Results

Despite being informed and prepared, you might be surprised by the bruising and swelling that follow cosmetic surgery and how long they last. Bruising might take a minimum of three weeks to lessen; swelling might take even longer.

You might experience a brief period of "the blues" or low spirits during recovery. Prematurely judging the results of your surgery or waiting to return to normal activities may contribute to feelings of disappointment and frustration.

Realistic expectations are key — the goal is improvement, not perfection. Each person will have a different result. Keep in mind that:

• Bruising and swelling are temporary. Surgical scars are permanent.
• Recovery times vary by person and procedure, but a minimum of six to 12 weeks is typical for many cosmetic surgeries.
• Follow-up surgeries may be needed to achieve your goals.