Many of us have taken advantage of cosmetic plastic surgery, only to wonder whether certain procedures might prevent us from enjoying diving again in the future. Luckily, most plastic surgery does nothing but make you look a little bit better and maybe more rested in those underwater portraits; what you should be aware of is that most procedures need to be done a few months prior to diving, and in all cases, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about what you are planning to do, just to be sure you are safe. Here are some basic guidelines to help you begin planning.
Face Lift
A face lift, which removes excess skin and tightens the skin which remains for a more youthful appearance overall, is a very common procedure, particularly among women. There are a number of common surgical procedures, with traditional face lifts being the lengthiest and most involved. In traditional face lifts, incisions are made at the hairline, and excess skin is snipped away. The skin is carefully smoothed and tightened, with stitches being set in place to close the incisions.
In a mini face lift, small incisions are made just in front of the ears, and small areas of skin are manipulated to target specific facial areas. The weekend face lift is so called because patients can come in on a Friday and have their bandages off by the following Monday. The surgery usually calls for the use of liposuction and laser treatments to firm and tighten loose tissue under the chin.
The endoscopic face lift is used to lift the entire face and pull tissue and muscles back to a higher position. Like traditional face lifts, this type of face lift calls for incisions at the hairline, although they are smaller and less prone to pain and swelling during recovery.
If you have a face lift, you’ll need to wait at least two to three months before diving; most doctors recommend no heavy exercise for a month after the procedures since the incision areas can be affected.
Blepharoplasty
A common lower eyelid surgery designed to remove puffiness from beneath the eyes for a more youthful look, this procedure calls for the removal of excess fat, skin, and muscle tissue from beneath the eyes. Incisions are made along the lash lines and smile creases, with permanent stitches being removed between three and five days after the date of surgery.
There are several different types of complications that can occur, and good results depend upon patients taking very good care of themselves; diving should not be undertaken within six weeks of surgery since one’s mask can pull on the delicate tissues around the eyes.
Liposuction
A contouring procedure designed to eliminate small areas of unwanted fat often associated with the aging process, childbearing, and previous bouts with obesity, this procedure calls for an instrument called a cannula to be inserted beneath the skin, to vacuum away excess fat deposits, along with a solution of local anesthetic and adrenaline dissolved in saline, which helps minimize pain and bruising. There are a few different methods used in liposuction, and recovery time varies greatly. While some people can dive after just a few weeks, others may need to wait for as long as three months.
Rhinoplasty
Also known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty improves the appearance of the nose, and in some cases, improves its function, as well. Soft tissues are reshaped in most cases, and underlying bone and cartilage are often reshaped as well, sculpting a new nose that can dramatically alter the way a person looks. After the surgery, splints are often worn, and it can take a month for the nose to completely heal. Bumps on the nose need to be avoided for about six weeks, and most doctors recommend waiting about three months to dive.
You’ll need to wait about three months to dive after a tummy tuck, breast reduction, or breast lift, and about six to eight weeks to dive after a brow lift. If you’ve had an otoplasty, or ear surgery, you will need to wait between three to six months before diving. Finally, remember that these guidelines are general. Always talk to your doctor before planning a dive if you have undergone one of these procedures or any other surgery or plastic surgery.