Here are the most common questions that our patients ask about their Surgery Recovery Process.

Questions by Procedure:

Abdominal Surgery

1. When will my drains come out after a tummy tuck?
2. How long do I have to wear an abdominal binder after a tummy tuck?
3. Will adding liposuction to my tummy tuck surgery prolong my recovery?
4. What can I do to make my scars heal better?
5. Will I have numbness after my tummy tuck?
6. Is it normal to feel tightness in the area of my tummy tuck plication when doing abdominal exercises?

Breast Surgery

1. Will I have drains placed after breast augmentation, revision breast surgery, or breast reduction?
2. How long before I can lift heavy things or exercise after breast surgery?
3. How long will it take for my breast implants to settle after breast augmentation?
4. What type of bra will I need to wear after breast augmentation?
5. How much will my breasts swell after breast augmentation?
6. How do I take care of my surgical scars to help them heal faster?
7. When do I start breast massage after implant surgery?

Facial Surgery

1. Will I be bruised after my facelift?
2. Will I need to wear a facial garment after my facelift?
3. When will my sutures be removed after my facelift?
4. When can I start wearing make-up again after my facelift?
5. What can I expect with respect to swelling after my facelift?

Liposuction Surgery

1. What can expect during my recovery from liposuction?

Nasal Surgery

1. How long will I be swollen and bruised  after rhinoplasty?
2. How long will I have tape and splints on my nose after rhinoplasty?
3. Will I need to have splints inside my nose after rhinoplasty?
4. Can I use cold compresses after rhinoplasty?
5. Are there any medications I can take to help minimize bruising and swelling?

Skin Cancer Surgery

1. When will my sutures be removed after my Moh’s reconstruction?
2. What do I do if my surgical dressing becomes wet or dirty after my skin cancer repair?
3. Do I need to clean my sutures with anything?
4. Can I wear makeup after surgery?

Questions by Topic:

Follow-up Appointments After Surgery

1. When is my first follow-up appointment with Dr. Brenner during my surgery recovery?
2. How many follow-up appointments will I have with Dr. Brenner?
3. I have a follow-up appointment scheduled for next week, but I am having a problem that cannot wait until then; What should I do?

Food & Medication Dos and Dont’s Before & After Surgery

1. Are there any medications to avoid before and immediately after surgery?
2. I know that I cannot smoke prior to surgery, but can I smoke after surgery?
3. Can I drink caffeine (coffee, tea and soda) after surgery?
4. Can I drink wine,  beer or alcohol after surgery?
5. My pain medications are giving me constipation…what can I take to help relieve my constipation after surgery?
6. Can I eat a normal diet after surgery?

Hygiene  After Surgery

1. When can I take a shower after surgery?
2. Do I need to change my dressings after surgery?
3. My dressings came off…what do I do?
4. Can I clean my incisions after surgery?

Returning To Normal Activities

1. When can I get up and move around after my operation?
2. When can I start exercising after surgery (i.e walking, running, weight lifting, pilates, dancing?
3. Can I go swimming or sit in a hot tub after my operation?
4. When will I be able to return to work (i.e. my job) after surgery?

Scar Management

1. How long does it take for my surgical scars to heal?
2. Will laser treatments help the appearance of my scars?
3. What is silicone gel and will it help my scars?
4. How important is it to use sunscreen on my scars?
5. When might I need a steroid injection (Kenalog) for my scars?
6. When can I start wearing makeup over my incisions?

Sleep Positioning During Plastic Surgery Recovery

1. What is the best sleeping position after breast augmentation?
2. Do I need to sleep with my head elevated after surgery?
3. I cannot fall asleep because I am generally uncomfortable; What do you recommend?
4. Do I need to stay in bed, or can I get up and walk around?

Stretch Mark Facts

1. Can  stretch marks be removed?
2. Can procedures cause stretch marks (tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation or  breast reduction)?
3. Are there any non-surgical ways to reduce stretch marks?

Suture Management after Surgery

1. What is the difference between  dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures?
2. Dr. Brenner placed non-dissolvable sutures  in the skin during my operation; when will they be removed?
3. I have a suture poking through my skin; what should I do?