THE HEALING PROCESS

After any surgical procedure, a period of time is required before healing is complete. All surgery results in some degree of swelling and bruising, which is caused by the influx of fluid into the tissues as the healing process begins. This fluid is eventually reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Although, special techniques are used to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum, you must be prepared to tolerate some temporary disfigurement during this period. In general, about 80 percent of swelling and bruising is gone in two weeks, while the remaining 20 percent disappears more slowly. This is why we say that one cannot begin to judge the final results of surgery for weeks to months afterwards. Most patients experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort following plastic surgery, and pain medication is provided for comfort. All wounds heal by scar formation, a process the surgeon has little control over once the surgery is completed. Effort is always made to place surgical incisions in the most inconspicuous location. Initially, the healing incision will be pink and swollen, but will gradually fade as the wound matures. This process takes six to twelve months and varies widely from person to person. Pink incisions can be covered with make-up at ten to twelve days in most cases. The vast majority of incisions heal satisfactorily and are inconspicuos, but occasionally, further treatment may be necessary.

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