Patients who have made the decision to undergo plastic surgery may have thought a great deal about their goals and expectations from the procedure, as well as the eventual outcome and how it will boost their self-esteem. However, patients may be so focused on these things that they don't think about potential side effects of plastic surgery.

As with any surgery, there are side effects that occur after patients undergo a plastic surgery procedure. Dr. Paul Pin feels it is important to take the time during the initial consultation appointment to explain some of the most common side effects that can result from plastic surgery.

Swelling

It is common for swelling to occur at the surgical site. This is part of the initial healing phase. When the small blood vessels (capillaries) become damaged, as they do following a surgical procedure, they will leak fluid into the surrounding tissue. To compensate, more blood will circulate through the system, which can itself cause more capillary leakage. This increased tissue fluid causes swelling.

In order to reduce the amount and duration of swelling, Dr. Pin will provide patients with special compression garments to wear. These snug-fitting garments will put pressure on the tissue, thereby reducing swelling. Using ice or cold compresses over the healed incision sites, as well as taking the herb Arnica montana will help reduce swelling.

Bruising

Similar to swelling, bruising will develop as a result of any surgical procedure. When the skin is cut open, blood will pool into the surrounding tissue as a part of the initial healing process. Compression garments, as well as ice, cold compresses, and Arnica Montana, will reduce the amount and duration of bruising.

Pain and Discomfort

Pain and discomfort result from damaged nerves that carry pain signals to and from the brain. During the initial healing period, patients may experience a certain amount of pain and discomfort. Dr. Pin will prescribe pain medications as needed. Patients should take any pain medication as directed and let Dr. Pin know if they are still in pain while taking the medicine.

Itching

After the initial healing, the damaged nerves will begin rebuilding either existing or new pathways to send signals to and from the brain. Itching at the incision site occurs as a result of these nerve pathways being re-established. Over time, the itching sensation will fade as the incision heals following surgery.

Numbness

Numbness after surgery is related to itching. In certain cases, the nerves may not completely re-establish proper pathways. As a result, some parts of the surgical area may have reduced or no sensation at all. In most cases, numbness will fade over time as the body finds new neural pathways around the damaged or severed nerves.

Dr. Pin wants to reassure patients that these side effects are all a normal part of the body's healing process. The body will need time to properly heal after surgery. To find out if you are a good candidate for plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pin.