Many patients spend hours researching plastic surgery procedures and daydreaming about their results, but the recovery process? Not so much. Often overlooked and subject to a “we’ll-cross-that-bridge-when-we-come-to-it” mindset, your post-op recovery is one of the most important aspects of your journey. How your body heals and adapts after surgery influences everything from pain levels and scarring to the appearance of your final results.
At Hakimi Plastic Surgery, we believe that recovery should never be an afterthought. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi understands that achieving beautiful, lasting results requires more than surgical expertise. It demands a partnership between doctor and patient throughout the entire process, from your initial consultation to your final post-op follow-up appointment.
Your body has an incredible capacity to heal, but giving it the right support makes all the difference. From quitting smoking and preparing your home to understanding what’s normal during recovery, each step plays a role in your final outcome. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to set yourself up for success.
Set the Stage for Successful Healing
Dr. Hakimi is known for his two-day downtime awake liposuction, but he also specializes in tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, breast augmentation and Total Definer Liposuction, all of which typically involve general anesthesia and a slightly longer recovery period.
Whether your downtime is expected to be two days or two weeks, how you prepare your recovery space can dramatically impact your post-op experience in the weeks after your surgery. We recommend transforming your bedroom or living area into a sanctuary, loaded with everything you need to feel comfortable. Stock up on snacks and other necessities, fill your prescriptions in advance, and keep frequently used items, like your phone or tablet, within easy reach. Having everything close at hand means you can take this time to simply relax and enjoy a doctor-approved Netflix binge.
How you prepare your recovery space will be unique depending on what helps you feel comfortable, but generally speaking, your pre-surgery recovery checklist should include:
- Ensuring you have clean towels, sheets and bedding available
- Gathering extra pillows for optimal comfort and positioning
- Meal prepping lunches, dinners and snacks for convenience
- Purchasing bandages, gauze, absorbent pads and other supplies you might need
- Choosing a book, a television show or another form of entertainment to pass the time
- Filling your prescriptions ahead of time
- Having plenty of hydrating beverages on hand (water, tea, electrolyte drinks, etc.)
- Arranging for help around the house
For more extensive procedures that limit strenuous activity, having a support system is non-negotiable. Even if you consider yourself fiercely independent and capable of managing on your own, accepting help allows your body to channel all its energy toward healing. Your designated caregiver should plan to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours, assisting with meals, childcare and other basic needs while you focus on your recovery.
The Critical First Day
Those initial 24 hours after surgery establish the foundation for everything that follows. While Dr. Hakimi’s team carefully monitors your immediate recovery before discharge, the real healing begins once you’re settled at home.
If your procedure included general anesthesia, expect to feel somewhat foggy for the rest of the day as it wears off. Dr. Hakimi’s awake liposuction techniques avoid this side effect, allowing patients to go back to work and resume light activities after just 48 hours. Regardless of which type of anesthesia was used, treated areas will likely feel sore, tight or tender at first — all completely normal responses to surgery.
Focus on getting comfortable in your prepared recovery space. Your caregiver should help position you properly using the supports discussed during your consultation. Proper positioning is especially important after procedures like tummy tucks or Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs), where avoiding pressure on specific areas is crucial for optimal results.
The First Week
If you opted for awake liposuction, congratulations! The hard part is already over, and you should be back to desk work and light activities within 48 hours. Breast augmentation, tummy tuck and mommy makeover patients will also be feeling better at this point, but should take it easy for a few more days to ensure proper healing.
During the first week of your recovery, rest remains your primary job. However, this doesn’t mean staying completely still. Gentle movement like walking helps maintain healthy circulation and reduces the risk of complications. Dr. Hakimi will provide specific movement guidelines to keep you safe and comfortable.
The ‘411’ on Compression Garments
Compression garments may not look glamorous, but they’re one of your most valuable recovery tools. These specially designed bras, wraps and fajas control swelling, reduce the risk of complications (like seromas or blood clots) and help the skin adapt to your new contours.
Compression garments come in various shapes and sizes, but some of the most common types include abdominal binders for tummy tucks, liposuction and skin-tightening procedures. Compression leggings or body suits are used after BBLs or combination surgeries. With so many different options to choose from, Dr. Hakimi will help select the appropriate type of compression garment (and compression level) for your specific needs.
Your compression garment should be worn as directed for optimal healing and results after your surgery, which usually means 24 hours a day (except when bathing or showering) for several weeks. You’ll wear them while sleeping, eating, running errands, and everything in between. Compression garments can feel restrictive at first, but patients often tell us they feel more comfortable and supported with them on. After four to six weeks, you can drop down to wearing them for 12 hours a day (usually at night), especially if you’re compliant with your lymphatic massages.
What Are Lymphatic Drainage Massages?
Lymphatic massage is another important aspect of the recovery process, but many patients don’t fully understand just how important it is until they experience the benefits firsthand.
Surgery naturally disrupts your body’s lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing excess fluid and waste from tissues. When this system becomes compromised, you may experience prolonged swelling, fluid accumulation or tissue hardening that can affect your final results. Lymphatic drainage uses specialized techniques to encourage proper fluid movement toward the lymph nodes, where it can be processed and eliminated naturally.
Dr. Hakimi recommends lymphatic massage for virtually all surgical patients, typically beginning within the first few days after your procedure. Most patients find these sessions surprisingly relaxing and notice immediate improvements in comfort and swelling. The treatments help your body process inflammation more efficiently for smoother healing and better final results.
Learn to Recognize Warning Signs
While some discomfort is expected after surgery, knowing the difference between normal symptoms and potential complications ensures your safety throughout recovery.
Normal post-op pain should be manageable and gradually improve as your body heals. You may experience bruising, swelling, soreness and feelings of tightness or numbness in treated areas. However, if you experience the following symptoms, contact Dr. Hakimi’s office:
- Pain that worsens instead of improving
- Expanding redness around incision sites
- Fever above 101.5°F
- Unusual drainage or discharge
- Incisions that appear to be opening
Seek immediate medical attention for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe leg pain or any symptoms that feel like a medical emergency. While serious complications are rare thanks to Dr. Hakimi’s meticulous surgical techniques, being aware of these warning signs helps ensure your health and safety. We would rather hear from you unnecessarily than have you worry alone. Every concern deserves attention, no matter how minor it might seem.
Experience Excellence at Hakimi Plastic Surgery
Your surgical journey deserves the highest level of care from start to finish. At Hakimi Plastic Surgery, Dr. Michael Hakimi and his dedicated team provide personalized attention throughout your entire recovery process, ensuring your safety, comfort and results.
Ready to learn more about what you can expect from pre-op to post-op? Contact Hakimi Plastic Surgery today at 424-239-5201 or use our virtual booking tool to request your consultation. Dr. Hakimi looks forward to guiding you through this transformative experience with the expertise and compassionate care that sets his Beverly Hills practice apart.
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