Cosmetic surgery is a well-coordinated procedure that aims at achieving safe and natural-looking outcomes. Everything is carried out in a structured manner, from scheduling a patient to conducting post-surgery reviews. The clinical approach is consistent, and procedures differ according to the needs of the patient. Here is a general overview of what happens during your plastic surgery procedure:
Consultation and Planning
Consultation involves assessing eligibility, setting goals, and creating a surgical plan. At this stage, the surgeon will look at your medical history, analyze the areas you want to improve, and prescribe a particular procedure that will suit your physical attributes. The professionals provide detailed information regarding the nature of the surgery, its duration, and the recovery process.
Physical examinations are also part of this stage. This may include imaging or simulation software to preview possible outcomes. A patient who wants a rhinoplasty may view a digital image of their face with the projected changes to verify that the plan aligns with their expectations. After establishing the scope of the procedure, surgeons provide the patient with preoperative instructions. The instructions include temporarily discontinuing certain medications, arranging transportation, and fasting requirements prior to plastic surgery.
Anesthesia and Surgical Setup
On the day of the surgery, a medical clinic will mark the surgical area and check health signs such as blood pressure and oxygen levels. When ready, surgeons take the patient to the operating room to administer anesthesia. This may be general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, depending on the procedure. The surgical team continuously monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure. After the anesthesia has set in, the team sterilizes the region and proceeds with the procedure. For procedures like breast lifts or augmentations, the incision is made in locations where the natural contours of the body can conceal the healing lines.
Tissue Modification and Reshaping
Techniques vary depending on the chosen procedure. For a tummy tuck, a surgeon removes excess skin from the abdomen, strengthens the underlying muscles, and creates a firmer midsection. They dislodge fat with controlled motions and remove it to contour the body during liposuction. In case of implants, such as breast augmentation, the surgeon makes a pocket under the chest muscle or the breast tissue. They then place the implant and adjust it to be symmetrical.
Closure and Dressing
After reshaping is complete, the surgical area is sealed with layered sutures or fine stitches, depending on the depth of the incision. Surgeons may apply medical-grade adhesives or surgical tape to help close the skin. Depending on the procedure, a doctor may recommend supportive dressings, compression garments, or surgical bras.
Patients who have undergone liposuction or a body lift are typically placed in compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the tissues as they heal. Medical professionals insert drain tubes to remove fluid accumulation, especially following larger body surgeries. They are removed after a few days during a follow-up visit, when the fluid buildup has stopped.
Recovery and Discharge
After the surgery, medical professionals transfer the patient to a recovery room and observe them as the anesthesia wears off. The nursing staff monitors alertness, stable vital signs, and the correct functioning of the surgical site. Depending on the procedure, patients can be discharged on the same day. In more complicated surgeries, short overnight observation might be necessary.
Discharge involves providing care instructions, such as how to clean the incision, when to use supportive garments, how to sleep safely, and which activities to avoid. Subsequent visits are planned to monitor the progress of healing and to remove sutures or drains as needed. During these visits, the surgeon can make minor adjustments to the dressing.
Consult With a Plastic Surgery Specialist
Work with a reputable surgeon when learning more about the process of cosmetic surgery. Their procedures are systematic and outcome-oriented, starting with preoperative planning and continuing to post-surgical monitoring. Book a consultation with a plastic surgery team today.
