24-hour recovery or rapid recovery mammoplasty
Rapid recovery or 24-hour recovery... do these words sound like a great innovation and a great novelty in plastic surgery? Well, it's not true!
This technique, currently in vogue and mediatised in the media and on social networks, was described more than 20 years ago, between 2002 and 2008, and it is carried out at our clinic since 2012, for more than 10 years.
The technique was described in several articles, first by the American plastic surgeon John Tebbets and also by William Adams (Tebbetts Achieving a predictable 24-hour return to normal activities after breast augmentation: part II. Patient preparation, refined surgical techniques, and instrumentation - PubMed (nih.gov) Plast Reconstr Surgery 2006 Dec;118 (7 Suppl):115S-27S; discussion 128S-129S, 130S-132S).
What does the 24-hour recovery technique or rapid recovery mammoplasty consist of?
The primary objective of the studies carried out was not necessarily to reduce recovery time, but to study techniques that would make surgery safer. Through this study, methods were developed that optimised the safety of surgery and also recovery time.
How is the 24-hour recovery technique performed?
At our clinic we have been using this surgical method for over 10 years, with experience and results proven by the low percentage of complications. More important than a quick recovery period is having a very low complication rate during surgery: this is especially true in our clinic, due to the adaptations and improvements we have made over time since we started using this technique. Such is our confidence in our working method that we created the AFTERCARE plan, which is unique to date in plastic surgery clinics in Portugal.
The 24-hour recovery technique or rapid recovery mammoplasty is the technique we have used in all our breast augmentation surgeries and which we have also extrapolated to other breast surgeries. The success of this technique requires planning at every stage: consultation, surgery and the post-operative period.
At our clinic we follow the following method:
- In order to reduce operating time and indecision at the time of surgery, we use the following software for consultations Vectra, In addition to the simulation, it helps to decide which implant is best suited to the woman;
- The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, the patient is discharged the same day, This is usually four to six hours after surgery, after recovery accompanied by the operating theatre team, to ensure that you meet all the criteria for safe discharge;
- The anaesthetic used is local anaesthesia with sedation and drugs are used to prevent nausea, vomiting, pain and infections in the post-operative period;
- During the surgery (which lasts around 45 minutes), surgical manoeuvres are carried out as atraumatically as possible. Each operative gesture is carried out with delicacy and precision by our surgeons, using instruments specially designed for this surgery;
- Haemostasis (a set of techniques aimed at reducing bleeding) is a fundamental step in the success of surgery and is carried out thoroughly and systematically. Whenever necessary, drugs are used to help reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Before the implant is inserted, the “sizer”, i.e. a mould identical to the actual implant, is tried on to check the result, so that we can be sure that it is the right implant for the woman's body and tissues. The “pocket” created for the implant is instilled with antibacterial solutions and the implants are washed in triple antibiotic therapy;
- Before finishing the surgery, a local block with a long-lasting anaesthetic is performed to reduce pain in the immediate post-operative period;
- Drains are rarely used and, if necessary, never for longer than 24 hours;
- In the post-operative period, a “medication kit” with all the necessary medicines to ensure the most comfortable post-operative period possible;
- The sutures used are resorbable, so there are no stitches to remove. We also don't use dressings, but surgical glue, which allows our patients to shower the day after surgery;
- At our clinic there is a multidisciplinary team of anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists, prepared for the different stages of recovery from surgery, in order to provide support throughout the process.
Restraint in the post-operative period:
Although the vast majority of our patients are able to carry out their normal activities shortly after surgery, we advise some restraint in the post-operative period. Many of our patients have small children or professional activities that require some physical effort and we recommend that they allow a week for recovery.
As much as we want to talk about an ultra-fast recovery, we can't underestimate the SAFETY of surgery. One of the biggest risks in the first 48 hours after surgery is haematomas. No matter how well the surgery is performed, it has been shown that physical effort or abrupt physical movements can trigger haemorrhages. A haematoma can force another trip to the operating theatre and prolong recovery.
Furthermore, while it's true that there have been a number of surgical improvements in recent years that allow for a faster recovery than before, and while it's true that talking about recovery in 24 hours or rapid recovery is more than just a catchy name for marketing techniques, we mustn't forget that surgery is surgery, with possible risks and complications, and that it must be analysed with the seriousness it demands.
Each body is different, each case is different. Whilst it's true that most women go through the surgery extremely comfortably, it can also be the case that this isn't the case and it's necessary to plan the surgery with time to recover calmly, so as not to precipitate unnecessary complications. The recovery time for breast augmentation is always at least 4 weeks. At an early stage, there is a lot of oedema and you shouldn't exercise for the first four weeks to reduce the risk of haematomas and seromas. Wanting to rush recovery can be counterproductive and end up causing more complications in the short/medium term.
Our aim is for recovery is as comfortable and quick as possible, but always prioritising security and low complications. What's more important than recovering quickly is that everything goes well, no avoidable complications.
Our plastic surgery clinic in Lisbon, is equipped with the most modern technologies in this area and we have a multidisciplinary, experienced and humane team available to help you achieve your goals.
Some Examples of Before and After Breast Augmentation
