PLASTIC SURGERY

Paul Vanek, MD, FACS

Q: Is there a lot of swelling after Plastic Surgery?

A: Plastic surgery procedures and techniques have improved over the years, including getting longerlasting results. But any time that you have any surgery, it is likely that your body will have swelling. The primary reason is due to the trauma incurred to the tissue, mostly from the general anesthesia that you receive. Because of their concern for your safety, most anesthesiologists actually give you more fluid than is required. The increased fluid levels contribute significantly to your swelling. When a procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, which means an injection is placed directly into the surgical site or an area near nerves transmitting pain stimulation from the surgical and injected regions, there is minimal tissue trauma, and potential swelling is typically minimized. This can even include more extensive procedures, such as a facelift.

For procedures that require general anesthesia, swelling is very natural, and usually is gone in days or weeks. Swelling may last longer for some procedures, such as liposuction. In any case, there is no reason for patients to panic. We provide our patients with information that will make the entire healing process faster and smoother. This includes things that can be done before and after surgery. Sometimes I recommend massages by our Licensed Massage Therapist to break up lingering inflammation. There are times when you may see swelling that camouflages the results we achieve at the time of your surgery. This will resolve with time. I will guide you on how to assess your early results based upon your follow-up visits and your progress during your healing process.

Dr. Paul Vanek M.D., F.A.C.S. Vanek Plastic Surgery 9485 Mentor Ave #100 Mentor, OH 44060 440-205-5750 www.MentorPlasticSurgery.com Accepting new patients for non-intrusive and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive solutions