: Before & After Photos

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital. For some patients, an overnight stay may be recommended. More commonly, an abdominoplasty is done as an outpatient procedure and you’ll be free to go home several hours post-surgery. Among other things (we’ll discuss pre-abdominoplasty instructions in-depth at your initial consultation), you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital. Someone should also stay at least one night with you after your surgery.

Abdominoplasty Recovery and Results

If your abdominoplasty is performed as an out-patient procedure, I require a private duty nurse check on you within 24-hours of discharge (we can help make these arrangements). Private nurses are preferable to family members/friends because they are comfortable with bandage changes know how to handle instances that may be atypical. Most patients are able to return to work 7-10 days post-surgery. Supportive garments are encouraged for at least 6-weeks. Patients who opt for a mini-abdominoplasty rather than a full abdominoplasty may experience a shorter downtime.

There’s no question that yoga is a great way to stay fit. It can also be a fun social activity so it’s understandable that many of my patients are anxious to get back to their routine as soon as possible. However, certain yoga positions can put a strain on your face and neck potentially lengthening your recovery time. I always encourage patients to listen to me first, then their bodies after any surgery, including facelifts and neck lifts.

Face and Neck Lift Recovery

Every patient has circumstances that can affect their healing rate differently. Your skin may feel swollen or tight for 1-2 weeks after your face or neck lift. Stiffness and limited range of motion can occur for 3-months post-surgery. I create individualized post-op instructions for each patient based on their lifestyle habits and the surgery they’ve just undergone. Patients who closely follow these instructions are more likely to have a successful recovery in a timely manner.

When is Yoga an Option?

When it comes to post-surgical exercise (including yoga), you should go slowly. Work your way up to your old routines until you are more comfortable in your movements. Your body will tell you when enough is enough. At 6-weeks some yoga positions can be performed. I recommend sticking to poses that avoid a rush of blood to the area such as ‘downward dog’ especially at first. These positions can prolong healing time and even lead to unwanted complications. Poses that make your face or neck feel like its ‘pulling’ are also not recommended. You’ll likely feel comfortable with more complex positions around 12-weeks after your surgery. Until then, Namaste!

Congratulations! You’ve said ‘Yes!’ and are ready to start the next chapter of your life with your partner. A whirlwind of thoughts are probably running through your head. Where should we have the wedding? Who is going to cater? What color flowers do I want? What about bridesmaids? And on, and on. However, many women who want pre-wedding implants don’t realize one of the first things they need to plan is their breast surgery.

Before Your Breast Augmentation

First of all, as with any surgery, you’ll need to find a doctor that you’re comfortable with and that isn’t always easy. I’ve had women come into my office that have already had 3 or more consultations with other surgeons. The second thing to remember is your actual procedure could be scheduled months after your initial consultation. You’re going to be given loads of information and that can take time to process. I like to think of breast augmentations as a step-by-step process. For example, we’ll have a separate consult just for sizing.

Recovering from Your Augmentation

Every woman’s body has a unique healing process. I always tell my patients that the worst thing they can do is rush the process. Weddings can be stressful for many brides-to-be. Listen to your body and don’t push or stress yourself. Otherwise, you can prolong your recovery. After your breast augmentation, you’ll probably start to feel good anywhere from 6-12 weeks. Around then may be a good time to start the basic wedding planning. However, you won’t want to pick out a wedding dress or honeymoon clothing items (i.e. swimsuits, lingerie) before 3 months post-surgery.

The skin and muscle around your breasts will need time to stretch and naturally settle. It can take anywhere from 3-6 months for your breasts to take on their final shape. Scarring can take a bit longer to fade (upwards of 12-months). I typically recommend you schedule your wedding date somewhere between 6-12 months after your breast augmentation. If that’s not possible, try to give yourself at least 4-months minimum.

Ready to look and feel your best? Schedule a consultation to talk about your options today. Consultations are available at both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices. You may schedule for either location by calling (415) 879-8735. Renee or Laurie will help you with scheduling and answer any pre-consultation questions you may have!

Whether you’re interested in an augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift, part of my job as a board-certified plastic surgeon is to ensure the best possible outcome. However, to avoid potential complications, breast surgery requires a good deal of planning ahead on your end. Having performed 5,000-plus breast surgeries, I know just how important it is to be prepared ahead of time. That way, when the day of your surgery arrives, you can spend that time resting and comfortably relaxing worry-free.

Two-Weeks Prior

You may not realize it but there are plenty of things you can be doing to prepare for your breast surgery weeks before. Two-weeks prior to your breast surgery you’ll be asked to have all of your required lab tests completed. Patients will be asked to stop smoking (this includes all forms of nicotine, and yes, marijuana) two-weeks pre-surgery at the very least. Medications that thin the blood will need to be stopped during this time as well (a full list will be provided). Payment should also be squared away by this time.

You’ll also need to make arrangements for the day-of as well as plenty of recovery time. For instance, you absolutely cannot be left alone for a minimum of 24-hours post-surgery. Someone will need to be at your side during this time. Most breast surgeries are performed on an out-patient basis. You’ll need to have somebody there to drive you to and from the procedure (a backup doesn’t hurt either). You will not be permitted to leave without a scheduled driver. Child and pet care should also be arranged for several days following your procedure. Schedule plenty of time off work for yourself too (1-2 weeks min).

One-Week Prior

One-week before your surgery, you’ll pick up any medications I’ve prescribed and begin taking them. The main thing you can do for yourself, however, is prepare your home for an easy recovery. Have the house and laundry cleaned. Prep meals and entertainment for yourself for the next week. Set up your sleeping area for success. Ensure you have plenty of pillows to sleep in an upward position. Prepare a bedside table with everything you’ll need (water bottles, cell phone, books, snacks, wastebasket, medications, etc).

One-Day Prior

Pack a bag (keep it light!) with loose-fitting clothing to wear home and any essentials you may need on the day of your surgery (water bottle, keys, snacks, I.D., and cash are all good examples). A post-surgical bra will be provided in-office. Do not eat any food or water for 8-hours pre-surgery.

Day-Of Preparation

Take the entire day off from work. Consider your surgery as you complete your morning routine. No lotion or deodorant should be applied. You’re free to brush your teeth but do not swallow any water. It’s vital that your stomach be empty at the time of your surgery. Bring all medications you’re taking with you to your visit. Plan to arrive at least 2-hours early for check-in.

Ready to look and feel your best? Schedule a consult to talk about your options today. Consultations are available in both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices.You may schedule for either location by calling (415) 879-8735.  Renee or Laurie will help you with the scheduling and answer any pre-consultation questions you may have!