The Best Plastic Surgery Recovery Hacks
The Best
Plastic Surgery
Recovery Hacks
Working on lots of people who are recovering from plastic surgery here in Albuquerque means that I have learned a number of tips from them on how they made their recovery easier.
Here are some plastic surgery recovery hacks that I’ve picked up along the way that will make your recovery journey easier.
Working on lots of people who are recovering from plastic surgery here in Albuquerque means that I have learned a number of tips from them on how they made their recovery easier.
Here are some plastic surgery recovery hacks that I’ve picked up along the way that will make your recovery journey easier.
You are probably thinking to yourself, “Geez! Now I need all this stuff to recover. It already cost me so much for the surgery.”
Yes, while it’s true that your surgery was expensive your aftercare is very important for you to get the most out of your surgery. Just like budgeting ahead of time for your lymphatic massages for plastic surgery aftercare, you are going to want to spend a little on these items to make your life easier and so you get the best look you can.
Books
About Plastic Surgery Recovery
Two of the best plastic surgery recovery hacks are these books on all aspects of Plastic Surgery Recovery by
Kathleen Lisson, CLT.
Like me, Kathleen is also a
Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Kathleen’s advice is sound and backed by research and current literature in the fields of plastic surgery and
lymphatic drainage.
The Plastic Surgery Recovery Handbook is great for patients and therapists alike. Swollen, Bloated, and Puffy is geared more towards therapists wanting to learn more about how to help plastic surgery clients recover better.
Two of the best plastic surgery recovery hacks are these books on all aspects of Plastic Surgery Recovery by
Kathleen Lisson, CLT.
Like me, Kathleen is also a
Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Swollen, Bloated and Puffy: A manual lymphatic drainage therapist’s guide is geared more towards therapists wanting to learn more about how to help plastic surgery clients recover better.
Kathleen’s advice is sound and backed by research and current literature in the fields of plastic surgery and lymphatic drainage.
Choosing the Right Faja
Compression Garments for Use After Plastic Surgery
How do you choose the right Faja when there are so many styles available online?
This is a particular problem when you had your surgery out of town and can’t be fitted by your surgeon. You are left to your own devices on finding a good fitting faja once your first one becomes too big.
Fear not!
Here are two great brands that provide adequate compression.
IMPORTANT Plastic Surgery Recovery Hack: Let me be clear – Spanx isn’t going to cut it for you, so just let that idea go. For the first 3 months you need proper compression, and a good quality Faja is the way to do that.
The two brands I recommend are MyD and Marena Fajas.
Both brands come in multiple styles.
Choose a style that completely covers any area where you have had surgery. If your thighs were done, be sure to get a style that comes down at least to your knees.
Fajas (or girdles) are essential compression for anyone who has had plastic surgery to the abdomen, back, sides, arm, or leg area.
Most surgeons recommend wearing a Faja 8 weeks day and night followed by 4 weeks of either day or night wear.
How do you choose
the right Faja
when there are so many styles available online?
This is a particular problem when you had your surgery out of town and can’t be fitted by your surgeon. You are left to your own devices on finding a good fitting faja once your first one becomes too big.
Fear not!
Here are two great brands that provide adequate compression.
IMPORTANT Plastic Surgery Recovery Hack: Let me be clear – Spanx isn’t going to cut it for you, so just let that idea go.
For the first 3 months you need proper compression, and a good quality Faja is the way to do that.
Both brands come in multiple styles.
Choose a style that completely covers any area where you have had surgery. If your thighs were done, be sure to get a style that comes down at least to your knees.
Fajas (or girdles) are essential compression for anyone who has had plastic surgery to the abdomen, back, sides, arm, or leg area.
Most surgeons recommend wearing a Faja 8 weeks day and night followed by 4 weeks of either day or night wear.
Post-BBL Surgery
Things to Make Your Recovery Easier
BBL Pillow
BBL Pillows are an absolute necessity when recovering from BBL surgery. They permit you to sit down without putting pressure on your butt.
This pillow can be used for driving or for sitting at work. Your doctor probably told you about sitting restrictions. If he or she didn’t, read up. This is important!
BBL Pillow
BBL Pillows are an absolute necessity when recovering from BBL surgery. They permit you to sit down without putting pressure on your butt.
This pillow can be used for driving or for sitting at work. Your doctor probably told you about sitting restrictions. If he or she didn’t, read up. This is important!
Low Back Lumbar Compression
If you’ve had a BBL, you are probably getting a lot of swelling in your low back just above your butt. THIS is the answer.
Some doctors provide a little triangle pillow to put in this area, but it gets dirty and can’t be washed. This one can, making it more sanitary – plus, it’s more comfy. If your doc didn’t give you a triangle, then give this a try. You won’t regret it!
Low Back Lumbar Compression
If you’ve had a BBL, you are probably getting a lot of swelling in your low back just above your butt. THIS is the answer.
Some doctors provide a little triangle pillow to put in this area, but it gets dirty and can’t be washed. This one can, making it more sanitary – plus, it’s more comfy. If your doc didn’t give you a triangle, then give this a try. You won’t regret it!
Bolsters for
Sleeping on Your Back
after a BBL
Having a BBL means that lying on your back isn’t an option…but in my practice I have found a way around this issue.
Get **2** of these bolsters. You will place them under your back. Then, build a tower of folded towels as high as the bolsters and place that at your head. Put your pillow on top of this.
Take another regular pillow and put it just below your butt at your upper thigh. Place your BBL Pillow on top of this.
Granted – getting on and off of this contraption is a bit challenging, but it is totally worth it. Clients tell me that they are extremely comfortable when I work on them.
Bolsters for
Sleeping on Your Back
after a BBL
Having a BBL means that lying on your back isn’t an option…
but in my practice I have found a way around this issue.
Get **2** of these bolsters. You will place them under your back. Then, build a tower of folded towels as high as the bolsters and place that at your head. Put your pillow on top of this.
Take another regular pillow and put it just below your butt at your upper thigh. Place your BBL Pillow on top of this.
Granted – getting on and off of this contraption is a bit challenging, but it is totally worth it. Clients tell me that they are extremely comfortable when I work on them.
The Avocado Float
This is another option that works for some people.
The Avocado Float is something that is commonly recommended on the internet by many women who have had a BBL who have had the fat transferred to the
*back* of their butt.
My clients who have tried it have mixed reviews. I’m putting it out here because it is an option. My recommendation is to use bolsters.
The Avocado Float
This is another option that works for some people.
The Avocado Float is something that is commonly recommended on the internet by many women who have had a BBL who have had the fat transferred to the
*back* of their butt.
My clients who have tried it have mixed reviews. I’m putting it out here because it is an option. My recommendation is to use bolsters.
Giant Donut Mustache Pool Float
Another common recommendation online by women who have had a BBL is the Giant Donut Mustache Pool Float. They say that it makes for more comfortable sitting after your BBL fat transfer surgery.
This float features a back rest of sorts to help prop you up for TV watching, etc.
Giant Donut Mustache Pool Float
Another common recommendation online by women who have had a BBL is the Giant Donut Mustache Pool Float. They say that it makes for more comfortable sitting after your BBL fat transfer surgery.
This float features a back rest of sorts to help prop you up for TV watching, etc.
The Pool Noodle
Going to the bathroom after a BBL is a hard thing to do. Even a great BBL Pillow can’t help you here. Instead, try a pool noodle to put under your thighs when you sit on the toilet.
Worried about getting it dirty? Just wrap a puppy pad around it. If it gets dirty, just dispose of the puppy pad.
The Pool Noodle
Going to the bathroom after a BBL is a hard thing to do. Even a great BBL Pillow can’t help you here. Instead, try a pool noodle to put under your thighs when you sit on the toilet.
Worried about getting it dirty? Just wrap a puppy pad around it. If it gets dirty, just dispose of the puppy pad.
The SheWee
Unfortunately for us, we also pee sitting down, which means more sitting on your butt.
The SheWee easily eliminates the need for you to sit and pee. If your faja has a zipper to help you go to the bathroom without having to take off your garment, just grab this and go. No sitting required!
The SheWee
Unfortunately for us, we also pee sitting down, which means more sitting on your butt.
The SheWee easily eliminates the need for you to sit and pee. If your faja has a zipper to help you go to the bathroom without having to take off your garment, just grab this and go. No sitting required!
Post Tummy Tuck & Liposuction Surgery
Things to Make Your Recovery Easier
Ab Flattening Board
Tummy Tucks completely pull the skin off of the abdominal wall, so it’s important to compress it back flat so it will grow back in the right position and without lumps.
Ab Boards are worn under the Faja to add extra rigidity and resist abdominal sagging. This ensures that your final result looks tight and smooth. Ab boards are sometimes worn together with foam pads.
Ab Flattening Board
Tummy Tucks completely pull the skin off of the abdominal wall, so it’s important to compress it back flat so it will grow back in the right position and without lumps.
Ab Boards are worn under the Faja to add extra rigidity and resist abdominal sagging. This ensures that your final result looks tight and smooth. Ab boards are sometimes worn together with foam pads.
Amazing Scar & Healing Gel for Pain & Bruises
I’ve seen clients use about every single scar gel there is on the market, but
this one is the best I’ve ever seen.
It is more than just a scar gel. It is a revolutionary patented bio-technology 15+ years in the making. It does a better job than arnica and a scar gel combined.
Not only does it heal scars incredibly fast, you can literally put it anywhere you had surgery – lipo, BBL areas – everywhere. These healing molecules penetrate the skin easily – like throwing BB’s through a chain link fence – reaching everywhere that needs healing and speeding it up dramatically.
Click here to buy it. You can get it retail (single purchase) or wholesale (as a preferred customer with auto-ship that you may cancel at any time). A word of caution. Don’t get this one on Amazon as the product is often fake, tampered with, or bought with stolen credit cards. Don’t take the risk of getting fake product. You’d be throwing your money away.
Amazing Scar & Healing Gel for Pain & Bruises
I’ve seen clients use about every single scar gel there is on the market, but
this one is the best I’ve ever seen.
It is more than just a scar gel. It is a revolutionary patented bio-technology 15+ years in the making. It does a better job than arnica and a scar gel combined.
Not only does it heal scars incredibly fast, you can literally put it anywhere you had surgery – lipo, BBL areas – everywhere. These healing molecules penetrate the skin easily – like throwing BB’s through a chain link fence – reaching everywhere that needs healing and speeding it up dramatically.
Click here to buy it. You can get it retail (single purchase) or wholesale (as a preferred customer with auto-ship that you may cancel at any time). A word of caution. Don’t get this one on Amazon as the product is often fake, tampered with, or bought with stolen credit cards. Don’t take the risk of getting fake product. You’d be throwing your money away.
Liposuction Foam Pads
After Liposuction it is necessary to compress the area where the lipo is done. These post-op foam pads go underneath your Faja to even out the pressure and help keep you from getting indentations from garment seams.
Foam pads are sold as singles, 2-packs, and 3-packs. If you plan to wear them on the sides only because you have an ab board, get a 2 pack. You may wear a piece of foam in the front along with your ab board. Some people choose to wear foam in the back. Others choose to wear the special lumbar molder board on the back.
Liposuction Foam Pads
After Liposuction it is necessary to compress the area where the lipo is done. These post-op foam pads go underneath your Faja to even out the pressure and help keep you from getting indentations from garment seams.
Foam pads are sold as singles, 2-packs, and 3-packs. If you plan to wear them on the sides only because you have an ab board, get a 2 pack. You may wear a piece of foam in the front along with your ab board. Some people choose to wear foam in the back. Others choose to wear the special lumbar molder board on the back.
Lumbar Molder Board
Lumbar Molder Boards help to keep down the dreaded swelling in the back while ensuring everything stays nice and flat.
These boards are also great when you have lipo and a BBL, because it helps to create a stronger contrast between your back and your butt. You can use the lumbar molder board together with an ab board for the front and foam pieces for the sides.
Lumbar Molder Board
Lumbar Molder Boards help to keep down the dreaded swelling in the back while ensuring everything stays nice and flat.
These boards are also great when you have lipo and a BBL, because it helps to create a stronger contrast between your back and your butt. You can use the lumbar molder board together with an ab board for the front and foam pieces for the sides.
Recover Faster. Feel Better Today.
Pain & Swelling Solutions
505-554-5185
Question? Send an email or a text.
Waterproof Sheet and Mattress Protector
It is a fact that you will have leakage from your incision sites after plastic surgery. Protect your sheets from stains with a mattress protector.
Just put this on top of your sheet instead of under it. It is easy to just throw it in the wash daily to clean it until you no longer need it.
Waterproof Sheet and Mattress Protector
It is a fact that you will have leakage from your incision sites after plastic surgery. Protect your sheets from stains with a mattress protector.
Just put this on top of your sheet instead of under it. It is easy to just throw it in the wash daily to clean it until you no longer need it.
Napped Lymph Foam Pad
Napped Foam Lymph Pads are great if you have developed lumps and bumps. Use these in place of regular foam pads to massage the lumps and bumps away while you move.
Just as comfortable as regular foam pads, these specialty foam pads gently reduce the fibrosis you get on your sides, stomach, and back. Just put them in place of your normal foam.
Napped Lymph Foam Pad
Napped Foam Lymph Pads are great if you have developed lumps and bumps. Use these in place of regular foam pads to massage the lumps and bumps away while you move.
Just as comfortable as regular foam pads, these specialty foam pads gently reduce the fibrosis you get on your sides, stomach, and back. Just put them in place of your normal foam.
Arnica Gel
Arnica Gel is a commonly recommended product by doctors to help with pain and bruising.
Arnica gel is a safe way to help bring down pain levels following your surgery.
Arnica Gel
Arnica Gel is a commonly recommended product by doctors to help with pain and bruising.
Arnica gel is a safe way to help bring down pain levels following your surgery.
Silicone Scar Removal Sheets
Tummy Tuck scars are a bit daunting. Going from hip to hip, it covers the whole width of your body. These sheets help to make it go down quicker.
Silicone Scar Removal Sheets work to improve the appearance of scars and keloid scars. The color, size, and texture of scars resulting from surgery, injury, burns, acne, c-section, and more are all improved. Within a few days, the texture of the scar will begin to soften, and the change will be visible in just weeks. It is recommended to use the sheets for 12 weeks.
Silicone Scar Removal Sheets
Tummy Tuck scars are a bit daunting. Going from hip to hip, it covers the whole width of your body. These sheets help to make it go down quicker.
Silicone Scar Removal Sheets work to improve the appearance of scars and keloid scars. The color, size, and texture of scars resulting from surgery, injury, burns, acne, c-section, and more are all improved. Within a few days, the texture of the scar will begin to soften, and the change will be visible in just weeks. It is recommended to use the sheets for 12 weeks.
Calendula Gel
Calendula Gel is a commonly recommended product by doctors to help with skin tightening and irritation.
Calendula gel is safe to use following your surgery.
Calendula Gel
Calendula Gel is a commonly recommended product by doctors to help with skin tightening and irritation.
Calendula gel is safe to use following your surgery.
Wedge Pillow
Yup, you are going to be sleeping at an angle for a while. You are better off with a wedge pillow than sleeping in a recliner.
If you sleep in a recliner, you may fall asleep with your legs down and that can lead to swelling in your legs. The last thing that you want is more swelling, right?
Wedge Pillow
Yup, you are going to be sleeping at an angle for a while. You are better off with a wedge pillow than sleeping in a recliner.
If you sleep in a recliner, you may fall asleep with your legs down and that can lead to swelling in your legs. The last thing that you want is more swelling, right?
Assistive Walker
Yeah, laugh all you want, but this is a real thing – especially if you had a LOT of work done all at once.
If you did a Tummy Tuck, BBL, 360 Lipo and got your boobs done, do yourself a favor and get this now. You will certainly need it.
You don’t realize before your surgery how badly your movement will be impaired. This will keep you from smooth up face planting on your living room floor on your way to the bathroom. You won’t use it for long, but when you need it, you need it.
Don’t know what to do with it afterwards? There are lots of seniors in need of these things. Do a good deed and consider donating it once you no longer need it.
Assistive Walker
Yeah, laugh all you want, but this is a real thing – especially if you had a LOT of work done all at once.
If you did a Tummy Tuck, BBL, 360 Lipo and got your boobs done, do yourself a favor and get this now. You will certainly need it.
You don’t realize before your surgery how badly your movement will be impaired. This will keep you from smooth up face planting on your living room floor on your way to the bathroom. You won’t use it for long, but when you need it, you need it.
Don’t know what to do with it afterwards? There are lots of seniors in need of these things. Do a good deed and consider donating it once you no longer need it.
Raised Toilet Seat
WITH Handles
So, if you didn’t laugh at the walker, this probably has your attention. It’s a serious suggestion as well, so take note.
Getting up and down to go to the bathroom is going to be just about your worst enemy. This will make it easier for you ladies with tummy tucks and lipo to get up and down. BBL folks should give this one a pass and opt for the pool noodle above.
Raised Toilet Seat
WITH Handles
So, if you didn’t laugh at the walker, this probably has your attention. It’s a serious suggestion as well, so take note.
Getting up and down to go to the bathroom is going to be just about your worst enemy. This will make it easier for you ladies with tummy tucks and lipo to get up and down. BBL folks should give this one a pass and opt for the pool noodle above.
Recover Faster.
Feel Better Today.
Questions?
Call 505-554-5185
Send me an email or a text.
Or Check Out the
Frequently Asked Questions Page.
Página de preguntas frecuentes
Pain & Swelling Solutions
135 Madison St NE Albuquerque
Shannon Goins
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Terapeuta linfática certificada
Recuperarse más rápido.
Sentirse mejor hoy.
Doy la bienvenida a los clientes que hablan español.
Si habla usted español, por favor envíeme un mensaje de texto o correo electrónico en español.
No hablo mucho español, pero estoy aprendiendo.
Puedo comunicarme contigo usando el traductor de google. Muchos de mis clientes no hablan inglés y no tengo problemas para comunicarme con ellos.
Recover Faster.
Feel Better Today.
Shannon Goins
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Terapeuta linfática certificada
Questions?
Call 505-554-5185
Send me an email or a text.
Or Check Out the
Frequently Asked Questions Page.
Página de preguntas frecuentes
Recuperarse más rápido.
Sentirse mejor hoy.
Doy la bienvenida a los clientes
que hablan español.
Si no habla inglés, envíeme un mensaje de texto o correo electrónico en español.
¡No hablo mucho español, pero estoy aprendiendo!
Puedo comunicarme contigo usando el traductor de google. Muchos de mis clientes no hablan inglés y no tengo problemas para comunicarme con ellos.
Pain & Swelling Solutions
135 Madison St NE Albuquerque
Other Clever Things to Have On-Hand After Surgery
These items just make life a bit easier if you have them
Non-Skid Sock
You’ve probably gathered by now that you will probably have a bit of trouble getting around after your surgery.
These little gems help to keep you from slipping and sliding all over the place, which you will do if you are in regular socks. And as an added benefit, they also keep your footsies warm.
Non-Skid Sock
You’ve probably gathered by now that you will probably have a bit of trouble getting around after your surgery.
These little gems help to keep you from slipping and sliding all over the place, which you will do if you are in regular socks. And as an added benefit, they also keep your footsies warm.
Bendable Straws
Sitting up to take a drink of water is going to be harder than you think. These will be absolutely necessary in the first 3 days or so.
Stainless steel straws are all the rage, but many of them are straight and those that are bent can’t be adjusted like you will need. Plastic straws are not very nature-friendly, so here is a great option that gives you a flexible straw that will bio-degrade.
Bendable Straws
Sitting up to take a drink of water is going to be harder than you think. These will be absolutely necessary in the first 3 days or so.
Stainless steel straws are all the rage, but many of them are straight and those that are bent can’t be adjusted like you will need. Plastic straws are not very nature-friendly, so here is a great option that gives you a flexible straw that will bio-degrade.
Slip On Shoes
If socks aren’t your thing, make sure you have a good pair of easy to slip on slippers.
They’ll keep your feet warm and provide a bit of traction as well. It’s probably worth it to invest in a pair that have decent soles like these.
Slip On Shoes
If socks aren’t your thing, make sure you have a good pair of easy to slip on slippers.
They’ll keep your feet warm and provide a bit of traction as well. It’s probably worth it to invest in a pair that have decent soles like these.
Form-Fitting Tank Top
This is to wear under your compression to help prevent irritation to the skin and also to absorb leakage from your incisions.
It’s really important to get a form-fitting tank top. You do not want wrinkles under your compression as they can leave a mark. You will wear this underneath your foam and boards.
Form-Fitting Tank Top
This is to wear under your compression to help prevent irritation to the skin and also to absorb leakage from your incisions.
It’s really important to get a form-fitting tank top. You do not want wrinkles under your compression as they can leave a mark. You will wear this underneath your foam and boards.
T-Shirt Dress
Getting in and out of clothes is going to suck. Invest in a very large version of this T-Shirt Dress.
It is easier to get in and out of than sweats and you can wear it out – like to go to your lymphatic massage appointments. You’ll also be able to change quickly there, too! It may not be the most fashionable thing on earth, but it’s not an ugly flowery mumu. Just get a really big one – you will want it that way.
T-Shirt Dress
Getting in and out of clothes is going to suck. Invest in a very large version of this T-Shirt Dress.
It is easier to get in and out of than sweats and you can wear it out – like to go to your lymphatic massage appointments. You’ll also be able to change quickly there, too! It may not be the most fashionable thing on earth, but it’s not an ugly flowery mumu. Just get a really big one – you will want it that way.
Things to Do Before Surgery
You Will Be glad you did this stuff ahead of time
Arrange for Someone to Help You for the First Few Days
If you will be coming home right after your surgery or plan to recover in a hotel instead of a recovery house, be REALLY sure that you have someone who is there to help.
This is especially true if you’ve had extensive surgery – like a tummy tuck with lipo and a BBL, full Mommy Makeover, etc. Your mobility will be challenged and just getting up for a drink of water those first 3 days will make you want to die first.
You will owe this person big, so let them know that it’s a bit of a task, but that you will make it up to them once you are healed up.
Get Assistance With Child Care – Especially If They Are Young –
And Prepare Them For What Is Coming
One of the hardest things I see my clients go through after their surgery is not being able to pick up their small children.
Young children are used to mom always being there to love and hug on them. Mom’s lap is a favorite place for them to be. After surgery this is no longer an option.
Even so much as bending down to help them is going to be difficult. They will want to be picked up, but you can’t do it. If the kids can go stay with grandma for a few weeks, then do it. It will save you tons of mental anguish over not being able to care for them as you normally do.
Also, be sure to let them know that after mom has her surgery that she will have a big “boo-boo” and that she won’t be able to hold them for a while. If they know it is coming, they can cope with it better.
Bounce Back Faster
From Plastic Surgery
Make an appointment online with
Pain & Swelling Solutions
and get better today!
505-554-5185
