Recovery time after plastic surgery. Rehabilitation after plastic surgery

Having decided on a rhytidectomy, it is necessary to carefully weigh the pros and cons, the pros and cons of this operation. The first adviser in this matter is a plastic surgeon, who, after examining the condition of the skin, will determine which methods will be most effective in achieving the goals. Depending on the chosen methods and techniques, the level of development of postoperative complications depends.

There are expected postoperative side effects that always happen after surgical interventions, since the very fact of intrusion into the work of the body causes an instant response on its part to outside interference. We must be prepared for such consequences. Usually these are bruises, microhematomas and swelling.

However, there are complications of a completely different kind that require urgent treatment and can even threaten the patient's life. The absence of serious complications after a facelift and the comfortable course of the recovery period is largely due to the degree vocational training surgeon. Nevertheless, surgeons are not gods, and the patient must be aware of the possible risks and complications in order to be psychologically prepared. As the ancient sages used to say: “praemonitus, praemunitus” – forewarned, means forearmed.

Classification of complications after rhytidectomy

Thus, all complications are divided into:

• predictable (early);
• late heavy.

Early complications include:

• swelling;
• bruises;
• microhematomas.

Forecasted or early complications usually do not present serious concerns and, as a rule, pass on their own within a few days.

Tissue edema occurs as a reaction of the body to a violation of the integrity of tissues. Edema occurs even with the most minor surgical interventions. Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the face or in the space between the tissues. The cause of edema is the accumulation of lymph as a result of active work. immune system a person who is trying to minimize the consequences of surgery. Much less often, postoperative inflammatory processes can be the causes of edema. As a rule, edema as a result inflammatory processes accompanied high temperature and local hyperemia of the skin.

Running edema can be a formidable inflammatory process and have unpleasant consequences, so you need to know how to quickly eliminate them.

Bruises and microhematomas appear a day later and are often postoperative edema companions. To prevent the development of persistent swelling and bruising, apply and keep cold compresses for 20 minutes, every 20 minutes. Compresses will help reduce swelling and bruising, as well as reduce the level of discomfort in the face. It should be noted that ice is not applied directly to the skin, but is placed in a special container like a heating pad. Helps prompt elimination edema - sleep on a high pillow with a raised head.

Late complications include:

• bleeding;
• hematomas;
• seromas;
• damage facial nerves;
• flap necrosis;
• infection and suppuration of wounds;
• formation of hypertrophic scar tissue;
• hair loss along the suture line;
• ear deformity;
• damage to the parotid glands.

Bleeding is the result of damage to blood vessels during surgery. This complication is often accompanied by pain and swelling. To eliminate bleeding, coagulation of damaged vessels is carried out, as well as revision of suspicious places that can cause bleeding. As a result of bleeding, hematomas may occur. Certain individuals bleed more frequently than others. These people are at increased risk of bleeding because they have problems with blood clotting.

Hematomas are the most common complications after a facelift. Hematomas develop during the first days after surgery. The reason for the formation of hematomas is:

• elevated arterial pressure;
• blood clotting disorders as a result of taking certain medicines;
• damage to blood vessels.

Hematoma is characterized by the following symptoms:

• pains;
• an increase in tissue volume (edema);
• feeling of tension;
• pulsations;
• redness or blueness of the skin.

In most cases, hematomas pass without a trace, without causing more serious complications.

Small hematomas are punctured with a needle, which is inserted through the surgical wound. Large hematomas require repeated surgical intervention in order to identify the cause of bleeding and reliably stop it. Hematoma treatment consists in removing blood clots, washing the wound and electrocoagulation of damaged vessels. Re-introduce drainage and apply a compressive bandage.

Untimely treatment of a hematoma can lead to very formidable consequences, for example, necrosis of the skin flap. This happens in the case of a rapidly growing hematoma. In addition, the accumulation of fluid is an excellent environment for the growth of microorganisms, which contributes to infection and suppuration of postoperative wounds.

Like a hematoma, a seroma develops in the first hours and days after surgery. The causes of gray are as follows:

• damage to the lymphatic vessels;
• the occurrence of inflammatory processes at the sites of damaged tissues;
• high blood pressure;
• obesity;
• diabetes.

To prevent the development of this complication, it is necessary to carefully examine the patient before the operation for contraindications to the operation or to eliminate the causes that can cause complications in the future.

Small seromas resolve on their own. In other cases, a puncture or vacuum aspiration to remove fluid, followed by the establishment of drainage tubes in the wound.

Damage to the facial nerves is very frequent complication after a facelift. As a rule, the large ear nerve is damaged, which is easily found at the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In this area, the skin flap becomes thinner. The symptoms of nerve injury are heavy bleeding. Not always attempts to restore the nerve are successful. Failures provoke additional symptoms in the form of local sensory disturbances and the formation of a neuroma.

Damage to the motor nerves also occurs, which can lead to paralysis or paresis of part of the face. This is an unfortunate outcome for both the patient and the surgeon. During the operation, it is impossible to know that the nerve was damaged, but if the surgeon noticed this, then it is necessary to try to eliminate its damage by anastomotization (connection). Fortunately, practice shows that most damage to the motor nerves recovers on its own over time. But if recovery does not occur within one year, then facial tissue reconstruction can be performed: eyebrow raising and eyelid restoration procedures.

Necrosis of the skin flap develops as a result of:

• circulatory disorders;
• excessive tissue tension during suturing;
• improper flap planning;
• damage to the subcutaneous plexus;
• some autoimmune and systemic diseases;
• smoking.

Most often, necrosis occurs in the behind-the-ear and anterior zone. If a facelift is performed for more than deep level with the movement of the SMAS complex, then in this case the risk of necrosis is much less, since a more intensively blood-supplied flap is created and its tension decreases when the wound edges are sutured.

Repeated mention of the negative impact of nicotine on the state of blood vessels and blood supply is not for the sake of a red word. The risk of developing necrosis in smokers prevails. Studies have shown that in heavy smokers, skin necrosis occurs 13 times more often than in non-smokers.

Diseases such as diabetes and vascular diseases connective tissue can cause circulatory disorders and need serious treatment before surgery.

Necrosis is expressed by the following symptoms:

• change in skin color;
• numbness of the face;
• deterioration in general condition;
• change in temperature indicators;
• tachycardia;
• tissue swelling.

Therapeutic actions consist in the daily treatment of the affected area with hydrogen peroxide and the use of antibacterial ointment. It is also mandatory to conduct a course of antibiotic therapy. At the second tension of the tissue, the necrotic zones heal well. To improve the condition of the area with necrosis, constant monitoring and care of this area is required.

Infection and suppuration of wounds develops, as a rule, as a result of a hematoma that has not been fully cured. And also due to necrosis of the edges of postoperative wounds. This problem is resolved by the following steps:

• regular treatment of the wound with aseptic solutions;
• use of drainage systems;
• using a course of antibiotic therapy.

The formation of hypertrophic scar tissue occurs as a result of suturing the skin flap with its excessive tension. The process of formation of scar tissue hypertrophy appears two weeks after surgical intervention. cosmetic seam begins to harden, becomes denser and thicker. Such metamorphoses strikingly distinguish it from normal skin. The treatment consists in the use of hormone therapy (steroid injections) and cosmetic hardware procedures (laser, mechanical resurfacing), which can smooth the scar and level it with the skin. Surgery the scar is used in the most extreme cases.

Hair loss along the suture line. The unevenness of the incision line can contribute to hair loss in the temple area and along the hairline where the incisions were made. Hair loss comes in two forms:

• local;
• generalized.

With local hair loss, the areas are located in the temporal and behind-the-ear region. The causes of hair loss lie in damage to the layer of skin in which the hair follicles are located. Hair in the temporal region can be restored by micrograft transplantation. Sometimes the hair follicles can regenerate on their own, but if the flap is sutured with excessive tension and the hair follicles have been damaged, the hair will not grow back. Hair restoration should occur approximately six months after surgery. If during this time they did not recover, then you can think about their transplantation.

The generalized form of hair loss develops as a result of a stressful situation. As a rule, a predisposition to general alopecia occurs in women with weak hair follicles.

Deformation of the auricle or in other words "satire's ear" or "devil's ear" occurs if Auricle located incorrectly. When the ear heals, it sinks down, which contributes to its deformity. The best way fix this defect V-Y plastic, but it can be done only six months after the main plastic surgery.

Damage to the parotid glands is very rare. The complication is eliminated by suturing the accessible part of the SMAS flap. In case of fluid accumulation, the area is aspirated, drainage tubes, then a rigid bandage is applied.

Psychological risks after rhytidectomy

Any surgical intervention is stressful for the body and it is quite natural that the patient may face psychological problems. There are cases when the operation is performed flawlessly, and the patient is not satisfied with his "new face". Even before the operation, each patient chooses for himself a certain standard of appearance, what he wants to achieve. Striving to conform to his ideal in everything, he does not think about how the fictional ideal is in harmony with his own external data. Sometimes some inadequate personalities fall into their own trap of “search for the perfect appearance” and constantly try to fix something in themselves. Unfortunately, we all understand well what this leads to, and there are a lot of people who look like frozen masks among public and ordinary people.

In addition, the patient must get used to his new image, and this addiction may be accompanied by psychological difficulties. The new appearance may not be accepted by relatives and friends, as well as work colleagues, which can cause disappointment in a person. In addition, a new image forms a new model of social behavior in a person. Therefore, having made a decision about facial plastic surgery, it is necessary to visit not only a surgeon, but also a psychotherapist for psychological support.

How to avoid complications?

Having decided on facial plastic surgery, you need to organize yourself to get a good result.

1. First, you must clearly define your goals: why do you do plastic surgery and what do you want to achieve with it. Being like someone is not a reason to lie down on the operating table. Also, don't dream about the impossible. It must be remembered that no plastic surgery can turn back the clock and return the face of a 25-year-old girl to a woman. Human body aging - this is embedded in his biological program, the ultimate goal of which is the slow extinction and involutionary degradation of the personality, and the elixir of youth has not yet been invented. But it is in our power to stop the aging process, smooth it out and refresh the external characteristics of the skin.
2. Secondly, having decided on facial plastic surgery, you need to know exactly your true state of health. This will help in the future to avoid unforeseen complications and unpleasant moments. After all, dreaming of plastic surgery, everyone needs a good result with minimal risks. If the price of plastic surgery will be one's own health, then what is the point of it? No wonder they say that if there is health, then there is hope, and if there is hope, then there is everything. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination to identify contraindications to the operation. Also, do not dissemble in front of the surgeon and keep silent about your chronic diseases and current state of health.
3. Thirdly, it is necessary to clearly follow all the recommendations of the doctor and follow his advice in everything. At this interval of life, he is your God. Listen to his advice in the preoperative period and in no case violate the postoperative regimen, do not skip scheduled examinations and visits to the doctor.
4. Fourth, choose an experienced professional. Do not be led by advertising and marketing tricks when choosing an aesthetic clinic and doctor. Make sure personally that the surgeon has experience in the practice and has performed a sufficient number of such operations. The recommendations of girlfriends, friends and acquaintances, as well as the queues under his office, are the best indicator of his professional training.

Today, plastic surgery on the face is no longer considered something new and exotic. With their help, you can not only become younger, but also eliminate appearance defects, correct the contour of the face, remove asymmetry, and hide the consequences of injuries and burns. Non-surgical types of facial plastics - oval correction with the help of threads or injections. More serious changes in appearance suggest surgery. This is a lift of the corners and a change in the shape of the eyes (canthoplasty and its types), eyelid correction, removal of excess skin in this area (blepharoplasty), reshaping of the nose (rhinoplasty) or ears (otoplasty), “moving” the eyebrows (broulift), and also a circular facelift, neck rejuvenation and more. After the work of a cosmetologist or surgeon, the patient is required to wait for a rehabilitation period. Find out how long this stage lasts, as well as what reviews are collected different kinds facial plastics.

What is considered normal after plastic surgery

When preparing the patient for surgery, the specialist must explain what to expect after the procedure. This will avoid force majeure and stressful situations. An integral part of the surgical intervention is anesthesia. Doctors prefer to use general anesthesia. After waking up, the patient may feel dizzy, slight weakness, sometimes nausea, as well as pain in the areas where the plastic was performed. To minimise discomfort, doctors sometimes prescribe analgesics, but for minor interventions, medications are usually not required.

After blepharoplasty, the patient wakes up with a bandage over his eyes. It is removed after a few hours. Surgeons are advised to take this moment into account for people who suffer from claustrophobia.

Within 1–3 days after plastic surgery, edema, hematomas, and bruises appear on the patient's face. Doctors explain that this is the norm if there has been surgery. Compresses can be applied to the injured skin. will be effective and medical preparations to be used only as directed by the attending physician. Edema can go off in the evening and appear in the morning. Everything will be back to normal when the natural lymph and blood flow improves.

Attention! If swelling and bruising do not disappear from the face 3-4 weeks after plastic surgery, this indicates complications.

Complications and side effects

Competent actions of the doctor during the operation are the best guarantee that the patient will not have to face negative consequences, complications, unsatisfactory results. Therefore, the first and most important rule is to responsibly approach the choice of a clinic and a specialist. Sign up for a consultation, ask the doctor all the questions that concern you, ask how the plastic surgery of the face goes, how high the risk of complications is.

Of course, the doctor can assure you that there were no dissatisfied patients in his practice, and the procedures go like clockwork. However, the human factor is always present, and even the most qualified doctor is not immune from mistakes and accidents. Another thing is how adequately the surgeon evaluates his capabilities and professional skills. Reviews will help dispel doubts. Read what other patients have to say about your chosen operation, the specialist and the clinic in general.

The doctor must get a complete picture of your state of health, prescribe an examination and make sure that you have no contraindications to surgery. Otherwise, the most unpredictable complications are possible!

Before performing facial plastic surgery, the doctor must morally set the person in a positive way, provide him with psychological comfort, and also explain the features of the lifestyle on the eve of the operation. Usually the preparatory period lasts about 2 weeks. During this period, the patient is forbidden to smoke, take alcohol and some drugs, drink a lot of coffee, and also limit himself in some other things. Similar recommendations apply to the postoperative phase.

Ignoring the rules of preparation and rehabilitation by the patient is also fraught with the occurrence side effects and difficulties in recovery period. Minimize the risks by following all the doctor's instructions.

Due to an unsuccessful facial plastic surgery or non-compliance with medical recommendations during the recovery phase, the patient may experience the following complications:

• hematomas that do not resolve on their own and require surgical intervention;
• slow healing of wounds. Usually found in people who smoke;
• inflammation development. This may be due to insufficient sterility during facial plastic surgery or the body's reaction to certain drugs;
• damage to the nerves that are responsible for muscle function;
• the formation of rough scars on the patient's face;
• suppuration, divergence of seams;
• tissue necrosis as a result of their detachment or strong tension. Rare, and usually associated with medical error or diabetes, atherosclerosis of the patient;
• deformation of the oval of the face;
• post-traumatic pigmentation;
• consequences associated with a specific type of facial plastic surgery: hair loss after a circular lift (if the hair follicles are damaged), non-closure or eversion of the eyelids after canthoplasty, etc.

Attention! In some cases, complications after facial plastic surgery are associated with individual characteristics organism of a particular person.

Duration of rehabilitation

If the operation was successful, the patient diligently does everything that the doctor tells him, then the recovery period will not be too long. For the first 2-3 days, it is advisable for a person to stay in a hospital, where the doctor will control the wound healing process. Then the patient must visit the surgeon on an outpatient basis. The stitches can be removed on the 9-15th day after the plastic surgery of the face. Recovery depends on the complexity of the surgical or cosmetic intervention, the state of human health (in particular, immunity). On average, rehabilitation lasts about 2-3 weeks, but for different types facial plastics, these figures differ:

• recovery after blepharoplasty takes about 1.5 weeks;
• after facelift or rhinoplasty - a month.

Of course, this does not mean that after 2-3 weeks a person will look perfect. Surgeons have such a concept - "shrinkage" of the patient's face. The effect of the procedure becomes noticeable 1-4 months after the operation. And in the case of rhinoplasty, you can see the result of the work of a specialist even 6–12 months after surgery.

The patient needs to be patient and visit the doctor for follow-up examinations. After all, if everything went well, the result is guaranteed to last for several years. But if it was not possible to avoid complications, then the rehabilitation process may be delayed for long months. It is possible that the person will need repeated surgery.

How to speed up healing at home

The most important thing in the rehabilitation period is the patient's compliance with medical recommendations. The doctor will certainly tell you about the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle life and explain what can and cannot be done.

Get ready to limit yourself to physical activity and follow a diet: nothing hard, spicy, oversalted, a minimum of tea and coffee.

It is allowed to wash your hair only for 2-7 days after the procedure, and you need to sleep in a certain position. The first year after plastic surgery, you can not sunbathe. To accelerate wound healing and eliminate side effects, you can use additional funds and drugs.

Compression underwear, bandages

The doctor applies the first bandage to the face immediately after the operation, and removes it a day later to apply a new one. In the future, the patient will need to wear a special face mask - compression underwear made of breathable fabric that keeps the oval of the face in the correct position and prevents the seams from coming apart. In addition, the bandage has a slight massage and tonic effect, accelerates blood flow and contributes to the speedy rehabilitation of the patient after facial plastic surgery.

What underwear is better to buy, the surgeon will advise. You can buy a face mask in online stores specializing in such products. The cost depends on the brand and type of dressing. An eye mask after blepharoplasty costs about 800–900 rubles. A bandage after plastic surgery of the ears or a facelift will cost from 1,500 to 3,700 rubles. Contact sellers who have a good reputation and guarantee a return or exchange if expensive underwear does not suit you.

Advice. Due to the gradual reduction of swelling in the face, a patient who has undergone plastic surgery sometimes requires several bandages of different sizes. For these cases, there are models that are adjustable with Velcro or fasteners.

Cosmetics

The first 7-14 days the face should not be washed and painted. 1 week after plastic surgery, the doctor may allow the use of cleansers that do not require rinsing: cream, milk.

Choose an alcohol-free toner or lotion to moisturize your skin. It is desirable that the product is intended for dry or normal dermis, even if you used other products before the facelift.

Choose the most natural, hypoallergenic cosmetics without fragrances, dyes. Dense, textured creams, especially in the area of ​​facial plastic surgery, are prohibited!

But preparations with a tightening effect and intended for skin regeneration are quite appropriate. To cool the eyelids after blepharoplasty or canthoplasty, buy a special mask in the form of glasses.

Use professional products. Before any cosmetic procedures it is important to get the approval of the doctor who performed the facial plastic surgery on the patient.

One of the reputable brands that produces restorative cosmetics is MEDICALIA. The preparations improve the condition of damaged skin, eliminate hematomas, reduce the formation of unsightly scars, and facilitate the course of rehabilitation after facial plastic surgery. Healing products from the Medi-Heal line are not cheap. For example, a cream with a volume of 50 milliliters will cost from 4,500 rubles, and a cooling and soothing serum (15 milliliters) will cost over 3,000 rubles. Also, after facial plastic surgery, you can use a cream with horse chestnut Planetary Herbals (1000 rubles for a jar of 113 grams). It moisturizes the skin, improves blood circulation, relieves puffiness.

There are other cosmetics that can be used after facial plastic surgery. Buy what suits your skin and won't put too much strain on your family budget.

Medications

A multivitamin complex will help reduce swelling and bruising, as well as speed up the rehabilitation process. Choose a drug that contains ascorbic acid, vitamins K and A - these useful material strengthen the walls of blood vessels, accelerate the healing of tissues after facial plastic surgery. For the same purpose, doctors prescribe other means to patients (orally and locally). For example:

• Venarus - from 600 rubles for 30 tablets;

• Phlebodia - from 650 rubles for 15 tablets;

• Troxerutin gel - from 40 rubles per tube;

• Heparin ointment - from 60 rubles.

For the speedy tightening of scars, as well as for their prevention, some patients use Zeraderm gel (about 2000 rubles). It forms a water-repellent film on the skin, regulates the balance of moisture, relieves redness.

To eliminate scars or prevent their appearance, you can use the Mepiform patch (about 1200 rubles).

Advice. To eliminate puffiness after facial plastic surgery, the patient will be helped by cosmetic ice, prepared independently or bought in a store (FITOICE, Anne Semonin and others).

Physiotherapy procedures

By the decision of the doctor, a patient who has undergone facial plastic surgery and is on inpatient treatment may undergo special procedures. They shorten the recovery time, help the body recover faster. These methods include:

1. ultrasound therapy. It has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect, improves blood flow.
2. Magnetotherapy. Accelerates tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis.
3. Microcurrent massage. It alleviates the condition of a patient whose face hurts after plastic surgery, and also reduces swelling, improves metabolism, and normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
4. Cryotherapy - exposure to cold. Anesthetizes and relieves inflammation after plastic surgery.
5. Mesotherapy and biorevitalization. Hyaluronic acid injections help to moisturize the skin, restore its elasticity, increase blood flow and reduce the recovery period.

The cost of physiotherapy after plastic surgery depends on the clinic. The number of procedures and the frequency of their passage by the patient is determined by the doctor.

Plastic surgery It's always a unique personal story. The K&Z reader took a long time to decide on a facelift, went through it and now honestly shares her experience.

One day I looked in the mirror and realized that "the young woman was not young." Slim figure(weight 55 kg) remained with me, and all the years lived "gone in the face." At that time, I was 48.

I went to a very good beauty salon, where I did mesotherapy and Botox, pumped up my lips with hyaluronic acid and removed the nasolabial folds with it. Made it look much better. All of the above, as well as a lot of other good and expensive procedures, I decided to do and did regularly. So seven years passed. And then I realized: it does not help! The last straw was Thermage, which was so expensive and promised so much. I thought about surgery...

It took a total of three years to reach a final decision. I looked closely at the obviously operated television faces and at the face of a friend, successfully tightened 12 years ago. I read reviews, studied plastic forums. I even began to figure out who promotes a particular surgeon.

To one surgeon, whose results were very impressive, I even went for a consultation. And he seemed to like me. But for some reason, then I did not choose the date of the operation. After all sorts of comparisons and weighings, I finally settled on another specialist - as it turned out, who once operated on my friend! And she almost calmed down: the result of his work - a good result - I saw on her face. Clinic plastic surgery, in which this surgeon operates, works on the basis of one of the leading clinical hospitals, and the anesthesiologist there with a lot of experience. This also seemed very important to me.

Facelift:dayoperations

The day of the operation arrived. The scope of interventions is planned to be large. However, the usual set for a 55-year-old lady: endoscopic facelift forehead, lower blepharoplasty, endoscopic lifting of the middle zone of the face, lifting of the lower third of the face and platysmaplasty (this is when the double chin is removed, a clear cervico-chin angle is formed, as in youth, and at the same time the neck gets rid of wrinkles). I had four hours of anesthesia. Before the operation, I signed a contract, my face was photographed from several angles. I put on corrective stockings (to prevent thrombosis), and they took me on a gurney to the operating room. Time has gone.

I woke up in a ward on a bed with a tight bandage on my head, exactly like Sharikov’s in “ dog heart". I listened to myself: nothing hurts. When the bandage was removed from my eyes by the end of the day, I found that I could hardly see anything. The eyes were swollen and swollen, turning into narrow slits! The face - except for a small triangle with a center-nose in the middle - is inanimate, insensitive. I also don’t feel anything in the crown area, behind the ears and above, plus I don’t feel my neck at all! You can only lie on high pillows and on your back.

During breakfast - a new discovery. The mouth barely opens - you can't put a coffee spoon in. She pecked semolina porridge in the manner of a crane visiting a fox.

Daily dressings and daily facial physiotherapy. Three days later, my husband took me home.

Rehabilitationafter facelift

At home, I immediately went to bed - weakness. And then it began. There was a feeling that there was a Brownian movement under the skin of the face: something was pouring, rolling, bubbling there.

She washed her head, treating it like a Chinese vase, her fingers stumbled on paper clips, with which, instead of threads, the edges of the cuts behind the ears and on the crown of the head were densely fastened. Frightening red water dripped from her hair...

Nevertheless, life went on. First, the stitches on the eyelids were removed (literally after two or three days). Then on the head. In the mouth, the sutures should dissolve on their own. The mouth for a long time, a month or more, did not open properly. And when she chewed, she twitched in her temples - unpleasantly.

When the tight bandage was removed, the face was packed into a special elastic mask that supports the cheeks. I became like a respectable medieval lady. Everything bluish and swollen is hidden under the bandage, however, the eyes are still “lined”, but somehow I got used to it.

The surgeon advised me to warm my face in a bath in a week so that the internal sutures would dissolve better. And not in the bath - so dry heat. Dry heat I associate with hot eggs, which warm up sinusitis. At the indicated time, I began to boil eggs and fanatically press them to my cheeks, temples and eye sockets for two hours. And as a result, taking off the mask, I saw a tumor in the form of a thick caterpillar crawling from the middle of the left cheek to the ear.

Every morning I went to the clinic for physiotherapy and left almost reassured by the surgeon's iron convictions that this was a temporary hematoma and it would definitely pass. The "caterpillar" disappeared without a trace after a couple of months.

Then, two months later, my husband and I went to Rome to celebrate my 55th birthday. I was afraid to give an old photo for a visa and took a new one. The puffiness had not completely subsided then, but still, what a difference with the previous photo! Now I think: as soon as I was not detained at customs ...

Well, the fact that the eyes after the lower blepharoplasty were a little watery and doubled in one is nothing, nothing.

Slowly, slowly, the numbness of the cheeks, forehead, and crown receded. Gradually, the ears became "mine" again. Small scars, including under the chin, healed and became invisible. I sighed calmly.

Results: intime of joy

How do I feel now, eight months later? Great joy. Yes, not everything in my face suits me, there are still bruises under my eyes, and they bother me. Looking closely at my reflection, I see some other little things. It would be possible to raise the corners of the eyes higher, some wrinkles remained ... But all this is nonsense compared to the general feeling of youthfulness that returned to me!

My brother's wife once remarked: “You see how good it is that you have recovered on your face. It would have been like that for a long time. You need to eat, not diet. Now you look good." The mother-in-law, peering at the Skype screen, said: “And you seem to have lost weight. But you look good."

The mammologist asked me what day of the cycle I had, since I was going to do a mammogram. “I have been like everyone else for three years!” I reported cheerfully. "Well done, I would never have given you your years."

And recently, my random companion Igor, without hesitation, determined my age - 38 years. She told the truth, she didn't believe me. She said she was joking - calmed down. But he was surprised: “All women decrease their age, and you are strange - you add!”

Expert opinion

Lola Babaeva, in doctor-dermatocosmetologist, dermatocosmetologist of the clinic of plastic surgery and cosmetology Mont Blanc

Facelift is an operation that requires rehabilitation procedures. These include physiotherapy and injection effects. Rehabilitation is usually started on the fourth or fifth day after the operation. The rehabilitation program is developed jointly by a plastic surgeon and a cosmetologist. There are patients who are reluctant to come for procedures for the first time, and then simply run to rehabilitation. Because they feel and see how the face literally comes to life!

As one of the key rehabilitation measures, microcurrent therapy can be noted - exposure of tissues to low-frequency pulsed currents of super-weak strength in order to restore cellular metabolism. Thanks to microcurrents, superficial and deep lymphatic drainage of tissues is carried out; cell detoxification occurs; the process of formation of new blood vessels (neoangiogenesis) is launched, normal blood supply is restored. The procedure has a decongestant effect, improves complexion. By electrophoresis, special preparations and enzymes (longidase, hyaluronidase) are introduced into the skin, which have a powerful antioxidant effect, relieve swelling and inflammation.

The standard course of microcurrent therapy is 10-15 procedures, three sessions per week.

Plastic surgery and cosmetology go hand in hand when it comes to correcting appearance. If the first provides a cardinal result, then the second fixes or improves it. Many clinics already practice a combination of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Any specialist will say that the optimal combination can bring the successful result of surgical intervention to perfection.

Cosmetic procedures are applied as before plastic surgery as a preparatory stage, and after. The efforts of cosmetologists will help speed up the healing of sutures, minimize discomfort, discomfort, swelling and other consequences of the operation. And in general, with the help of this combination, it is possible to reduce the duration several times rehabilitation period and speed up the return to normal life. What cosmetic procedures can be combined with facial plastic surgery? Which of the cosmetologist's arsenal will help to recover, and what will improve and consolidate the result of surgical intervention? Galina Viktorovna Khrushch, one of the leading plastic surgeons in Moscow, helped us sort out this issue.

Blepharoplasty

One of the postoperative consequences of this type of intervention is swelling. There are several ways to deal with it, for example, with the help of darsonvalization. This implies the impact of high-frequency pulsed currents on the operated area. During the procedure, metabolic processes are activated, blood supply and tissue nutrition are improved, which helps to reduce tissue swelling. The procedure does not bring any discomfort, in order to achieve the best result, it is necessary to complete a course of 10 to 20 sessions.

If necessary, if mimic wrinkles remain after blepharoplasty, they can be corrected with injections of Botox and Dysport. It is usually recommended to eliminate wrinkles a month after blepharoplasty. As a result, the patient will receive not only tightened eyelids and an open look - the operated area will look very rejuvenated thanks to botulinum toxin therapy. If, when used after plastic surgery, Botox brings positive changes and enhances the effect, then it is highly not recommended to use it as a preparatory procedure. Injections will greatly complicate the work of the surgeon and may well have a negative impact on the outcome of the operation.

Rhinoplasty

To speed up rehabilitation, a procedure such as microcurrent therapy is often prescribed after rhinoplasty. They begin to carry out procedures on the 4-5th day after plastic surgery on the face. Cosmetologists use a special apparatus to relieve postoperative pain and reduce swelling.

Filler injections after rhinoplasty are often used as an alternative to revision surgery.

The device acts on the operated tissues with ultra-low frequency current pulses. As a result, tissue healing is accelerated, the metabolic rate increases, and the physiological activity of damaged cells is restored. Usually the course consists of 7-15 sessions. The technique is so effective that even 2 sessions can reduce the duration of the recovery process by a third.

Plastic surgeon Galina Khrushch comments:

In some cases, after rhinoplasty, such a cosmetic procedure as contour plastic surgery is performed. The introduction of filler injections is used as an alternative to reoperation, in cases requiring minor correction. If the doctor considers it inappropriate to do a secondary full-fledged rhinoplasty, when, compared with the existing defect, a possible injury to the body is not justified, filler injections are prescribed to correct minor defects such as bumps on the nose, subtle asymmetry.

Contour plastic can be done before the planned plastic surgery. But one should be aware of this fact plastic surgeon for consultation.

Most often, surgeons prescribe ultrasonic massage after a circular facelift or SMAS lifting, etc. This technique does a good job of correcting postoperative scars after any type of facelift. Ultrasound is used in early postoperative period, starting from 5-7 days after surgery. During the procedure, facial tissues are heated due to high-frequency sound vibrations. This enhances peripheral circulation and scar resorption. The ultrasound therapy procedure lasts from 10 to 30 minutes, usually a course of 12-15 sessions.

Another rehabilitation and cosmetology hardware technique is phototherapy. Assign usually from the 2nd day after plastic surgery on the face. Phototherapy involves the use of a combination of blue and near infrared light. It is used after plastic surgery on the face to accelerate the healing of the skin. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates microcirculation and reduces the duration of hematomas by half.

The positive effectiveness of rehabilitation after plastic surgery depends not only on. And the patient needs to make efforts to acquire a new look and adhere to the recommendations of the doctor.

The arsenal for recovery, for example, after that includes both compliance with the rules at home and professional techniques performed in a clinic setting. How to speed up recovery, alleviate your condition? How long is rehabilitation after practice?

The duration of rehabilitation after plastic surgery

From 2 to 7 days is necessary to restore the skin at the end of such cosmetic procedures as therapeutic, hardware and injection, with the exception of application.

At the consultation, the surgeon is obliged to report on delayed rehabilitation, which is caused by tissue shrinkage and floating edema. Therefore, the final result after plastic surgery is noticeable on average after 1-4 months.

Unpleasant postoperative consequences

Usually, the patient puts on compression underwear in the operating room after the end of the intervention:

1. With the help of slimming knitwear, the natural outlines of the body are restored, the acquired forms are maintained.
2. Special underwear is produced with a breathable structure, so oxygen is supplied to the skin without hindrance.
3. The use of a compression product prevents the seams from opening, forming unaesthetic scars, forming, infiltrates, hernias.
4. acts on the skin of the operated area with a slight massage effect. In nearby tissues, blood flow, microcirculation and metabolism are accelerated, which positively affects the intensity of regeneration.
5. The slimming jersey helps with, for example, mammography or without problems to be combined with tissues and subcutaneous cells. It does not allow the implants to move.

The selection of underwear is carried out on the basis of the advice of a plastic surgeon. Due to the reduction in swelling during the recovery period, the use of different sizes of underwear is often required.

The option with special straps and paws will help out, with which it is easy to adjust the size in accordance with the required circumstances.

At the beginning of the rehabilitation period, the doctor often recommends even sleeping in compression underwear. It must be worn at all times for recovery.

Use of cosmetics

After surgery or cosmetic procedures on the skin of the face, it is unacceptable to use decorative cosmetics for 7-14 days. And after this time is:

• choose natural formulations without flavorings and chemical components;
• use professional care cosmetics;
• use creams with the effect of tightening and regeneration;
• avoid applying greasy and dense products to the incision sites;
• limit the use of cosmetic formulations with obvious contraindications;
• refuse to use lotions and gels with an increased concentration of alcohol.

Which rehabilitation option to follow, the operating surgeon or cosmetologist will tell the patient at the consultation.

Question answer

In dietary nutrition, the consumption of salt, sugar, fatty, spicy, smoked foods is unacceptable.

Indeed, the duration and complexity of rehabilitation for different people may differ, even if identical operations were performed. This is influenced by age indicators, the type of intervention, the pathologies that a person has, the complications encountered during surgery.

No, in this case we are not talking about bed rest. After surgery, a person should reduce activity, refrain from intimate relationships and sports for at least 10 days, it is better not to burden your body. This is due to the fact that during active movements, blood pressure rises, which, in turn, can lead to bleeding.

11 methods of physiotherapy treatment

It is selected and carried out after an appointment at the clinic with a plastic doctor. Activities are aimed at accelerating the healing of wounds and helping tissues recover.

FROM additional information it is permissible to meet on forums where the problems of plastic surgery are discussed.

In the arsenal of rehabilitation there are methods that help to restore the body in a short time.

Postoperative stress disappears in a short time with the help of relaxation manipulations - lithotherapy, massage with hot bags, body wraps and Vichy shower.

Often several procedures are involved in the recovery process. So, with mixed operations (for example, SMAS and arthroplasty), magnetotherapy, microcurrents, and ultrasound therapy are prescribed.