Recovery is part of the operation, and at this practice it is planned before surgery: a regional nerve block during many procedures, a written aftercare plan, scheduled follow-ups, a direct line for questions, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients who want it. Each procedure has its own timeline, linked below. This guide covers what applies to all of them: aftercare, warning signs, and how to prepare so recovery goes smoothly.
Recovery by procedure
- Breast reduction: pain control and week-by-week recovery
- Breast reconstruction recovery timeline
- Explant recovery and scars
- Tummy tuck recovery week by week
- Mommy makeover recovery with kids at home
- Gynecomastia surgery recovery
- Preparing for fat grafting surgery
Timelines vary depending on the patient, the procedure and individual healing; your surgeon sets yours.
What a smooth recovery means day to day
- Before surgery. A written plan: what to buy, who is helping, when follow-ups are, what to call about.
- During surgery. A regional nerve block for many procedures, so the first days, when pain is usually most intense, are easier.
- The first week. Medication on a schedule, compression garments as directed, short walks from day one, sleeping propped up, drains managed with instructions if present.
- Follow-ups. In person, at set intervals, with the same team; questions answered the same day.
- Healing support. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions at the practice's own HBOT clinic, which may be added before surgery to prepare the body and after surgery to support healing.
Universal aftercare
- Take medication as prescribed and step down as advised; most patients move to over-the-counter options within the first week or two.
- Wear compression garments or support bras as directed; they limit swelling and help skin settle.
- Walk from the first day; avoid lifting and strenuous exercise until cleared.
- Keep incisions clean and dry per instructions; no soaking until cleared.
- No smoking or nicotine before and after surgery; it starves healing tissue.
- Protect scars from the sun for the first year; begin silicone products or massage when cleared.
When to call the office
Call the same day for pain that worsens after the first days, fever, spreading redness or warmth, drainage or an incision that opens, a calf that is swollen or painful, shortness of breath, or one side swelling much more than the other. These can signal infection, bleeding or a clot and are treated most easily when caught early.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healing
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers oxygen under pressure, raising the oxygen available to healing tissue. The practice offers sessions before and after surgery at its own HBOT clinic, led by Dr. Wiser; patients have described less bruising and swelling after their sessions. Read HBOT before and after plastic surgery for who tends to benefit, and ask at the consultation whether it fits your plan.
Preparing for a smooth recovery
A smooth recovery starts weeks before surgery: stop smoking and nicotine well ahead (the American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises at least a month before and after), reach a stable weight, optimize nutrition and protein, arrange help at home, and read the preparing for plastic surgery guide, which covers weight, medications and insurance. If you have not had your consultation yet, the virtual consultation guide explains how to prepare for it.
Questions patients ask about recovery
How long does plastic surgery recovery take?
It depends on the procedure. Injectables need no downtime; liposuction and breast augmentation a few days to a week off desk work; reductions, lifts and tummy tucks one to several weeks; combined and after-weight-loss operations longer. Each procedure page has its own timeline. Timelines vary depending on the patient, the procedure and individual healing; your surgeon sets yours.
What does a smooth recovery look like at this practice?
A plan made before surgery, a regional nerve block during surgery for many procedures, a written aftercare sheet, scheduled follow-ups, a direct line for questions, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy offered for patients who want it.
When should I call the office?
Pain that worsens after the first days, fever, spreading redness or warmth, drainage or an opening incision, a calf that is swollen or painful, shortness of breath, or one side swelling much more than the other. Call the same day; these are treated most easily early.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Breathing oxygen under pressure in a chamber, which raises the oxygen delivered to healing tissue. The practice offers sessions before and after surgery at its own HBOT clinic, led by Dr. Wiser; patients have described less bruising and swelling. Ask at the consultation.
Can I do anything before surgery to recover faster?
Stop smoking and nicotine well before surgery, reach a stable weight, optimize nutrition and protein, arrange help at home, fill prescriptions in advance, and follow the pre-operative instructions. The readiness guide covers each.
Plan the recovery with the surgery
At the free virtual consultation Dr. Wiser explains the recovery for your procedure and the support the practice provides, including hyperbaric oxygen if it suits your plan.