How To Treat a Lipo/Faja Burn?

The first step to treating a lipo/faja burn is early identification. Normal bruising typically fades over the course of days. However, a burn will appear much darker & does not fade. If you notice signs of a burn do not panic. Speak with your doctor immediately & seek proper treatment. While treating a burn you should not wear a compression garment, abdominal board or foams. No direct pressure should be applied to the site as this could cause more damage. This includes massages.

Your doctor may prescribe a burn cream for you known as Silvadene, apply three times a day and cover with a dry sterile dressing. Once the wound opens, only cleanse with normal saline. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, this can damage healthy tissue.

If needed, follow up with Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This involves exposing the body to 100% oxygen at a pressure that is greater than what you normally experience. Wounds need oxygen to heal properly, and exposing a wound to 100% oxygen can speed the healing process. Look into other treatment modalities, research has shown that Manuka honey has many antimicrobial properties & promotes wound healing.

The progression of a burn will get worse before it gets better. It will be frustrating but with patience & the proper treatment it will heal overtime

Surgery Sisters & Their Significance

Truth is, some of the strongest bonds are made within the surgery community. Although you probably haven’t met in real life, you’ll find that surgery sisters are more supportive, caring & uplifting than some of your closest friends. 

Surgery is an emotional journey. Often times, you’ll question if you made the right decision & may struggle with the recovery process. Your surgery sister will be there to carry you through this tough time. She’ll always be a click away to offer advice & let you know that you aren’t alone. 

Copy and send this message to your Surgery Sister today.

“You’re important to me & I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for brightening up my day and inspiring me to be the best version of myself. No matter how bad my day gets, I feel great by just talking with you. Love you today. Love you tomorrow. Love you forever and ever.” 

How To Preserve Fat After a BBL

After a BBL you have a chance of losing 30-40% of fat. Newly transferred fat cells don’t have their own blood supply. Initially the fat cells get their nutrition from the surrounding body fluid and then begin to develop their own blood vessels after. Our BBL Booster IV and BBL-PRP treatments promote red blood cell production & contain natural growth factors that increases your fats survival rate.

The first 3 months after a fat transfer are crucial. Unfortunately, some fat will naturally be reabsorbed causing loss of volume in your butt. To maintain your results you must feed the fat & protect your assets!

1. Eat foods rich in protein, complex carbs & essential fats (examples of good fats are avocado, fish, yogurt) This is NOT the time to diet. After surgery, you actually need to consume more calories because your body requires energy to heal.

2. Protect your bum! Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your butt. Use a boppy pillow or bbl pillow. Visit our store to purchase our Derrière Pillow.

3. Wear the right garment: If your garment is too tight it can compromise your newly transferred fat cells. Avoid tight restrictive clothing like jeans for the first 3 months

4. Creative sleeping: Be prepared to sleep on your stomach for 2-3 months. Sleeping on your back or sides puts unnecessary pressure on your butt & can decrease your fats survival rate. If you also had a tummy tuck you will need to sleep in a reclined position.

5. Limit cardio: Once your doctor gives you clearance on when to start working out avoid intense cardio in the beginning. This will be the first area on your body that you lose fat.

6. Avoid smoking: After a bbl your fat needs a good blood supply to survive. Smoking causes the blood vessels to constrict which means lower oxygen in the blood which in turn causes fat to die

How Soon After Surgery Can I Start Waist Training?

My answer to this is 6 months. This gives your body enough time to heal. However, many find that their able to start earlier (approximately 3 months). No two persons will ever have the same journey. Remember, too much compression too soon is a big NO. This can potentially cause improper healing, burns and skin necrosis. Compression is key, however, waist trainers do not provide “EVEN” compression the same way a faja would. I’m not against waist training, however, to avoid complications, it’s best to wait until the majority of your swelling has subsided. Always remember to take it one step at a time & listen to your body.

Are Compression Stockings Really That Important?

A DVT is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg causing swelling and pain. If the blood clot breaks free, it can travel to the lungs causing the possibility of a pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially fatal complication. 

To prevent a DVT, be sure to wear your compression socks which are typically worn for 10-14 days after surgery. Compression socks help to keep blood flowing toward the heart, so that it is less likely to pool in the legs and cause a clot to develop. In addition, some surgeons prescribe a blood thinner known as Lovenox (low molecular weight heparin).

Take medications as prescribed & follow all specific instructions from your doctor.-After surgery you have the highest chance of developing a DVT. The first couple of days are the most difficult. However, walking is one of the most important activities you can do. Try to increase your activity daily and perform foot exercises while in bed. This improves circulation so that blood flow doesn’t slow down enough to form a clot.

Symptoms of a DVT include pain in the leg, swelling, tenderness or warmth. Any concerns should be evaluated by a health care provider immediately. If you’re flying after surgery, please be sure to wear your compression socks on the plane.

Common Mistakes After Surgery

Not Investing in Post Op Care
If you’re not ready to invest in post op care then you’re not ready to have surgery. It is important to set up your post op care PRIOR to your procedure.

  • There’s nothing worse than having to search for someone while you’re recovering.
  • A good post op care provider is able to identify any abnormalities and direct you to proper treatment.
  • Post op care can run you anywhere between an additional $500-$2,000. It is important to have extra money saved for any unexpected issues.

Adding Too Much Compression Way Too Soon

We always hear the phrase, “compression is key.” But how much compression is too much? Think of your post op journey in stages. To move on to the next stage, you must first successfully complete the previous one.

  • That is why you start off in a Stage 1 garment and progressively move on to a Stage 2. Surgery is already stressful/traumatizing on the body.
  • While your body is healing, it is not wise to rush the natural process and overload yourself by adding waist trainers, compression bandages etc. especially after aggressive procedures like liposuction.
  • Our skin is the largest organ in the body & it needs time to heal. Too much compression too soon can result in burns and necrosis.
  • Take it one step at a time & listen to your body. Just because you saw someone else wearing a xxs compression garment, foams, boards, waist trainer, and ace bandages does not mean you’re at that stage yet. A garment that is too tight is just as bad as a garment that is loose.

Having a Poor Diet

There is a misconception after liposuction that you won’t gain back any weight and are free to eat as you please. This is a myth! Not only will you gain weight, but it will show up on other parts of your body (face, arms, breast).

  • Try to limit or avoid alcohol during the recovery process. It will cause a substantial amount of swelling.
  • To maintain your results after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), you should feed the fat. However, be sure to consume healthy fats.
  • Your lifestyle choices (DIET & EXERCISE) will ultimately affect your post op results.

Going Against Doctor’s Orders

  • Your doctor told you to stop smoking at least 8 weeks prior to surgery yet you still smoke occasionally…
  • You were instructed to take all prescribed medications, but you didn’t want to pay an additional cost, so you decided to skip them…

I can’t stress how important it is to follow all your doctor’s instructions. There may be underlying issues why your physician is giving you specific orders.

Comparing Your Results

I wouldn’t really call this a mistake, just be mindful. After your procedure you may go through a roller coaster of emotions known as the “Post Op Blues.” This period is filled with ups and downs.

  • Being uncertain about your new look and how others may perceive you is normal. You may regret ever having surgery or even compare your results to others.Try your best to focus on your journey to a healthy recovery.
  • Be patient, your body needs time to heal. It takes at least 6 weeks for the swelling to subside and a full 3 months before you see the true outcome.

If you have experienced any bumps along your journey don’t let it consume you. Get back up & keep it moving. It is not uncommon for people to have 2 or 3 rounds to achieve their desired look. If you decide you will need another round wait at least 6 months to a year in between procedures.

Please remember that all surgery, no matter where you decide to go comes with potential risks. Perhaps you don’t even need another round. Maintaining a good workout plan and a healthy lifestyle will ultimately determine your final results.

What To Expect Post-Op?

Chills & Shivering

This occurs in up to half of patients as they regain consciousness after surgery. It is only temporary and will subside once your body temperature regulates.

Nausea & Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are the most common complications associated with anesthesia. Anti-nausea medications and adequate hydration can help patients avoid nausea and vomiting. TIP: Sniffing alcohol wipes can help ease nausea quickly and easily.

Forgetfulness & Confusion

Anesthetics are well known to cause confusion, but this typically decreases as the body processes the medications and removes them from circulation. Some medications can cause significant forgetfulness in the hours immediately after surgery, which is a normal side effect of anesthesia.

Pain

Pain after surgery is normal and to be expected. Medications will be given to help with discomfort and should be used as directed. If possible, fill your prescriptions & leave at your bedside so you have easy access to them.

Inflammation

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. Surgery can be very traumatic on the body, especially after procedures such as liposuction. Many people experience moderate-to-severe swelling in the first few days or weeks after surgery, and mild-to-moderate swelling for 3 to 6 months post op.

Drainage

The first few days can be a bit messy especially if you had liposuction. Some surgeons intentionally leave your incisions open to facilitate the drainage process.

  • This blood-tinged fluid leaks out from the incisions for the first 48 hours or so. Therefore, you can use abdominal or poise pads inside your garment to catch the drainage. PLENTY of bed pads (chux) will also be needed.
  • Fluid is encouraged to drain from the liposuction area. By doing this, healing is sped up and infection is prevented as any bacteria will also drain from the area.
  • Lymphatic massages, walking and compression garments are also used to help drain the excess fluid and resolve the swelling. Fluid accumulation can develop into a seroma and lead to fibrosis.

Drains

In many cases such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) a drain is used. A drain is used when your surgeon elevates tissue and creates a space. Drains are needed because the body doesn’t like to have spaces between tissue, so it reacts by releasing fluid. This fluid is called serous fluid.

  • If fluid accumulates between the tissue layers, the tissue can’t heal and glue itself back together to seal off. Therefore, drains are placed to suck out the fluid.
  • When the tissue has healed together, your body stops making fluid, and it is safe to remove the drain.
  • The time a drain stays in can vary from a few days to a few weeks. Once the tissue has glued itself back together, there is no “space” there anymore, and the fluid production stops.
  • If the drain comes out too early, then there is a risk of fluid forming and collecting under the skin.

Blood Transfusion

If you lost too much blood, you may need a blood transfusion. A blood transfusion usually takes one to four hours, though in an emergency it can be done much faster. Blood transfusions are generally considered safe. But they do carry some risk of complications. If you’ve had a reaction to prior blood transfusions, be sure to tell your physician.

Preparing For Surgery

Schedule After Surgery Care

If you’re having surgery away from home, you may consider booking a recovery house, a hotel or renting an airbnb and hiring a private nurse.

  • A recovery house provides around the clock care after surgery. They typically include transportation and meals.
  • Prior to booking, check with your recovery house on what supplies and amenities they offer. This way you can save money on supplies you don’t need.
  • DO YOUR RESEARCH: Most recovery homes are not staffed with licensed nurses and provide care to many patients at one time.

Often times, people save only enough for their procedure and forget about their post op expenses. Your choice of caregiver will make all the difference once you leave the recovery room. Hire a professional who provides you with undivided attention, knowledgeable about the healing process, able to assess for signs of post-op complications and is quick to respond in the event of an emergency.

How Should I Prepare?

  • The less you must concern yourself with after surgery the happier you will be. That means when preparing for the big day, choose low maintenance hair styles. Either bun it, braid it or wrap it.
  • Remove acrylic or gel nail polish. While you’re in surgery a pulse ox is placed on your finger which measures your oxygen level. The thickness of acrylic or gel nails can often interfere with that measurement.
  • The night before surgery, shower with antibacterial soap first then with Hibiclens. Repeat in the morning of surgery as well. This is used as a prep for skin disinfection.
  • Patients undergoing surgery should not shave the related area before their operation because razors can cause little microscopic cuts in the skin and increase the risk of infection. If you need to shave, do it at least a week prior to your surgery date.

Arrange Post Op Care (Lymphatic Massages)

Establish a post op care provider in your area BEFORE SURGERY. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is recommended after surgery to drain excess fluid, promote healing and decrease pain. Consistent lymphatic massages reduce the risk of developing seromas and fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue).

  • After surgery, your doctor will tell you when you can begin massages. There are no set number of massages as everyone heals at different rates.
  • However, it is suggested to get 1 massage per day for the first 7-10 days. After this, depending on how you’re healing, you may need a massage 2-3 times per week.
  • Over time, you will notice that the need for massages will diminish & aren’t needed as frequently.

Post op care includes not only getting massages but also wearing a properly fitted compression garment, also known as a “Faja.” This is crucial! If I don’t stress anything else, you must wear your garment!

Supply Checklist

Most recovery homes provide supplies. Therefore, you may not need to pack everything that is listed. Check with your recovery home first to see what they offer.

  • Passport/Identification
  • Money (Cash/Credit Cards)
  • Portable safe
  • Maxi Dresses
  • Cami: Worn underneath your faja. (White/seamless/cotton is preferred)
  • Robe
  • Compression Stockings
  • Easy on shoes: Your feet may swell so bring shoes that are comfortable.
  • Blanket
  • Overnight Bag
  • Cell Phone
  • Phone Charger
  • Mini Extension Cord
  • Head Phones
  • Recovery Box
  • Derriere Pillow
  • Incentive Spirometer

Surgery Day

Every surgeon gives a specific set of pre-op orders. Be sure to follow all doctor’s instructions. Listed are general rules:

  • The day before your scheduled surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. This includes water.
  • You may brush your teeth but do not swallow the water.
  • No chewing gum on surgery day. It increases stomach acid production.
  • Do not use moisturizers, deodorant, perfume, creams, lotions, or makeup.
  • Remove nail polish and all jewelry (including piercings).
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and flat shoes.
  • Remove contact lenses and dentures before surgery.
  • If you’re on prescribed medications, some should be taken the day of surgery and others should not. It is important to discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure.
  • Write down any last-minute questions you may have for your doctor.
  • Most importantly stay away from negativity.

Anesthesia

The idea of being sedated for surgery can be nerve wracking. Before you undergo general anesthesia, your anesthesia care provider will examine you & ask questions about your health history.

  • It is extremely important to answer all questions as honestly and thoroughly as possible. Things that may seem harmless could affect how you react to the anesthesia.
  • The anesthesia care team monitors you continuously while your asleep. When the surgery is complete, the medications are stopped, and you slowly wake either in the operating room or the recovery room. You’ll probably feel groggy and a little confused when you first wake.

Pre-Op Labs & Orders

Before surgery it is important to get a complete history and physical by your primary care provider. Have an honest conversation with your provider & let them know your intentions. He or she will order blood work and run additional tests to make sure that you’re healthy enough to have surgery.

Diagnostic Tests:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): detects a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection or if you have a blood clotting disorder
  • Chemistry Panel (BMP): checks for electrolyte imbalances, determines the status of your metabolism, including the health of your kidneys
  • EKG: If you have any cardiac history or concerns related to your heart an EKG will be ordered. This checks the heart’s electrical activity.
  • A Chest X-Ray is also commonly ordered which checks your lungs for infections and chronic lung conditions such as emphysema.
  • A Pregnancy Test will be done on the day of your surgery. If it is positive, your surgery will be cancelled.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin (Hgb) is a protein in red blood cells which transports oxygen around the body. An ideal level is above 12. A low hemoglobin level may indicate anemia and your surgeon will not perform surgery. To avoid any cancellations due to low hemoglobin levels, it is important to eat iron rich foods & take daily supplements such as, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C in the months leading up to your surgery date.

Doctors Orders

Once your surgery date is scheduled, it is critical that you follow all instructions from your surgeon. This is detrimental to your overall health and well being.

  • Stop Smoking: Many physicians strongly recommend that you STOP smoking at least 2 months prior to surgery. Smoking before or after your surgery can increase your risk of developing serious complications. Studies have shown that a smoker may be up to six times more likely to get an infection than a non-smoker. In addition, smokers have more scarring and heal at a slower rate. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and may impair healing. Therefore, smokers have a higher chance of developing necrosis. Skin necrosis occurs when there is not enough circulation to the tissue causing the involved skin and fat to die. Quitting smoking drastically improves the body’s response to surgery.
  • Medications to avoid: It is important to avoid certain medications two weeks before and after surgery. Some medications can have effects on bleeding, swelling and can increase your risk of blood clots. These medications include but are not limited to birth control, aspirin, Vitamin E supplements & ibuprofen. Speak with your doctor about all medications that you’re currently taking.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI): Body mass index (BMI) is used to determine whether a person is a healthy weight for their height. For most surgeons, your BMI must be 32 or less. There are increased risks of surgical and anesthetic complications if you have a high BMI. Therefore, your doctor may suggest losing weight prior to your procedure. This is in your best interest. Patients that are happiest with their results are those who are at or near their ideal weight at the time of surgery.

Do Your Research

When beginning your surgery journey, one of the most important things you can do is your homework. Don’t book the first surgeon who you find on Instagram or select a surgeon based primarily on the cost. Spend time learning about their work & network with other patients to inquire about their experience.

HOW TO SELECT A SURGEON?

  1. Look for consistency: Choose a surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery and has substantial experience in the procedure you are considering.
  2. Have realistic expectations: View before and after photos and pay close attention to patients who has a similar body type as you.
  3. Go with your gut: Surgery is a big deal! You need to feel 100% comfortable with your surgeon and their team. Choose a surgeon whom you completely trust with your safety and results.

MY PROCEDURE

Learn as much as you can about your procedure and the risks. Knowing what to expect can help decrease anxiety and allow you to feel better prepared during your recovery.

Liposuction: Uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body. How your liposuction procedure is done depends on the specific technique used by your surgeon.

  • Tumescent liposuction. This is the most common type of liposuction. The surgeon injects a fluid mixture of lidocaine (to relieve pain) & epinephrine (which causes the blood vessels to constrict) into the area that’s being treated. The surgeon then makes small cuts into your skin and inserts a thin tube called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a vacuum that suctions fat and fluids from your body.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): Uses liposuction to harvest fat from one or more areas of the body. The collected fat is separated by a centrifuge, processed, and purified. Only the healthiest fat cells are used. This purified fat is then injected into the buttocks.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. In most cases, the connective tissues in the abdomen are tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then re-positioned to create a more toned look. For patients who have had a c-section, a tummy tuck incision can be made in the c-section scar to reduce or eliminate scarring.

POTENTIAL RISKS

Be familiar with complications. As with any major surgery, there are potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:

  • Hematoma: A pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. Hematomas are a risk in nearly all surgeries.
  • Fluid accumulation: A collection of fluid also known as a “seroma” can form under the skin. This fluid might need to be drained with a needle.
  • Nerve damage: You might feel temporary or permanent numbness & tingling in the affected area.
  • Infection: Although steps are taken to reduce the risk of infection, the possibility remains. In some cases, infections can be severe, requiring IV antibiotics.
  • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a condition where blood clots form in the deep vein, usually in the leg. When these clots break off and travel to the lungs, it’s known as a pulmonary embolism. This can be fatal.
  • Fat embolism: Pieces of loosened fat might break away and become trapped in a blood vessel and gather in the lungs or travel to the brain. A fat embolism is a medical emergency.
  • Internal puncture: A cannula that penetrates too deeply might puncture an internal organ. This requires emergency surgical repair.

The risk of complications increases if the surgeon is working on larger surfaces of your body or doing multiple procedures during the same operation.