Recovering After Cosmetic Surgery in Lebanon: Realistic Timelines & Care

Cosmetic surgery is a routine industry in Lebanon, but post-operative care varies sharply between clinics. Insist on a written aftercare plan before signing.

General principles

• Stop smoking 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after — nicotine triples wound complications.
• Stop ibuprofen, aspirin, vitamin E and many herbal supplements 10 days before — they increase bleeding.
• Have a chaperone for the first 24 hours and easy access to a generator-backed home.
• Photograph results weekly under consistent lighting — perception drifts.

By procedure

• Rhinoplasty — splint 7 days, bruising 10–14 days, social downtime 2 weeks, final shape at 12 months.
• Blepharoplasty — sutures out 5–7 days, makeup over scars at 10 days, swelling subtle for 3 months.
• Breast augmentation — back to desk work in 7 days, no overhead lifting 4 weeks, sports bra 6 weeks.
• Liposuction — compression garment 4 weeks, full result 3–6 months as swelling resolves.
• Abdominoplasty — drains 5–10 days, walking bent for 2 weeks, full activity at 8 weeks.

Warning signs — call your surgeon

Sudden one-sided swelling or pain, fever above 38.5°C, fast pulse, calf pain (DVT risk), or wound discharge with bad odour all warrant urgent contact, not waiting for the next scheduled visit.

Insurance & cost transparency

Aesthetic surgery is generally not covered by NSSF or private insurance. A reputable surgeon provides a single all-inclusive quote (surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, implant, follow-ups) — not a base price with surprise add-ons. Pay deposits to the clinic's business account, not to an individual.