By Dr Matthew Peters
When you’ve made the decision to undergo a major plastic surgery procedure like abdominoplasty, belt lipectomy, or surgery after massive weight loss, it’s natural to feel excited about the results. However, it’s crucial to remember that healing is a journey, not a destination. For a while now, I’ve wanted to write a short blog about why patience is your best friend during the recovery process.
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – healing takes time. A lot of time. It’s not uncommon for major plastic surgery procedures to take many months to fully heal. I know, that sounds like forever when you’re eager to see your new body, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Think of your body as an intricate tapestry. During surgery, we’ve carefully rearranged some threads to create a new pattern. Now, your body needs time to settle into this new arrangement. It’s not just about the visible changes; there’s a whole lot going on under the surface too.
One of the biggest hurdles in the recovery process is dealing with post-operative swelling. This isn’t just a few days of puffiness we’re talking about. Swelling after major procedures can persist for months. In the early stages, you might feel like a bit of a balloon, but don’t worry – this is completely normal.
Swelling is actually a sign that your body is hard at work, sending extra blood and healing factors to the surgical sites. It’s like your body’s own little construction crew, working overtime to rebuild and repair. As the weeks and months pass, you’ll notice the swelling gradually subsiding, revealing more and more of your new contours.
It’s important to note that wound and scar healing are also significant considerations in the healing process. Everybody has a different body, so to speak, and this means that everybody heals differently and on different ‘schedules. I cover scar minimisation in this blog HERE:
Now, I know it can be frustrating when you don’t see the results you were hoping for right away. You might be tempted to jump to conclusions, wondering if something went wrong or if you made the right choice. This is where patience becomes your superpower.
Remember, those final ‘after’ photos you see online? They’re usually taken months after surgery. Your body needs time to settle into its new shape, for scars to fade, and for swelling to completely resolve. It’s a bit like planting a garden – you can’t expect to see a full bloom the day after you plant the seeds.
So, how can you cope with this waiting game? Here are a few tips:
- Document your journey: Take photos (for your eyes only) at regular intervals. When you look at them in sequence, you’ll be amazed at the gradual changes you might not notice day-to-day.
- Focus on healing: Instead of obsessing over your appearance, concentrate on following your post-op instructions. Proper care now will pay off in the long run.
- Stay positive: Remind yourself why you decided to have the surgery. Visualise your end goal, but be patient with the process.
- Keep moving: Once you’re cleared for exercise, gentle movement can help reduce swelling and boost your mood.
- Connect with others: Join support groups or online forums where you can share experiences with others who are on the same journey.
- Trust the process: Remember, my nursing team and myself have seen hundreds of patients through this journey. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out, but also trust that time is working in your favour.
You might have days where you feel great, followed by days where you feel sore or swollen. This is all part of the process. Your body is adapting to significant changes, and it needs time to adjust.
As you progress through your recovery, you’ll likely notice improvements in stages. Initially, you’ll see the most dramatic changes as the initial swelling subsides. Then, over the following months, you’ll notice more subtle refinements. Your scars will fade, your shape will continue to refine.
Remember, the outcomes of plastic surgery often extend far beyond the physical changes, but they too take time to fully realise.
So, as you embark on this transformative journey, pack your patience. Celebrate each small victory along the way. And most importantly, be kind to yourself and your healing body. The results will come, and when they do, you’ll appreciate them all the more for the journey you’ve been through.
Note: Individual results will vary according to several factors, including genetics, age, diet & exercise. All surgeries carry risk & require an appropriate recovery period & aftercare regime which may include wearing compression garments or modifying your lifestyle post-operatively. You should seek a second opinion from a Specialist Surgeon before proceeding. More information about these risks and aftercare can be easily found on our website here:
