Technology and your recovery period.

While much of our website is dedicated to better inform you about cosmetic surgery and helping prepare you for your upcoming procedure, we would like to talk about the recovery period following any cosmetic surgery procedure.

                                              

During your pre-op appointment,  the Surgical Coordinator will review your post op instructions. This appointment normally occurs a few weeks before surgery so you have some time to review.  They will give you a description of what you should expect following your cosmetic surgery.

 Topics usually discussed include:

•    how long to wear the garment

•    when you can shower

•    when you can drive

•    drains- when do drains come out

•    pain pumps and pain control

•    swelling and bruising

•    when to contact  the office

Perhaps the most reassuring post-op instruction is that we encourage you to call if you have any questions or concerns.

But in today’s day and age, cell phones can do a lot more than place a phone call! These days most patients have smart phones, or phones that can take pictures, send e-mails, and text.  You may have questions about redness and swelling following your cosmetic surgery procedure.  All surgeries involve some amount of redness , swelling, and discomfort. However, some complications will start to present themselves with an unusual amount of swelling and or redness.   Whenever we suspect such a situation we will always insist on the patient coming into the office to be examined, no matter what time or day of the week it is.

However, sometimes the patient is vague about the symptoms and it may be hard for to judge over the phone whether you should come in sooner than your next scheduled appointment.  In these instances, when a patient calls with a question or description of a particular problem they are having, it may be a good idea for the patient to send a photo of the operative site to him by e-mail or text.

In most instances a photo will tell whether you need to be seen in the office right away.  This is a great tool for both doctors and the patient, as it often times will save everybody an unnecessary extra trip to the office!

A picture says a thousand words, and technology is wonderful.  But when ever in doubt, call the office and come in.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.