To help patients achieve a smooth, safe recovery after a full body lift, Fairfield County plastic surgeon Dr. David Passaretti can provide personalized at-home care instructions regarding compression garments, surgical drains, and medication. A full body lift is a major procedure, combining several body contouring surgeries into one treatment plan. As a result, recovery time is typically longer than less extensive surgery, lasting several months. Nevertheless, by following our guidelines and visiting our Darien, CT, office for critical follow-up appointments, you can minimize discomfort and expedite the healing process. In addition, we can monitor your progress and update you on your treatment timeline.
Because of the extensive nature of a full body lift, you may spend several nights in the hospital after surgery to ensure your safety. During this time, Dr. Passaretti may place thin surgical drains underneath your skin to help remove any fluids that accumulate. Depending upon your needs, we may leave these drains in place after you leave the hospital. However, we will usually remove them no more than two weeks later. To ensure your comfort and confidence, Dr. Passaretti can demonstrate how to change and clean these drains yourself.
Typically, we will remove your stitches at the same time as the drains. Although you will still be healing, you can usually return to work in two to three weeks and most normal activities within four to six weeks. Throughout the recovery period, you will need to wear compression bandages or garments, which will help your skin heal properly and ensure natural-looking results.
After surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Initially, Dr. Passaretti can provide intravenous or intramuscular medications to help manage pain. As your healing progresses, you can transition to oral prescription medication to ensure optimal comfort. To reduce your healing time, it is important to get plenty of rest. We also recommend taking short walks around the house to stimulate blood flow and prevent complications.
A full recovery from a body lift can take several months. Bruises and general discomfort should subside within a few weeks. However, swelling may not fully diminish for a few months. Although you will still be healing, you can usually return to work in two to three weeks and most normal activities within four to six weeks. During the recovery period, you may have to make some modifications to your workplace environment or routine to ensure your comfort. As each case is unique, Dr. Passaretti can provide completely customized and detailed guidelines suited to your surgery and rate of recovery.
While a full body lift does carry some risks, Dr. Passaretti’s skill and post-surgical guidelines can dramatically reduce your likelihood of developing complications. It is also imperative that you attend your follow-up visits, so Dr. Passaretti can monitor your progress to ensure a safe recovery. In addition, you should eat a healthy diet including lean protein, whole grains, and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, as proper nutrition is essential for healing.
At our practice, we strive to ensure each patient is fully confident in our services. As such, we can provide extensive at-home care instructions to guide you through recovery after a full body lift. To learn more about what you can expect after surgery, contact us online or call (203) 656-9999 to speak to a team member.
If you are considering plastic surgery in Darien, CT, or anywhere around Fairfield County, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with top plastic surgeon Dr. Passaretti.
722 Post Rd, Ste 201, Darien, CT 06820