“If there could be one thing I could have more of in the world, it would be time. As one gets older, it becomes more precious, yet you can never get enough of it.” – Dr. Timek
The importance of time
Time is money, time is the essence, time runs out, and time must be used wisely. Time is an investment, and there are only so many meaningful investments to be made in a lifetime. When considering any kind of cosmetic surgical procedure, the same principle applies. Downtime, or the time “out” from everyday activities devoted to post-operation healing, is a crucial yet often overlooked factor when choosing safe and effective procedures that achieve your personal aesthetic goals.
Minimally invasive and surgical procedures
It is vital to distinguish the two categories of cosmetic procedures at Advanced Plastic Surgery. They include minimally invasive procedures (volumizers/fillers, muscle relaxers/neurotoxin, laser, microneedling radiofrequency etc.) and surgical procedures (tummy tuck, breast augmentation, mommy makeover, lower body lift, and arm lift). Minimally invasive procedures differ from surgery in that they are done in the clinic with minimal to no downtime, while surgeries require a hospital or ambulatory facility with an outpatient and sometimes inpatient units because of the more involved nature of the procedure. Most surgeries necessitate an average downtime between 1 and 3 weeks, as recommended by Dr. Timek. During this time, it is crucial to refrain from lifting over 5 pounds, overexertion, and doing activities that may put undue tension on the incisions and damage the outcome of the surgery. Although it can be difficult to come to terms with feeling suboptimal due to natural pain and discomfort for a few weeks, you must armor yourself with patience and never let your morale falter while your body recovers. Time is medicine, too!
Time off from work
One of the most important other factors when considering surgery is taking time off from work. Make sure to alert your employer to make off-work accommodations during your recovery as soon as you receive the surgery date. Be firm with your employer if needed. You are making this decision for yourself, and you deserve ample time to heal. Remember: you will return to work feeling more productive, energized, confident, and happy.
Any cosmetic surgical procedures will necessitate downtime. Give your body that time to re-equilibrate to its natural state while you allow yourself a much-deserved break from the busyness of life. “Downtime is, in my eyes, as important as the procedure itself. The journey is equally as significant as the destination.” – Dr. Timek.