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.
The links below are amazon ad links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
But don’t worry! You pay nothing extra. It’s just a thank you from amazon for sending them the business, and a convenient way for you to order exactly the same products that I recommend to all of my clients.
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.
Supplements
There are so many supplements that this warranted its own page. Check out the supplement recommendations for plastic surgery recovery here.
Books
About Plastic Surgery Recovery
Planning Your Surgery?
Your Plastic Surgery Companion is a fantastic book that walks you through all of the steps leading up to your surgery. While the book technically is slanted towards facial plastic surgery, the first 100 pages apply to all plastic surgeries. This is a great guide to help you prepare for what is about to happen.
Your Plastic Surgery Companion
(amazon link)
For even more info on
What is Normal After Plastic Surgery, check out my blog post.
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 for a garment by a professional fitter (like me). You are left to your own devices on finding a good fitting faja once it’s time to transition to a Stage 2 faja (around day 7-10 post-op).
Fear not!
Here are a few great brands that I recommend.
IMPORTANT Plastic Surgery Recovery Hack: Let me be clear – Spanx isn’t going to cut it for you, so just let that idea go. Spanx is easy to stretch, so it will allow you to swell. It is NOT an adequate recovery garment.
For the first 2 months you need proper compression 23 hours a day, and a good quality Stage 2 Faja is the way to do that.
The faja brands that are readily available on Amazon are CYSM, MyD and Marena Fajas. They are good for different stages of healing.
The CYSM and MyD brands come in multiple styles. My favorite Stage 2 faja is the CYSM brand (model 455 or 454) because it is stiffer and does a better job at preventing swelling. It is lined and very comfortable.
Suggested Fajas
If you are searching for a better-fitting Stage 2 faja, here are some Amazon links to the ones I carry in my practice. My preference is the CYSM brand. It tends to fit women who are more curvy. Most styles of M&D are better suited for more slender builds.
CYSM Fajas
CYSM Fajas Colombianas –
Typically fit curvier ladies very well and are pretty true to size.
______________________________________
M&D Fajas
Get MyD Stage 2 Fajas on amazon
MyD fajas typically fit very slender women best.
While these are a great option, they run very, very small.
A woman who wears a size 6 pant might wear a 2XL!
______________________________________
Marena Fajas
Marena Faja – Great for Stage 1
(The first 7-10 days post-op for lipo and through
week 3 for tummy tuck and body lift folks)
(amazon link)
Marena fajas do not have enough compression to be a Stage 2 garment,
regardless of what the packaging says. Their “Stage 2” is still a Stage 1.
You should 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.
Quick tip for folks in Albuquerque: I carry fajas for sale that you can try on – if you have a massage appointment with me. This is better than ordering online. You get what you need, when you need it – and you are sure it fits.
Marena offers Stage 2 fajas, but they just aren’t as adjustable or as stiff. I love Marena as a Stage 1 garment, but I’d give them a pass when you need your Stage 2. Most surgery centers send you home in Marena. Your Stage 1 faja should be soft and comfortable, and this is where Marena really shines. I’m listing it here because having a second one on hand during the first 7-10 days is great so you can launder the other one that gets yucky and stained.
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.
Fajas for Men
There are not a lot of compression options for men that are readily available, but this one by Leo you can get on Amazon.
Leo Men’s Faja
(amazon link)
What Do You Do If The Faja You Ordered
Was Too Small?
This is SUCH a common problem. Even doing your best, you will inevitably wind up ordering a faja that is just a bit too small – but the next size up is too big. What do you do?
You’ve heard of bra extenders…enter the corset extender.
Simply attach this extender to your faja to add a bit more room until you reduce enough to remove it.
What Do You Wear Under Your Faja?
Bioflect Compression Vest
(amazon link)
Fajas can be uncomfortable at times on your skin – especially because foam, boards, etc. are crammed in under there.
The Bioflect micro-massage compression vest adds a bit more compression and helps to break up minor fibrosis (lumps).
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.
Yes Indeed BBL pillow
(amazon link)
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!
This style of BBL pillow is MUCH better than a boppy pillow that some people use. While the boppy is comfy, it compresses the hips and butt because you are still bearing weight on the fat transfer.
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.
Small Lumbar Board by MyD
(amazon link)
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.
Earthlite Fluffy Bolster
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 for reclining or sleeping.
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 BBL Toilet Riser
Going to the bathroom after a BBL is a hard thing to do.
This BBL Toilet Riser can help you sit without putting too much pressure on your butt.
The Pool Noodle
A simple and cheaper alternative to the BBL Toilet Seat Riser.
Just place it under your legs, wrap in a U shape, and you have handles to hold onto.
Pool Noodle
(amazon link)
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 women, we also pee sitting down, which means more sitting on your butt.
So, here’s another way for how to use the bathroom with a BBL.
SheWee Female Urination Device
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.
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.
Lipo foam pads are sold as singles and in multiple 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. Remember that these things get kind of nasty after using them a while. I strongly recommend a 5 pack or more.
Absorbent Pads for Drainage
Absorbent pads catch drainage from your scars and liposuction holes.
These pads do not stick and breathe so your incisions can heal. These are often placed over incisions following surgery.
Post-Surgical Drain Holders
These drain holders are a must to help keep your drains from hanging heavily from the insertion site in your skin.
Lumbar Molder Board
Lumbar Molder Boards help to keep down the dreaded swelling in the back while ensuring everything stays nice and flat.
Lumbar Molder Board by M&D
(amazon link)
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.
Massager to Reduce Fibrosis
(Lumps and Bumps)
Yes, yes. I know what you are thinking.
I laughed, too, when I first learned about this trick for getting rid of fibrosis. 🤦🏽♀️
Wand Massager for Fibrosis
(amazon link)
All joking aside, this thing does a great job of breaking down those lumps and bumps that you can get post-op. CAUTION: You should be at a very minimum of 3-4 weeks post-op before using this because it is a little aggressive. If you are healing slower, shoot for the 4 to 6-week mark. Although either head will work, the non-smooth head is the best one for fibrosis. Note that your nerves may get a bit irritated, so don’t overdo. A few minutes twice a day should suffice.
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.
Coarse Napped Lymph Foam Pads
(amazon link)
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 for Pain & Bruising Post Op
Arnica gel is a safe way to help bring down pain levels following your surgery.
Silicone Scar Removal Tape
Tummy Tuck scars are a bit daunting. Going from hip to hip, it covers the whole width of your body. This tape helps to make it go down quicker.
Silicone Scar Removal Tape works to improve the appearance of regular scars, hypertrophic 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.
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.
(amazon link)
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.
Assistive Walker
(amazon link)
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.
(ad link)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.
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.
Non-Skid Socks with Grips
(amazon link)
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.
Bendable Straws
(ad link)
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.
(ad link)
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.
Form-Fitting Stretch Cotton Tank Top
(amazon link)
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 tank underneath your foam and boards. It allows them to move just a little bit so they don’t just adhere to your skin and stay in one place. That can leave a mark in your newly lipo’ed areas.
Giving the foam something to slide on just a bit as you move means that it will adjust a little bit throughout the day. Don’t worry. It doesn’t move so much that it is bothersome. If you find it does move a lot, your faja likely isn’t tight enough.
T-Shirt Dress
Getting in and out of clothes is going to suck. Invest in a very large version of this T-Shirt Dress.
Button Down Dress
(amazon link)
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.
