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Procedure-Specific Recovery Guides: Understanding Post-Operative Care

For each of the procedures listed below, our office will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the recovery period and post-operative actions you will need to take. We’ve included the below information to give you a general concept of what should be expected. If you have any questions concerning your recovery, please call our office immediately.

Rhinoplasty

While every patient is different, most recoveries follow the same basic timeline. Variations may be due to the severity of the rhinoplasty or the patient’s natural ability to heal. In any case, below is the average expectation for most patients undergoing rhinoplasty at Dr. Torkian’s office:

  • The initial stages of recovery are marked by swelling and thickness of the skin. This is observable immediately after surgery and may persist for several weeks after the procedure. It is during this time that the internal tissues are settling into their permanent positions.
  • While the swelling typically resolves after several weeks, there is generally a fluctuation that is seen over the following months. This is completely normal, and patients should not be concerned if slight swelling returns.
  • Final rhinoplasty results are generally seen within nine to twelve months after surgery. During these months, the tissues are remodeling, healing, and thinning out to reveal the true appearance of the new nasal structure, which may have been previously hidden by swelling.
    In some cases, Dr. Torkian may use steroids to help resolve the swelling and allow the tissues to heal properly.

Scars

Recovery is minimal, and you can return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure. You may experience mild tenderness, redness, and swelling, which should subside within a few weeks after the procedure. It is best to limit sun exposure and refrain from extreme exercise within the first 24 hours after treatment.

Blepharoplasty

Thin, absorbable sutures placed in the eyelid incisions usually disappear or are removed one week after eyelid surgery. Patients generally complain of little or no pain with this procedure and are usually able to return to their routine within several days to one week.
Some swelling or discoloration is normal with eyelid surgery. This will resolve for the most part within one to two weeks and can be camouflaged with makeup after several days.

Brow Lift

After a brow lift, the full recovery period is approximately two weeks, at which point the incision can usually be considered completely healed. After two weeks, most patients can return to their regular array of activities. There may still be some swelling and bruising at this point, and it can easily be covered with makeup. Over the months following a brow lift, the incisions will fade until they are virtually invisible. During brow lift recovery, it is important to avoid excessive force or motion. By following Dr. Torkian’s aftercare instructions carefully, the results of a brow lift will remain beautiful and satisfactory.

Chin Augmentation

Following chin augmentation, there will be some swelling and bruising around the incision site. Dr. Torkian will provide you with instructions on eating and brushing your teeth so as to prevent irritation of the area. You will return to full jaw function within two weeks, at which point the implant will be fully set in its position. There may still be swelling that needs to be resolved, which will occur over the following several weeks.

If your chin augmentation was done with an incision placed inside your mouth, there will be no visible scars. If the incision was placed outside the chin, it would be very small, approximately half an inch in length. As a premier plastic surgeon, Dr. Torkian uses expert closing techniques that leave a minimal scar. After several months, it will take an effort to notice that a scar is present.

Dimpleplasty

Dimpleplasty is done with local anesthetic, and patients are physically capable of resuming their daily activities on an almost immediate basis. However, Dr. Torkian recommends taking a day of rest to ensure your body is fully recovered.

Over the first several weeks following dimpleplasty, the dimples will be visible whether you are smiling or not. After several weeks have passed, the healing process will resolve this issue, and your dimples will only appear when smiling.

There are no visible scars with dimpleplasty, as the incisions are placed inside the cheeks.

Otoplasty

Approximately one week after otoplasty, most swelling and bruising have resolved. Adults may return to work, and children can return to school. Over the next several weeks, it is wise to avoid strenuous activity that can impact the ears. It takes about three months for the full healing process to complete, at which point the tissues have settled and the ears have assumed their final position.

In delivering otoplasty, Dr. Torkian places incisions in well-hidden spots, usually behind the ears. Further, his precise closing technique leaves the most minimal scarring possible, resulting in a scar that is practically invisible.

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