Plastic and reconstructive surgery covers a wide range: some people want to change the appearance of the face or body, others want to restore their shape after illness, injury or pregnancy. There are many offers on the market. Whatever the procedure, it is surgery, and choosing the surgeon, the hospital and the support team carefully matters.
Below is a general picture of recovery after three procedures people often ask about. Your surgeon will give you instructions for your own case, and those always come first.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is done in an operating room under anaesthesia. Patients often stay one night in hospital. Nausea after anaesthesia is common, so take the first days slowly.
- The first week is usually the hardest. Bruising and swelling, especially around the eyes, are normal. Cold compresses and keeping your head raised help. Plan a quiet week without social commitments.
- The splint is usually removed within the first week. Any remaining bruising and swelling fades over the following weeks.
- Activity. Keep daily activity light and ask your surgeon when you can return to exercise.
- Glasses and blowing your nose. The bones are still settling in the first weeks. Avoid resting heavy glasses on your nose and do not blow your nose hard until your surgeon says it is safe, even though swelling may make you want to.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes unwanted fat deposits, often from the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms or under the chin, through thin tubes called cannulas. It is done under local or general anaesthesia. Many patients go home the same day, depending on the extent of the procedure.
It can look like a simple procedure, but it has risks, such as infection, irregular contours and scarring. That is why it should be done in an accredited hospital or clinic by an experienced surgeon. Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment; it works best for people close to a stable weight.
Mommy makeover
A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures that address changes to the body after pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding, such as loss of breast volume, sagging skin on the abdomen or breasts, and stubborn fat. It may combine a breast lift or augmentation, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction.
- Because several procedures are combined, the operation is longer and patients usually stay in hospital for a few days.
- Most surgeons recommend waiting until breastfeeding has finished and your weight has been stable for some time, and until you have no plans for another pregnancy.
- Skin quality, general health and smoking all affect healing. Your surgeon will discuss what is realistic for you.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Which procedure, or combination, do you recommend for me, and why?
- What are the risks, and how are complications handled?
- How long should I stay in Istanbul before flying home?
- Who checks my recovery after I return?
How MedAssist helps
MedAssist is an intermediary. We arrange consultations with plastic surgeons at partner hospitals, organise transfers and accommodation, and keep in touch during your recovery. The surgeon decides whether and how to operate.