The UK cosmetic surgery experts MyBreast have recently created a cosmetic surgery recovery cheat sheet that allows you to see at a quick glance how long some of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures will keep you out of work, the gym or even the air. After analysing this cheat sheet, I have one major conclusion: if you thought that cosmetic surgery would put you out of action for months, you would be surprised to find out just how short recovery times are!

Breast surgery

Commonly referred to as a ‘boob job‘, this procedure requires to prepare your body beforehand. This is why patients are advised to stop taking pills 6 weeks prior to the surgery. This includes every type of the breast surgery, including breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer, and also breast reduction and breast uplift (mastopexy).

The procedure is commonly performed under a general anaesthetic and takes from 1 to 3 hours depending on the type of procedure. First 24 hours can be tough but you will feel better every day. Dressings are removed after 7-14 days and after two weeks, you are ready to go to work. However, full recovery will take 6-8 weeks and after this time you should not feel any discomfort. Many women ask if they can travel by plane after breast augmentation. Generally yes, but not immediately post operation. Once dressings have been removed, you should be fine to fly short haul. Long hauls are permitted after one month. Breast procedures require wearing support garments during the first 6-8 weeks. Surgeons often suggest sports bras because they secure breasts and prevent implants from moving.

Nose reshaping / Rhinoplasty

Another popular cosmetic procedure especially among the youngest patients. Whether you are planning to undergo a nose reshaping (primary rhinoplasty) or nose reshaping with graft (rhinoplasty), you should be aware of the general anaesthetic and the duration of 2-3 hours.

However, seeing your nose in a new shape may take some more time. For 1-2 weeks, you will need to wear a nasal plaster. Dressings are usually removed after 7-14 days and honestly, it is a rather uncomfortable experience. After two weeks post rhinoplasty, you can join your colleagues at work. However, full recovery will take from 6 to 12 weeks and after that time swelling should stop. After the procedure, airport is not the first thing you should head to. Remember to avoid even short hauls for 1 month and schedule an appointment with your surgeon to discuss it as it is technique dependent. Gym lovers will not like that – you can get back to gym and swimming pool after 6 weeks from rhinoplasty. With your new nose, of course.

Facelift

A facelift is a surgical procedure that is meant to reverse signs of aging. It aims to remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging caused by age typically to give a more youthful appearance to the face. In order to prepare for the facelift, patients must avoid counter medicines that prolong bleeding 2 weeks before the procedure. Also, just like breast procedures, patients are advised to stop taking pills 6 weeks prior to the surgery.

Whether you go for a simple facelift or a facelift with brow, lower and upper eye lift, or a facelift with fat transfer, you should know that the procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 4-5 hours. After face lift surgery, recovery and healing may take 8-12 weeks, but the youthful and healthy looking results are well worth the wait. Sometimes patients are asked to wear a special face garment for 2 weeks. After that, dressings are removed (5-10 days) and you can see your boss again. Intensive body workout is not allowed until 6-8 weeks. How long after facelift surgery you can travel by plane? Basically, short hauls are permitted after dressings have been removed. For the long hauls you should wait at least 1 month.

Cosmetic surgery recovery cheat sheet

The source of the cheat sheet: http://www.mybreast.org/cosmetic-surgery-recovery