Recovery Episodes

Around 48 to 72 hours after surgery, swelling peaks, the anesthesia haze lifts, and a lot of women look in the mirror and feel like they've made a mistake. Dr. Diana Breister has been in plastic surgery long enough to know that feeling almost never means what people think it means. Most of the time, it's not regret — it's chaos. Dr. Breister, who came to La Jolla Cosmetic after years of reconstructive work at City of Hope, walks Monique through what's actually happening between day one and day ...

Dr. Diana Breister, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has done mommy makeovers in San Diego for over twenty years, joins us to talk about everything that happens after the six-week post-op visit. You can do planks, but no crunches for at least a year. The rectus muscles she stitches back together during a tummy tuck stay hyperactive long after the skin looks healed, and trying to fire them up too early can send them straight into spasm. Scars are still maturing for up to two years. Future ...

More than half of people who travel abroad for cosmetic surgery end up needing additional medical care when they return home. Monique and Hannah discuss the hidden risks of medical tourism, from missing post-operative care and limited follow-up to the financial fallout when complications happen back in the U.S. They also talk about why social media is driving more people to consider surgery overseas, what most people underestimate about recovery, and why researching your surgeon, your facility...

Surgery doesn’t end when the procedure is over—and that’s the part most people don’t hear enough about. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar explains why what happens after can be just as important as the surgery itself. Follow-up visits are a critical part of healing safely and confidently, not just a formality. He walks through what to expect during recovery, why open communication with your surgeon matters, and which warning signs should never be brushed off. Dr. Salazar shares how ...

You get a full pre-op booklet and a nurse walks you through every detail, but when surgery day is getting close, it’s easy for things to go in one ear and out the other. To help make sense of it all, Jocelyn, one of our trusted LVNs, walks through the parts patients tend to skim: stopping certain meds, what anesthesia does to your body, why you need a responsible adult after surgery, and how simple things like pets, sleep position, and meal prep can make or break your recovery. You’ll also lea...

You’ve stocked the fridge, cleared your calendar, and read every page of the pre-op packet. But a smooth plastic surgery recovery comes down to the little things you didn’t think of, like why your pets need to stay out of the room or how chores around the house can set you back. Monique and Kayla share the recovery hacks that don’t always make it into the official instructions—like why boxer briefs beat fancy underwear after a tummy tuck, how wedge pillows can save your sleep, and why that post...

What if lowering your anxiety helps your body heal better? That’s exactly why Dr. Luke Swistun gives every patient his personal cell phone number. Knowing you can reach him anytime keeps worries from spiraling, so you can stay calm and focused on recovery. But that’s just one of the many ways he makes sure every patient feels heard, validated, and cared for from day one. He shares how his concierge-style approach goes far beyond surgery. From blocking out extra-long consultations so no questio...

After surgery like facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction, or BBLs, swelling and stiffness can stick around. Lymphatic drainage can make a big difference in your recovery. Planning your post-op care ahead of time is just as important as choosing the right procedure, and not all lymphatic massages are the same. To support healing, you need someone who truly understands the lymphatic system. A qualified therapist with the right training can help you recover safely and more effectively. Many people...

Not sure you even want plastic surgery because the whole recovery thing feels like a mystery? We totally get it, and we’re demystifying it for you. Knowing what to expect during recovery makes all the difference. The truth is, those final results you’re after can take weeks, months, or even longer to really be final. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar breaks it down, from why swelling happens, to the importance of lymphatic drainage, compression garments, drains, and why getting up a...

Imagine finally seeing the results of your weight loss journey without extra skin. Body lift surgery isn’t just about removing extra skin, it’s about finally seeing the finish line. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Johan Brahme explains how body lift surgery changes lives and shares emotional stories of real patients who finally feel at home in their skin. Find out: The areas most often in need of a lift after weight loss What procedures are typically involved to reshape your body Why m...

The goal of a facelift isn’t to rewind the clock 30 years—it’s to help you look like the best version of yourself. Most people have a “What did I just do?!” moment after surgery. It’s totally normal. Recovery can feel like a rollercoaster at first, but your face will transform little by little every day. We’re here to guide you through each phase and help you trust the process. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Diana Breister walks us through what to expect, from those early recovery days to final...

Plastic surgeons adeptly minimize scarring with small, precisely hidden incisions, but there’s always a balance between scar visibility and achieving the best results. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Hector Salazar-Reyes explains this balance, sharing insights on incision techniques, healing, and the importance of proper care before and after plastic surgery. Find out: How long it takes for scars to mature and what the healing process looks like Tips for boosting healing and achieving your bes...

Picking the right place to recover after plastic surgery is key to a smooth, stress-free experience. Whether you're traveling from out of town or just need a peaceful spot away from home, Dr. Salazar talks through some of the best hotel options in La Jolla. He explains why staying close by can make a big difference in both comfort and safety. Find out: Which surgeries require a longer recovery time Helpful tips for planning both your procedure and stay Our top 3 nearby hotels for post-surge...

Now that Regina and Alexis have each shared their individual before and after stories, they’re together to recap what happened and how their plastic surgery experiences continue to impact their lives. For anyone considering plastic surgery, hear firsthand how important it is to have someone in your corner throughout your whole aesthetic journey. Whether it’s a bestie, family member, or partner, having that support system can make a world of difference. And hear which plastic surgeon at LJC th...

It might be your first time getting a breast augmentation, but it’s by no means our first time! From your first phone call to your pre-op appointment, we tell you exactly what to expect so there are no surprises. Filling us in on all things breast surgery, Dr. Hector Salazar shares all there is to know about breast augmentation recovery, from how long you’ll need to be away from work and the gym to how much pain you'll be in and how it’s managed. Links Read more about San Diego plastic surgeo...

Sharing his unique expertise with HD Lipo, Dr. Hector Salazar explains how this technique eliminates stubborn areas of fat, and highlights your natural muscle definition. Combining his artistic eye with his rich knowledge of anatomy, Dr. Salazar uses this specialized liposuction technique to precisely sculpt your body following the natural lines of your musculature. Find out all there is to know about the HD lipo experience, including best candidates and BMI requirements, how VASER liposuctio...

As a hairdresser, Kaylie sees herself in the mirror all day every day. For many years, she relied on trickery with clothing to hide her “square” backside, wearing baggy tops and short shorts to give the illusion of curves and draw attention to her other features. After three long years working with a trainer and seeing little progress, she started considering body contouring. When Dr. Brahme told her about the Skinny BBL, she was sold. Kaylie candidly opens up about the Skinny BBL experience, ...

Plastic surgeon Dr. Luke Swistun has helped hundreds of women with breast implant removal and is deeply experienced with breast implant illness patients. In this podcast, we talk about what you might experience immediately after surgery, how much pain to expect, how long recovery might take and how complications are handled. If you have capsular contracture, implant rupture, or malpositioned implants, you’ll feel a huge difference when the implants are out. Many patients also mention less back ...

Lymphatic massage expert Kathleen Lisson explains the important role of your ~800 lymph nodes in post-op recovery. If the lymphatic system is disrupted or overwhelmed, which can occur with plastic surgery, lymphatic massage, or manual lymphatic drainage is often recommended to help with healing and recovery. The lymphatic system is how your body processes and eliminates waste. Your immune system is part of the lymphatic system, so when a bacteria or virus enters your body, the lymphatic system ...