Recovering from plastic surgery is about much more than resting on the couch. What you do in the weeks and months after your procedure helps shape your final result, your comfort and how confident you feel in your new body.
Your foundation will always be:
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Following your surgeon’s instructions
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Wearing your compression garment as directed
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Gentle movement and walking
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Lymphatic drainage and smart at home care
On top of this base, some patients like to add additional recovery modalities that may support circulation, comfort and tissue healing. Below is an overview of several popular options, with simple explanations and safety notes so you can discuss them with your surgical team.
Always check with your surgeon before starting any new therapy after surgery. Timing and suitability depend on your specific procedure and medical history.
1. Hot sauna
What it is
Sitting in a room with dry or wet heat that raises your body temperature and promotes sweating.
Why do people use it
Saunas can help with relaxation, muscle recovery and a feeling of reduced stiffness. Many people enjoy them for general wellbeing.
Important safety note
Sauna use should wait until all wounds are fully healed, your surgeon confirms it is safe, and your body is past the early recovery phase. Heat and sweating too soon can increase swelling, affect incisions and raise the risk of complications.
2. Infrared light therapy
What it is
Infrared therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that gently penetrate the skin and create a deep warming effect.
Why people use it
Some studies suggest infrared light may help:
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support circulation
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reduce inflammation
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stimulate collagen production, which can be helpful for scars and skin quality
Important safety note
Timing, intensity and frequency matter. Infrared therapy should be used under professional guidance, with your surgeon’s approval, and not directly over fresh incisions or areas with complications.
3. Vibration therapy
What it is
Devices that deliver gentle vibrations through the body or targeted areas, either while you stand on a platform or apply a handheld device.
Why do people use it
Vibration can:
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stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow
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help with stiffness
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support fluid movement in areas that tend to feel heavy or tight
Some post lipo and BBL patients use vibration sessions in later recovery phases to complement lymphatic work.
Important safety note
Vibration therapy should not be started in the very early, fragile days after surgery. It is usually considered only after the acute phase, when bruising and pain have decreased and a healthcare provider agrees it is appropriate.
4. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
What it is
HBOT involves breathing 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood.
Why people use it
In medical settings, HBOT can be used to:
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support healing in compromised tissues
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help with complex wounds or skin grafts
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reduce certain types of swelling
Some surgeons recommend it in selected, higher risk or more complex cosmetic cases.
Important safety note
HBOT is a medical treatment, not a spa service. It should only be done under specialist supervision, in an appropriate facility, when your doctor believes it is indicated for your situation.
5. Aquatic therapy
What it is
Gentle exercises and movement performed in a pool, often guided by a physical therapist.
Why people use it
The buoyancy of water:
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reduces stress on joints and healing tissues
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allows movement with less impact
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can help maintain mobility and circulation without overloading the surgical areas
For some patients, water feels soothing and supportive as they ease back into activity.
Important safety note
You must wait until all incisions are fully closed and your surgeon confirms that immersing your body in water is safe. Pools, hot tubs and open water are not appropriate while any wound is open or healing.
6. Compression therapy
What it is
Using compression garments, boards, foams or devices to apply controlled pressure to the treated areas.
Why do people use it
After procedures like liposuction, BBL, tummy tuck or body lift, compression can:
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help control swelling
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support skin retraction
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reduce fluid accumulation
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encourage a smoother contour
This is one of the core, surgeon directed pillars of body recovery, not just an “optional add on”.
Where lymphatic massage and at home care fit in
All of these modalities are optional extras. Your core recovery work will almost always include:
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Professional lymphatic drainage from a qualified therapist, when your surgeon says it is time
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Gentle self care at home to keep swelling and tissues moving between appointments
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Daily habits like walking, hydration and good nutrition
If you decide to explore additional therapies like sauna, infrared, vibration, HBOT or aquatic work, think of them as supporting pieces that sit on top of this foundation, never as replacements for medical advice.
Choosing what is right for you
When you talk to your surgeon or therapist about extra recovery modalities, good questions to ask include:
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Is this safe for my specific surgery and health history
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When is the earliest I could consider starting it
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What realistic benefits should I expect
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Are there any clear reasons I should avoid it
If a treatment sounds too extreme, promises “miracle” results or goes against your surgeon’s instructions, it is better to step back and reconsider.
Important safety note
The type of garment, level of compression and how long you should wear it are specific to your surgery. Always follow your surgeon’s protocol and ask before making big changes to your faja, boards or foam.
Supportive at home tools for everyday recovery
You do not need access to a hyperbaric chamber or a fancy spa to support your healing. Simple, consistent at-home habits often give the biggest payoff over time.
That is why we focus on lymphatic first products that you can use safely in the windows your surgeon approves, such as:
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gentle lymphatic massage oils with arnica for glide and comfort
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targeted fibrosis creams for firm or uneven areas in later recovery
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easy-to-use massagers and tools that support fluid movement between professional sessions
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calming supplements and teas that complement your routine
Used alongside your compression garment, professional guidance and a sensible activity plan, these tools help you turn your recovery into a calm, structured process instead of guesswork.
Recovery is not about doing everything. It is about choosing the right things, at the right time, for your body.
