Recovery for every patient depends upon your condition including various factors such as the severity of your injury, the target area, and depth. We will provide you with full post-operative instructions, including how long you must take off from work and when you can exercise safely again.
Post-surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room until Dr. Nikfarjam decides that you are safe to be discharged. You will need a family member or friend available to drive you home in case you are still feeling some of the effects of sedation.
You may go home on the same day as your surgery. Or you may need to stay in the hospital overnight if the procedure is extensive and more complicated. If you have other injuries, you may need to stay in the hospital longer. How long it takes to heal will depend on what type of injury you have.
After all surgeries, there is some pain, tightness, and swelling. Some patients also experience mild bruising and numbness. These symptoms are to be expected. It may take 5 to 7 days for the swelling to go down, and 10 to 14 days for the bruising to fade. It may be hard to eat at first.
You can take pain medication to ease your discomfort as you heal. Sleeping upright or on your back with your head elevated for a couple of weeks will help to keep swelling to a minimum. We will give you instructions for showering, washing your hair, and using hair products/appliances.
Note that it may take four to six weeks for the wound to heal completely depending on the size of the area. Also please remember that numbness and swelling take time to recede and often are the last symptoms to resolve. It will take a few weeks and possibly months for you to see the final results of your surgery. Your scars will evolve and mature for a full year from the time of your surgery.