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Deciding to undergo a cosmetic procedure should not be taken lightly. There are the pros and cons to look at (but mainly pros), the recovery time to consider, and the understanding that your aesthetic appearance will be altered (albeit for the better).
We understand that many women and men considering whether to “go under the knife” with cosmetic surgery may feel nervous or even scared about their experience.
In this blog, we’ll look at what you can expect before, during, and after your breast or body contouring procedure to help calm your mind so that you can look forward to your stunning results!
What Procedures Are Available to You?
At Bridges to Beauty, Dr. Bridges offers many breast and body plastic surgery procedures to help you look and feel the way you’ve always wanted.
Whether you want to address the effects of age or lifestyle or simply help you achieve a tighter and more toned appearance, any one (or combination) of these procedures can revamp your figure:
Breast Procedures
- Breast augmentation surgery: Uses breast implants (either saline implants or silicone implants) to improve the size, shape, and volume of the breasts
- Breast reduction surgery: Reduces the size of overly large natural breasts to help reduce pain and discomfort in the back and neck as well as other physical and psychological concerns caused by large breasts
- Breast lift surgery: Addresses sagging breasts and can be combined with an augmentation or reduction.
Body Procedures
- Liposuction surgery: Permanently removes fat from various areas of the body, including the stomach, hips, back, thighs, and arms
- Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty): Tightens underlying abdominal muscles while removing excess fat and sagging skin in the midsection
- Mommy Makeover surgery: A combination procedure that includes a tummy tuck and liposuction surgeries with breast procedures (breast augmentation or breast reduction surgeries and breast lift surgery)
What to Expect Before Your Procedure
Consultation
During your consultation, you will meet with Dr. Bridges and discuss your aesthetic goals. Dr. Bridges will evaluate your concerns and medical history to determine your candidacy for the procedure.
A surgical plan will be created, and you will be given all pre-surgical instructions. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure and recovery that you may have.
Preparing for the Procedure
You must be in good general health before any plastic surgery. Some patients may be asked to lose weight before their procedure (which helps ensure a safe procedure and better results).
If you are asked to lose weight, you must maintain that stable weight for a designated period, which Dr. Bridges will discuss with you during your consultation).
Additionally, if you smoke (including vaping), it is important that you quit smoking at least six weeks before your procedure. You may also be asked to stop taking certain medications and supplements before your procedure, including vitamins E,C, and K, fish oils, herbal supplements, aspirin, and NSAIDs.
In addition to getting your body ready for the procedure, you need to make sure that you take time off work for your recovery. Additionally, some procedures (like tummy tuck surgery) will require you to have someone (friend or family member) there to help you during the first 24 hours after your procedure.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Anesthesia
Depending on the procedure you are having performed, you will be given either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Either anesthesia option will ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during your surgery; however, more extensive procedures are performed under general anesthesia, which completely sedates you.
Your Procedure
After the anesthesia is administered, Dr. Bridges and his team will begin your procedure. The duration of the surgery varies with each patient and procedure and depends on several factors, including the extent of correction needed and whether you are combining procedures. Once the procedure is complete, you will need to wait until the anesthesia wears off.
Once Dr. Bridges clears you, you can return home to start your recovery.
What to Expect After Your Procedure
Scarring
Because plastic surgery requires incisions, scars are inevitable. However, Dr. Bridges does everything possible to make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible, and he will do everything he can to minimize the length of incisions.
While you will have some scarring after your procedure, surgical scars will heal and fade.
Side Effects
You will likely experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort in the surgical area after your procedure. These side effects will dissipate over the next several days and weeks. Additionally, medication can be taken to alleviate any pain you may feel.
You may also be prescribed a compression garment or surgical bra depending on the procedure. Wearing these garments helps to protect the healing incisions while minimizing swelling and ensuring the best results possible.
Recovery
The length of your recovery will depend on the type of procedure you have performed as well as the extent of your surgery. Some procedures only require a few days of downtime, while others may require a week or two. Dr. Bridges will review your expected recovery time with you during your consultation.
During your recovery, it is important to follow all of your post-op instructions, which may include taking prescribed medications and limiting your activity.
While it is important to get up and take short, slow walks as much as possible to help with blood circulation, you need to ensure that you are not engaging in any strenuous activity that may put unneeded stress on your incisions and healing body. Additionally, you need to ensure that you are eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water, as this helps to speed up your recovery process.
In the End…
Plastic surgery allows adult women and men of all ages to look and feel their best. You can look forward to feeling more comfortable and confident with your appearance.
Because there are many variables, including the types of procedures available and the decision to combine procedures, there can be a lot to consider.
While you can find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions with this link, the best way to learn how plastic surgery can help you is to set up your consultation with Dr. Bridges today!
Not only is Dr. Bridges a skilled and trusted cosmetic surgeon, but he makes sure to put the health of his patients and the quality of their results first and foremost.
Because of his dedication to his patients, he has a long list of successful procedures and happy women and men who have achieved their aesthetic goals from his expertise.
Are You Ready for Your Plastic Surgery Procedure?
If you are interested in learning more about which procedure(s) can help you achieve the look and feel you desire, then schedule your consultation with Dr. Bridges by calling (318) 219-8555 or by filling out our online contact form.