Facial Surgery

• How long is the recovery after facelift/neck lift?

  This depends on what type of surgery you have had.

  For facelift and neck lift surgery the first phase of recovery lasts 2 weeks. Most people will take an entire week off work and away from social events. Pain and soreness typically last for 1 week and are managed with narcotic pain medications for the first 1-2 days, then over-the-counter Motrin and Tylenol following that. Sutures are removed at 1 week. If there are staples, these are removed at 2 weeks. You may take a shower, and gently wash your face and hair 24 hours after surgery. Most bruising and swelling are completely resolved within 3 weeks. You will be restricted from exercise for 3 weeks and then you can slowly return to low-impact cardio workouts. At 6 weeks most patients can return to full activities. Results may take up to 6 months.

  For brow lift surgery, the first phase of recovery lasts 1-2 weeks. Most people will take a few days off work. Pain and soreness are typically limited and most people will take only Tylenol or Motrin. Sutures or staples will be removed at 2 weeks.  Swelling and bruising may last up to 2 weeks and be most visible around your eyes.  You will be restricted from exercise for 1 week and then you can slowly return to low-impact cardio workouts. At 3 weeks most patients can return to full activities.

  For any surgery, there will be ongoing changes after the initial phase of recovery. This includes a progressive reduction in swelling. Return to normal sensation, scar maturation, and fading. These changes can take months to fully complete. This is normal for all surgeries.

• When can I shower?

  Most of the time patients can shower 24 hours after surgery. You will have operative dressings in place, which wrap your entire head, jawline, and neck. There may be a drain.  These will all be removed the next day in the office. After dressing and drain removal you may go home and shower. Warm soapy water can run over the incisions. Any blood on the skin can be gently cleansed away. Do not scrub any area with an incision. You will be given a light elastic garment to wear which stays on for a week and can be removed for showering.

• How long do results last?

  Facelift surgery can take 10 years off your visible age.  These results are lifelong!  Your skin, fat and muscular tissues will continue to age at a normal rate but the position of the tissues (being lifted) will always be better than what it was.  Ongoing skin care (antioxidants and or retinol products) and consistent use of SPF will keep your appearance healthy and youthful for many, many years if usage is consistent.

Eyelid Surgery

• How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery?

  This depends on what type of surgery you have had.

  For upper eyelid surgery, the first phase of recovery lasts 1 week. Pain is typically limited and most people will take only Tylenol and use cold packs to alleviate the discomfort. Most people will take an entire week off work and away from social events because of bruising. Sutures will be removed between 5-7 days after surgery.  You may wash your face gently 24 hours after surgery. Ointments may be provided for the incisions. Most bruising is completely resolved by 1-2 weeks. Swelling may be present for up to four weeks.

  For lower eyelid surgery the first phase of recovery lasts 2 weeks. Pain is typically limited and most people will take only Tylenol and use cold packs to alleviate the discomfort. Most people will take an entire week off work and away from social events because of bruising. If there are sutures on the outside of the eyelid, these will dissolve and fall out in 1-2 weeks. Sometimes the surgery is performed from inside the eyelid and there are no external incisions. In this case, there is no skin scar on the outside of the lid. Most bruising is completely resolved by 2 weeks.  Swelling may be present for up to four weeks.

  For upper and lower eyelid surgery your vision should be intact right away.  You may have watery eyes or slightly blurry vision because of the ointments that are used.  People who work or use computers for much of the day may feel fatigued in their eyes for the first week after surgery.  Saline eye drops may be recommended if you suffer from dry eyes.  These drops may be used immediately after surgery and continued until symptoms resolve.

  For any surgery, there will be ongoing changes after the initial phase of recovery. This includes a progressive reduction in swelling. Return to normal sensation, scar maturation, and fading. These changes can take months to fully complete and this is normal for all surgeries.

• Will insurance cover blepharoplasty?

  For upper eyelids, depending on the severity of the hooding over the eye, blepharoplasty may be medically necessary. We recommend seeing an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can assess your eyes and check your visual fields prior to your consultation appointment at SARA so we can review those findings with regard to any insurance coverage.

Facial Injectables

• How long does Botox last?

  The results of botulinum toxin will be slightly different in every person. MOST OF THE TIME patients report a return of movement 10-12 weeks following their neurotoxin treatment. The return of wrinkles may not occur at the same time as the return of movement. Depending on your treatment goals you may choose to schedule treatments every 12 weeks to prevent wrinkles or wait until the return of visible wrinkles to retreat. No matter what, botulinum toxin is a temporary treatment that requires repeat usage for optimal results.  

• How long does Filler last?

  There are several different types of fillers. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, RHA, Revanesse) typically last 8-18 months depending on the exact type and the location in which they are placed. During your consultation, your SARA provider will discuss your goals, the recommended filler type, and the likely longevity of your treatment.

• What should I do to prepare for my Botox or Filler?

  If you are on any medication or herbal supplements that increase bleeding or bruising, stop those 1 week before your appointment. In some cases, it may not be safe or advised to stop those medications.  In that circumstance discuss this with your SARA provider. You may expect increased bruising from your treatment if you are on any blood-thinning medications. Please come to your appointment with a clean face and as little makeup as possible. If you must wear makeup, please be advised that it will be removed prior to your treatment for sterility and cleanliness and to help prevent infection.

• What do I need to know after I get my Botox or Filler?

  For Botox, you may wash your face normally and wear makeup. Do not rub or massage any place treated with neurotoxin for 24 hours. Do not perform strenuous exercise for 12 hours. Do not lie flat or place your head below your heart for 4 hours after treatment. If you notice any visual changes or breathing problems in the weeks following treatment, call the office immediately.

  For Filler, you may wash your face normally and wear makeup.  You may be instructed to massage any bumps or masses. Please discuss this with your SARA provider. Do not perform strenuous exercises for 12 hours following treatment. Try not to lie or press firmly on any area treated with filler for 2 weeks. Depending on the location, filler can move around. Please schedule any dental procedures for 2 weeks or more following placement of filler in the lower face, around the nose or in the lips.

Breast Surgery

• How long is the recovery after breast surgery?

  For breast augmentation (implant) surgery the first phase of recovery lasts 6 weeks. Most people will take a few days off work. Pain and soreness typically last for 1 week and are managed with narcotic pain medications for the first 3 days, then over-the-counter Motrin and Tylenol following that. You will be restricted from exercise for 2 weeks and then you can slowly return to low-impact cardio workouts. Do not perform any arm or chest strengthening exercises until instructed to do so. At 6 weeks most patients are able to return to full activities.

  For breast reduction surgery the first phase of recovery lasts 3 weeks. Most people will take a few days off work. Pain and soreness typically last for 1 week and are managed with narcotic pain medications for the first 3 days. Then over-the-counter Motrin or Tylenol can be used. You will be restricted from exercise for 1 week and then you can slowly return to low-impact cardio workouts. At 3 weeks most patients are able to return to full activities.

  For any surgery, there will be ongoing changes after the initial phase of recovery. This includes a progressive reduction in swelling. Return to normal sensation, scar maturation, and fading. These changes can take months to fully complete and this is normal for all surgeries.

• When can I shower?

  In most cases, patients can shower the very next day. You will have operative dressings in place, which may be gauze padding, a bra, or an ACE wrap. Remove these prior to showering. Steri-strips will be over the incisions. Those stay ON to shower. Warm soapy water can run over the incisions. Any blood on the skin can be gently cleansed away. Do not scrub any area with an incision. Gently pat dry the Steri-strips with a clean towel. Reapply gauze padding, bra, or ACE wrap as instructed.

• What size will my breasts be after surgery?

  For breast augmentation, the size is determined by a few factors. First, it is important to let Dr. Dickie know your goals. If you have photos of the breast size you desire, bring those to your consultation. If you currently pad your breasts in clothing, wear that to your consultation so that accurate measurements can be taken. Finally, each patient has a different body type and skin thickness of the chest, which will impact the size that is ultimately chosen. At your consultation, Dr. Dickie will take measurements and photos. You will be given the opportunity to try on various sizes of implants to arrive at the ideal size for you.

  For breast reduction, the size is determined by a few factors. First, it is important to let Dr. Dickie know your goals. Are you mainly interested in lifting the breast, and reducing the weight, would you prefer to be flatter-chested or maintain some volume and curvature? At your consultation, Dr. Dickie will review these with you. She will also take measurements of your breasts and determine the safest range of volume to remove based on your height, weight, and overall body shape. Exact cup sizes are difficult to predict based on the fact that different manufacturers make different size bras. Safety and aesthetics will be the guiding principles for the breast reduction.

Tummy tuck and liposuction

• How long is the recovery after tummy tuck or liposuction?

  This depends on what type of surgery you have had.

  For mini-tummy tuck (lower abdomen +/- liposuction) the first phase of recovery lasts 3 weeks. Most people will take a few days off work. Pain and soreness typically last for 1 week and are managed with narcotic pain medications for the first 3 days, then over-the-counter Motrin and Tylenol following that. You will be restricted from exercise for 2 weeks and then you can slowly return to low-impact cardio workouts. Do not perform any abdomen strengthening exercises until instructed to do so. At 6 weeks most patients are able to return to full activities.

  For abdominoplasty (upper and lower abdomen, +/- liposuction and muscle repair) the first phase of recovery lasts 3 weeks. Most people will take a few days off work. Pain and soreness typically last for 1-2 weeks and are managed with narcotic pain medications for the first 3 days. Then over-the-counter Motrin or Tylenol can be used. You will be restricted from exercise for 3 weeks and then you can slowly return to low-impact cardio workouts. Do not perform any abdomen strengthening exercises until instructed to do so. At 8 weeks most patients are able to return to full activities.

  For liposuction the first phase of recovery last 2-3 weeks. Most people take a few days off work. Pain and soreness typically last for 1 week and are managed with narcotic pain medications for the first 3 days. Then over-the-counter Motrin or Tylenol can be used. You will be restricted from exercise for 2 weeks and then you can slowly return to low-impact cardio workouts. At 4 weeks most patients are able to return to full activities.

  For any surgery, there will be ongoing changes after the initial phase of recovery. This includes a progressive reduction in swelling. Return to normal sensation, scar maturation, and fading. These changes can take months to fully complete and this is normal for all surgeries.

• When can I shower?

  In most cases, patients can shower the very next day. You will have operative dressings in place, which include gauze padding and a compression garment. Remove these prior to showering. Steri-strips will be over the incisions. Those stay ON to shower. Warm soapy water can run over the incisions. Any blood on the skin can be gently cleansed away. Do not scrub any area with an incision. Gently pat dry the Steri-strips with a clean towel. Reapply gauze padding and compression garment as instructed.

• What about drains?

  Dr. Dickie does not typically use drains in breast or body surgeries. Instead, there are techniques used to help reduce the space where fluid can collect and reduce the risk of seroma without using drains.  Some patients may require drains after tummy tuck. Dr. Dickie and the nurse at your surgery will review the care of your drains with you if needed.

• How long do I have to wear a compression garment?

  Compression garments are very important to prevent swelling and control the shape of the skin and fat as you heal. It is very important to avoid creases or folds in your garment. If you notice folds in your skin, contact Dr. Dickie. You may need a different garment or additional padding to prevent this from happening. The garment is typically worn for at least 6 weeks after surgery.