The Truth About Pain and Recovery in Cosmetic Surgery

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have seen many patients who are afraid of the pain associated with cosmetic surgery. Many of them have heard horror stories about the Brazilian butt lift being the most painful surgery, followed by tummy tuck, breast implants, liposuction, breast lifts and reductions, and jaw surgery. But is this really true? And which procedures have the longest recovery periods? As an expert in the field, I am here to provide you with the truth about pain and recovery in cosmetic surgery.

Abdominal surgeries

, including elective or cosmetic surgeries, are often considered to be some of the most painful and risky.

Abdominoplasty

, also known as a tummy tuck, is no exception.

Compared to other surgeries, such as breast augmentation or rhinoplasty, recovery is longer and more painful. However, most patients do not rate their pain above a six or seven and it is often well managed. According to a study published in the World Journal of Plastic Surgery, fear of pain is one of the main reasons why potential patients avoid undergoing plastic surgery. However, as a plastic surgeon, I can assure you that these procedures are not as painful as you may think. Dr.

Buford, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Englewood, Colorado, states that the discomfort may last 4 to 6 weeks but should be less than what you experienced before surgery.

Liposuction

is another popular cosmetic procedure that is often feared for its potential pain. This procedure involves removing subcutaneous fat and sculpting the body. However, it is important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and should not be used as such. The median recovery time for liposuction is 20 days, but most patients are able to resume their normal activities within 1 to 7 days.

Full recovery may take 6 to 12 months, but most patients are able to resume their normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. There are also non-invasive procedures, such as laser liposuction and CoolSculpting, that are used to sculpt stubborn areas of fat. These procedures are less painful and have shorter recovery times compared to traditional liposuction. However, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which procedure is best for you. One of the most common concerns of patients undergoing plastic surgery is the pain involved. However, as mentioned before, most cosmetic surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be completely asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

The pain and discomfort usually occur during the recovery period, but this can be managed with prescription painkillers. I have consulted with Dr. Buford and Dr. Jason Bloom, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, to provide you with accurate information about the pain levels and recovery times for each cosmetic surgery procedure. As experts in the field, we can assure you that the pain is manageable and the recovery time is worth it for the desired results. Despite the potential pain and recovery time involved, cosmetic surgery remains extremely popular in the UK and around the world.

It is important to remember that every person's pain tolerance and recovery time may vary, so it is important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions for a successful recovery.