Cosmetic procedures come with valuable benefits and positive effects. However, there’s one aspect that usually worries potential patients – the pain.
One of the most common questions about surgery is, “How much will it hurt?” If you’re worried, remember this is a normal reaction. But, many surgeries hurt less than patients expect, and some procedures have relatively short healing times.
Are you intrigued by cosmetic surgery? Often, the initial worries can be calmed with research and other patients’ experiences. In this article, we’re investigating how painful plastic surgery is and which anesthetics are on offer.
Table of Contents
Common Types of Anesthesia for Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery Pain Scale Out of Ten
How To Reduce Plastic Surgery Pain
Common Types of Anesthesia for Plastic Surgery
Knowing the anesthesia that will be used in your surgery can help to calm your nerves, especially if it’s your first surgery.
Anesthesia is a substance that removes or dulls sensitivity to pain. There are three main types used within plastic surgeries, and the type you receive will be chosen in your surgical plan. But, again, you’ll be able to discuss this with your medical professional.
Local Anesthesia
You’ll likely receive local anesthesia for minor procedures that don’t include extensive incisions. This is administered with an injection, and the areas around the injection site will be numbed. Standard anesthesia is lidocaine, which you may have already experienced at the dentist.
Some patients worry about being awake when local anesthesia is used. To combat anxiety, an oral sedative can ensure you’re relaxed. Procedures that use local anesthesia include minor skin procedures, blepharoplasty, and liposuction.
Regional Anesthesia
Often confused with local anesthesia, regional anesthesia is a “nerve blocker” administered via an injection. The key difference is that regional anesthesia is injected into a significant nerve near the surgical site.
Regional anesthesia blocks pain and can last a little longer into the first stage of your recovery. This method is used for procedures in sensitive areas, such as your hands.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the type that puts you to sleep, so you’re not aware of the procedure. An I.V administers this anesthetic, and you’ll also need a breathing tube while under. Patients are usually more worried about this procedure, which is riskier. However, your doctor will talk you through the process, and an anesthesiologist will give you a bespoke dosage.
General anesthesia surgeries include tummy tucks, breast augmentation, and anything that takes more time. Surgeons prefer this method as it allows them to complete your surgery with minimal movement and pain.
Recovery Experiences
Though an anesthetic removes the pain during the procedure, you may have to deal with discomfort while healing.
Different surgeries come with unique healing processes. But, the main two types are face and body surgeries. Here’s a rundown of the general healing experience for each.
Facial Surgery
Facial surgery, such as a facelift, can be pretty invasive. This means patients will be looking at a longer recovery time. Typically, patients take up to four weeks to recover completely from a facelift, and during those weeks, you’ll need assistance and pain medications to remove discomfort.
On the other hand, more minor face procedures, such as botox injections, don’t require any healing time. Many botox and filler providers allow you to walk out of the clinic on the same day. There might be some swelling and soreness, but this resides for hours.
Body Surgery
Like facial surgeries, body surgery healing times depend on the type of procedure that you’re choosing. However, invasive body surgeries, such as a breast augmentation or a Brazilian butt lift, will demand time out of your everyday life to heal.
In these cases, you’ll need at least six weeks of healing before you feel ‘normal’ again, and even after, you may not be able to return to demanding tasks. But, the pain will only be present for the first week or two, and your doctor will prescribe medication to ease the discomfort.
Plastic Surgery Pain Scale Out of Ten
So, how painful are these facial and body surgeries out of ten? Pain differs for each patient, and your experience will depend on your pain threshold.
When researching pain, it’s important to note that each patient’s ten scales differ. Unfortunately, there’s no universal number system to rate pain, so we have to use general estimation.
Always remember that your doctors will prescribe appropriate pain medications to ensure you’re comfortable when healing. Also, following your plan by eating well, hydrating, and resting will promote faster healing.
How Patients Rate The Pain For Different Surgeries
If you’re still interested in how the different surgeries rank, previous patient experience can offer a perspective for you.
Many patients suggest that the Brazilian butt lift is the most painful surgery. This is followed by the tummy tuck, breast implants, liposuction, breast lifts and reductions, and jaw surgery.
Dental implants can also cause much pain, as you still need to eat in the healing process. However, there are healing plans to mitigate discomfort afterward.
How To Reduce Plastic Surgery Pain
While you might experience slight pain after plastic surgery, there are many tips and tricks to reduce discomfort during recovery.
These include:
● Prescribed medications
● Following your recovery plan
● Attending follow-up appointments
● Eating well
● Staying hydrated
● Light exercise (when applicable)
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations. If your pain isn’t improving or worsening, contact your doctor immediately.
How Can Beautifi Help?
Plastic surgery is less painful than ever, thanks to modern medicine and innovations within the surgical field. Depending on your surgery and healing, you’ll be feeling better within no time.
If you have any fears surrounding the procedures, make sure you talk with your doctor and anesthesiologist beforehand for professional advice. Beautifi is also here to connect you with the right providers for your needs and flexible financing for cosmetic treatments.
Ready to get started? Learn more about the Beautifi process here.