also accompanied by tingling, burning, or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about.
[Sensitivity.]
As the nerves regenerate, the nipples commonly become hypersensitive. This will subside with time. You may find that gentle massaging helps.
[Sloshing Sensation.]
You may hear and feel "sloshing" in your breast after surgery. This is not the implant! It is the air that is trapped in the space around the implant and the natural fluid that accumulates after an operation. It will all be absorbed by the body within a few weeks.
[Shiny Skin.]
The skin of your breasts may become shiny. This is a result of the swelling that occurs after surgery. Within a few weeks, the edema and swelling will subside and the skin will look more normal.
Breast Reduction or Lift (Mastopexy)
Covers: breast reductions · breast lifts (mastopexy)
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Bleeding.]
Small amounts of oozing and bleeding are very common. If this entails more than slow staining of the gauze, apply firm pressure for 20-30 minutes
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[Position.]
For the first week, try to sleep on your back rather than your side. If you roll over in the night, it isn't a crisis — just settle back when you notice. As the general rules mention, we also want your chest elevated early on: a recliner, a wedge pillow, or a couple of pillows propping you up all work. Keeping the chest elevated will help keep swelling down!
[Exercise.]
You may take gentle walks within a few days.
[Activities.]
If your job keeps you sedentary, most people feel ready to go back in 7 to 10 days. You'll tire easily at first, so plan on shorter days that first week. If your work is more physical, wait until the work itself doesn't cause pain — strenuous activity can bring on swelling and bleeding, especially during the first 10 to 14 days.
Keep exercise to walking for the first month, then ease back into your usual routine once we've cleared you. Throughout, let discomfort be your guide: if an activity hurts, don't do it, and if your swelling or soreness increases, you've probably done too much too soon.
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[Postoperative Sagging.]
The breast skin and tissue will continue to sag with time. No "lift" is forever.
[Asymmetry.]
It is quite common four two breasts to heal differently — one may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or take a different shape early on. Once you're fully healed they'll look more natural, but that takes patience. Keep in mind that any difference that existed before surgery will be more noticeable during the healing process, and it's rare for breasts to be perfectly symmetrical to begin with (we are not robots!). Breasts are sisters, not identical twins.
[Healing of Sensory Nerves.]
Tingling, burning, or shooting pains accompany regeneration of the sensory nerves. These pains will disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.
Breast Implant Removal (Explant)
Covers: implant removal, one or both · explant with capsulectomy, with or without a lift · implant adjustment
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Position.]
During the first week, attempt to sleep on your back instead of on your side. This is not a "life and death" issue, however. As noted in the general instructions we also ideally want you to be sleeping with your chest elevated early in your recovery (e.g., in a recliner, on a wedge pillow, or propped up by pillows)
[Exercise.]
Do not elevate arms above your head for at least 1 week. You may return to work after roughly a week provided your duties do not involve lifting, pushing or strenuous arm activity which may cause pain and internal bleeding. Avoid twisting and reaching movements of any nature. Do not bend forward, allowing your breasts to be in a hanging position.
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[Asymmetry.]
It is quite common for the two breasts to heal differently. One may swell more, one may feel more uncomfortable, or the shapes may differ initially. After complete healing, they should look remarkably similar and natural. Patience is required. Any differences between breasts before surgery may be pronounced during the healing process. It is very rare for breasts to be perfectly symmetrical. Your breasts are “sisters,” not “identical twins!”
[Healing of Sensory Nerves.]
Regeneration of the sensory nerves is also accompanied by tingling, burning, or shooting pains, which will disappear with time and are nothing to be alarmed about. You may find that gentle massaging helps.
[Sensitivity.]
As the nerves regenerate, the nipples commonly become hypersensitive. This will subside with time. You may find that gentle massaging or covering them with a bandaid helps.
[Shiny Skin.]
The skin of your breasts may become shiny. This is a result of the swelling that occurs after surgery. Within a few weeks, the edema and swelling will subside and the skin will look more normal.
[Size.]
If you have chosen to have your implants removed, you may still find that you "miss" your prior breast size. Most women make the adjustment without difficulty within a few weeks.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Covers: standard tummy tuck · mini tummy tuck · extended tummy tuck · TULUA
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Position.]
Because abdominoplasty involves removal of the extra abdominal skin and (usually) tightening of the abdominal muscles, you will experience some difficulty standing up straight for a week or two or even longer. During this period, you may find it more comfortable to place a pillow or two under your knees while in bed. The tightness will gradually disappear as you heal and progressively use your body muscles for the activities of daily living. Please make no special attempts to stretch or pull the abdomen straight during the first 2-3 weeks of healing.
You must change your position and walk around the house every few hours to reduce the danger of blood clots.
[Activities.]
Tummy tucks are probably the most uncomfortable operation we do. You will experience some pain for roughly 10-20 days and will not feel like resuming sports or heavy exercise for at least 6-8 weeks. After the first 2 weeks, you may resume moderate walks for as long as is tolerable. Too much initial activity can prolong swelling. However, it is very important to get up and move around even on the first night. When walking at first you may have to hunch over, rather than standing up straight up. That is okay, just get up!
While you are in bed, point your toes 20 times an hour as well as moving your shoulder, as if you were doing a 'sit to be fit' video. This helps prevent your muscles from tightening up and will help you move better.
[TED Stockings.]
You will have TED stockings placed on your legs before surgery — you will get them at the hospital. Wear them for roughly the first couple of weeks, until you are up and moving about more normally.
[Diet.]
Before surgery, please watch what you eat. Do not eat anything that will give you gas (bean burrito, for example). After surgery, drink plenty of water or Gatorade like liquids to keep yourself hydrated. Again, no gassy foods! Also, a stool softener such as Colace or Miralax may help.
[Activities.]
If your job keeps you sedentary, you may plan on returning to work in roughly 2 weeks days, with the understanding that you will still have discomfort with motion. Please discuss this with Dr. Huang and the nursing staff. Here again, swelling may indicate too much activity. Let your body tell you what it can do.
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[Tightness.]
Your abdomen will feel tight for a month or longer. If you have had a muscle repair as well (the usual case), you will feel the most tightness down the center of your tummy where Dr. Huang has actually repaired your muscles. This hurts more than any other part of the procedure.
[Healing of Sensory Nerves.]
Usually, the skin of the abdomen remains partially or completely numb for several months or longer. Tingling, burning, or shooting pains indicate regeneration of the small sensory nerves. This feeling will disappear with time and is not cause for alarm. It may take as long as 2 years for sensation in your abdomen to be restored completely.
[Feeling of Fullness.]
You may pleasantly find that you feel full sooner than normal when you begin to eat regular meals.
[Prolonged Swelling.]
Fluid always goes to the lowest point. Your lower abdomen and pubic region will swell and retain fluid. The support garments, especially bike-short types, help to reduce this.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Activities.]
Use your arms carefully and gently until the staff gives you clearance for full activities -- usually in 3-4 weeks.
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[Scars.]
Initially, the scars will appear red or dark pink, and they will slowly fade over a period of months to a year or more. The scars will start out very narrow, but may widen over time
Thigh & Buttock Lift (Thighplasty)
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Bleeding.]
Small amounts of oozing and bleeding are very common. If this is more than slow staining of the gauze, apply firm pressure for 20-30 minutes before calling the office. Should heavy bleeding occur (very rare), apply firm pressure and call us at (303) 831-8400 immediately.
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[Position.]
Because of the location of your incisions, it is impossible to avoid lying on them. Move as carefully as possible. Try to put as little stress on the incision lines as possible. Change position at least every 30 minutes.
[Walking.]
You must get up and walk some every day. As you heal, you will be able to do more and more.
[TED Stockings.]
You will have TED stockings placed on your legs before surgery — you will get them at the hospital. Wear them for roughly the first couple of weeks, until you are up and moving about more normally.
[Activities.]
You probably should not plan on returning to work for at least 10-14 days if your job is sedentary. If your job requires lifting, etc., wait 4-8 weeks before returning. After the first 2-3 weeks, you may walk as much as is tolerable. Let your body tell you what it can tolerate.
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[Tightness.]
The areas operated on will initially feel tight and swollen. During this initial healing time, we want you to progressively do the activities of daily living as much as is tolerable. DO NOT, HOWEVER, MAKE SPECIAL ATTEMPTS TO STRETCH OR EXERCISE THE HEALING AREAS.
[Swelling.]
Postoperative swelling will gradually disappear over roughly a 4-6 month period.
[Numbness.]
If you have small areas of numbness on your thighs, they usually disappear gradually over several months.
Body Lift
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Position.]
Because Circumferential Body Lipectomy involves tightening of the abdominal muscles coupled with removal of excess skin of the abdomen, hips, buttocks and back, you will experience some difficulty sitting for a week or two or even longer. The tightness will gradually disappear as you heal and progressively use your body muscles for the activities of daily living. Please make no special attempts to stretch or bend down during the first 2-3 weeks of healing.
You must change your position and walk around the house every few hours to reduce the danger of blood clots.
[Activities.]
Body Lifts are probably the most uncomfortable operation we do. You will experience some pain for 10-20 days and will not feel like resuming sports or heavy exercise for at least 6 weeks. After the first 2 weeks, you may resume moderate walks for as long as is tolerable. Too much initial activity can prolong swelling.
If your job keeps you sedentary, you may plan on returning to work in roughly 14 days, with the understanding that you will still have discomfort with motion. Please discuss this with Dr. Huang and the nursing staff. Here again, swelling may indicate too much activity. Let your body tell you what it can do and please check with us before returning to exercise or strenuous activities.
[TED Stockings.]
You will have TED stockings placed on your legs before surgery — you will get them at the hospital. Wear them for roughly the first couple of weeks, until you are up and moving about more normally.
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[Tightness.]
Your abdomen, hips, buttocks and back will feel tight for a month or longer.
[Healing of Sensory Nerves.]
Usually, the skin around the incisions remains partially or completely numb for several months or longer. Tingling, burning, or shooting pains indicate regeneration of the small sensory nerves. This feeling will disappear with time and is not cause for alarm. It may take as long as 2 years for sensation in your abdomen to be restored completely.
[Feeling of Fullness.]
You may pleasantly find that you feel full sooner than normal when you begin to eat regular meals.
Liposuction
Everything in the general rules should be read and followed and below are notes on items specific to this procedure.
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[Massage.]
If you so desire, feel free to have a gentle massage during your post- operative course.
[Activity.]
You should start walking immediately. You may continue the activities of daily living as you feel able. If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause pain.
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[Bruising and Swelling.]
Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas. Bruising is very dependent on the patient — some people bruise significantly and feel quite sore, others have very little, and both are normal. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The swelling, on the other hand, takes as long as 6-9 months to disappear completely, although you should see vast improvement within 1 month. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed.
[Numbness.]
Scattered numbness in the suctioned areas occurs occasionally and will disappear within a few weeks.
[Lumpiness.]
As you heal, the suctioned areas may feel "lumpy" and irregular. This, too, decreases with time, and massaging those areas will hasten their softening.