04 Nov 2025
In most of the online chatter and literature on body contouring procedures, recovery is almost an afterthought. It generally consists of one or two lines at the end of the write-up. I take a different approach. At Boston Center for Plastic Surgery (BCPS), recovery is part of your surgical journey and, in many ways, is as important as the procedure itself. I can do the best job in the world creating your ideal breasts, but if you push too hard, too early, and rip your stitches or compromise the health of your breast tissue, then that is going to mar or perhaps ruin your results. This is why every patient receives a personalized and detailed recovery plan before ever setting foot in the operating room (OR). It may include:
- What to expect following your procedure
- Things to avoid post-op
- Tips to support your healing at home
- Diet recommendations
You will also be given a list of any medications and/or compression garments that will need to be picked up before your surgery, so that when you get home, everything is ready to go. Your sole job after surgery is to take it easy and let your body heal.
Is this Post-Op Swelling Normal?
One of the scariest things for most patients is understanding whether or not what’s happening post-op is normal. Again, I take time during our pre-op appointments walking you through what to expect. It is not just normal, but healthy, to experience swelling after any surgical procedure, as it is literally your body’s way of healing. This swelling in the tissues may make your skin feel tight. This can be uncomfortable. The level of discomfort can vary by the intensity of the procedure. A tummy tuck, especially if we’ve tightened the muscle, is going to be way more “ouch” than a straightforward breast augmentation. You may also experience some bruising. The latter typically clears up within two weeks, but the swelling will take time. Generally, I tell patients to expect 80% of the swelling to subside at 3 months post-op, but the last 20% could take a year. Recovery requires patience. But Rome was not built in a day, and your new physique will be worth the wait.
You Are Not Recovering Alone
Most importantly, you are never alone on your recovery journey. Both myself, the surgical and nursing team at BCPS are here for you every step of the way. We check in regularly, answering any questions or concerns that you may have promptly and without judgment. I don’t want you to ever feel that any question is stupid. Furthermore, we provide ongoing guidance on everything from the proper way to adjust your compression garment to whether or not it’s safe for you to return to your fitness routine.
Our goal is to help ensure that each step in your recovery process is taken safely and at the appropriate time.
To find out more about any surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Vickram Tandon at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call 617-402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
