HomePatient CareWhat to Expect

What to Expect

Our team will give you specific instructions about how to prepare, what to expect on the day of surgery and how to care for yourself during recovery. Expect to begin preparing for your surgery a couple of weeks before the date. Lab work and medical clearance must be completed and certain medications and supplements need to be discontinued.

Below is some of the key information. You can also see more information on the procedure pages, FAQs page or call us with your questions.

Expect to begin preparing for your surgery a couple of weeks before the date.

What to expect on the day of surgery

Anesthesia

Anesthesia

The majority of all operations that Dr. Frankel performs will be under the direction of a board-certified anesthesiologist and involve twilight anesthesia without the need for a breathing tube, ventilator or paralysis.

This type of anesthesia is well tolerated and its effects wear off quickly, even after surgeries that take several hours. Patients universally find their experience to be very pleasant.

Recovery

RECOVERY

The first one to two hours after surgery are spent in the recovery room on monitors and under the care of a registered nurse.

Once fully awake, patients are transferred to private rooms where their families or friends can join them. Dr. Frankel will discuss how the surgery went and review postoperative instructions before discharge.

Paint Management

Paint Management

Facial surgery is not typically very painful, and most patients experience more discomfort than pain, particularly immediately after surgery while the local anesthesia is still working.

While recovering at the clinic, patients may receive intravenous medications to stem any acute pain. Patients are discharged from the clinic with their prescribed medications.

Emotions

Emotions

You will likely feel a variety of different emotions before your surgery: excitement, anxiety, fear, etc. It is normal to have some apprehension before any operation, and in particular one that will change your appearance.

If you are doubting yourself and wondering if you should go ahead with your procedure, Dr. Frankel suggests that you trust yourself and the time and effort you spent making the decision to have surgery and choosing the best doctor.

What to expect after surgery

PAIN AND DISCOMFORT

Patients may expect some discomfort during the first few days after surgery. Although patients have prescribed pain medications at their disposal, they are encouraged to try using Tylenol as a first option, as this minimizes the chance for nausea and constipation.

The majority of patients finish using prescribed pain medications by the third day after surgery.

FOR THE BEST RESULTS

Dr. Frankel will provide you with Pre-Op and Post-Op General Instructions to review for optimum results. Recovery from surgery always requires lots of energy, so patients are advised to eat foods high in calories and protein during the perioperative period.

EXERCISE

Avoid extreme physical activity, including athletic activities and intercourse. After 24 hours, you are encouraged to go for light walks and strolls. Light cardio, such as an elliptical machine or spin bike on a low resistance, can begin on post operative day seven.

Do not engage in any heavy cardiovascular activity (running), any activity that involves straining (weight lifting) or anything that involves bending over (yoga, pilates) for at least three weeks, unless otherwise instructed.

COMPLICATIONS

Dr. Frankel will perform surgery safely and with the utmost care in order to obtain the best possible results. Patients have the right to be informed that their surgery may involve risks of unsuccessful results, complications or injury from both known and unforeseen causes.

Because individuals vary in their overall health and healing abilities, skin texture, anatomy, circulation and the way they react to medications and anesthesia, there can be no guarantee for results of surgery. Dr. Frankel will address specifics during consultation