Optimizing Incision Healing
We live in a world of instant gratification. However, patience is necessary when recovering from any plastic surgery procedure. Each procedure has an immediate downtime, and many have a longer recovery process that can span weeks or months. Recovery time encompasses everything from removing sutures to how long it takes for incision site marks to fade.
Although your surgeons are experts at making surgical incisions as discreet as possible, incision sites take time to heal, and patients can expect those marks to fade over a year. To ensure optimal healing, patients should apply sunscreen to their scars daily.
While every patient and surgical procedure is different, there are some general timelines you can expect your cosmetic surgery recovery to follow. Below, the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads breaks down the healing process of many cosmetic procedures.
Breast Procedures
Breast Augmentation
AVERAGE PRICE
$6,035+
RECOVERY
On average, a full recovery period usually takes about four to six weeks. It’s important to refrain from physical activity, lifting heavy objects and overworking yourself during this sensitive time as your body recover
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Inverted Nipple Correction
AVERAGE PRICE
$2,000+
RECOVERY
Avoid strenuous exertion for 1-2 weeks after surgery. Bruising is rare and the majority of patients are back at work within 1 day to 1 week of the operation. Overall healing and recovery time typically takes 4 weeks.
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Breast Lift
AVERAGE PRICE
$7,500+
RECOVERY
During recovery you will wear a bandage or support bra to help minimize swelling and provide support to your breasts. Patients are typically back to work between 3 to 7 days with an overall healing time of 6 to 12 weeks.
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Breast Reduction
AVERAGE PRICE
$9,000
RECOVERY
You will need to limit activities in the days immediately following your surgery, but most patients are able to return to work after about 1 week. It may take between 2-6 weeks to make a full recovery.
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Male Breast Reduction
AVERAGE PRICE
$5,965
RECOVERY
Compression garments need to be worn after surgery, and pain and swelling will start to subside after about 1 week. By 3 to 4 weeks most patients will be cleared to begin normal activities and exercise.
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Body Procedures
Fat Reduction
AVERAGE PRICE
$4,000+
RECOVERY
Recovery time varies depending on the type of fat reduction surgery performed, and can be anywhere from an immediate recovery to a few days or weeks. Follow your surgeon’s advice and directions.
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Body Contouring
AVERAGE PRICE
Varies based on patient’s needs.
RECOVERY
Patients will likely be sore the first few weeks after surgery. Although recovery time will vary according to the type of surgery performed, a full recovery will generally take around several months.
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Brazilian Butt Lift
AVERAGE PRICE
$10,000
RECOVERY
Pain and tenderness should subside within two to three weeks, and by five weeks most patients are able to resume normal household chores and light exercise. A full recovery can be expected within 6 to 8 weeks.
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Mommy Makeover
AVERAGE PRICE
$15,500+
RECOVERY
A mommy makeover is a very individualized process, so recovery time will vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Recovery typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, with some women only needing 1 week.
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Thigh and Buttock Lift
AVERAGE PRICE
$7,890+
RECOVERY
Wear compression garments and avoid sitting down for one week after surgery. After 3 to 6 weeks the swelling and pain will subside, and most patients are able to return to work after 3 to 4 weeks.
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Tummy Tuck
AVERAGE PRICE
$6,665+
RECOVERY
Immediately after surgery it is important to limit bending, lifting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Most patients are able to go back to work after about 2 weeks, with normal activity resumed after 6-8 weeks.
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Face and Skin Procedures
Cosmetic Injections
AVERAGE PRICE
Price varies. Customized treatment plan are designed for the best results.
RECOVERY
Swelling can be expected for about 1-2 days after dermal and lip fillers. Normal activity can be resumed immediately after all cosmetic injections.
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Facelift
AVERAGE PRICE
$9,025+
RECOVERY
Swelling and bruising will subside within 1 to 2 weeks. It is important to avoid strenuous activities for about 3 weeks. Most patients recover from a face lift in 4 to 6 weeks, with the full results taking about 3 to 4 months.
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Eye Lift
AVERAGE PRICE
$4,235
RECOVERY
Use cool compresses immediately after surgery to greatly reduce bruising and swelling. Most patients are able to resume normal activity after 7 to 10 days, with most swelling gone around 2 weeks.
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Rhinoplasty
AVERAGE PRICE
$4,540+
RECOVERY
It takes about 6 weeks for the bones in your face to heal; however, most people are able to return to work within 1-2 weeks. By 2 weeks the majority of facial swelling has subsided and most bruising can be covered.
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Skin Resurfacing
AVERAGE PRICE
$3,150+
RECOVERY
Following skin resurfacing a dressing will be applied to the treatment sites for 24 hours. Recovery times will vary depending on the nature of the condition and the type of laser used; however, most areas heal in 5 to 21 days.
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Med Spa Procedures
Hydrafacial
AVERAGE PRICE
$199-$275
RECOVERY
There is no recovery time for a hydrafacial and normal activity can be resumed immediately. Some patients may experience redness and tightness. This should subside within an hour.
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Microdermabrasion
AVERAGE PRICE
$100+
RECOVERY
After microdermabrasion, the skin will be pink at first, and you may be given a soothing gel to apply to the skin. Healing happens within 7 to 10 days, and makeup can be applied once the skin is healed.
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Microneedling
AVERAGE PRICE
$400+
RECOVERY
Most people heal from microneedling within 24 hours; however, some people require 2-3 days. You are able to go to work immediately after treatment, and wear makeup after 24 hours.
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BBL Treatments
AVERAGE PRICE
Varies based on patient’s needs.
RECOVERY
Little to no downtime is required after BroadBand Light Treatment. Some people may have brown spots that appear after the treatment that should subside within 3 to 5 days. Makeup may be worn.
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Chemical Peels
AVERAGE PRICE
Varies
RECOVERY
It is important to limit sun exposure after a chemical peel, and healing time will vary based on the level of peel you received. Typically, redness can be expected but should go away within 7 to 14 days.
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Dermaplaning
AVERAGE PRICE
$75
RECOVERY
After dermaplaning you might experience some peeling or blotchiness for the first few days. However, no recovery time is needed and you will able to resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.
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FRF Treatments
AVERAGE PRICE
$800+
RECOVERY
Very little downtime is required after your Fractora Radio Frequency treatment; however, you may notice some redness and peeling of skin. This should subside within 1-3 days, and normal activities can be resumed.
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Laser Hair Removal
AVERAGE PRICE
Varies based on patient’s needs.
RECOVERY
The recovery time after laser hair removal is normally minimal, and most patients may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. Sun exposure should be limited before and after the procedure.
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