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When it comes to butt implants vs. BBL, there are many differences. One of the main differences is the recovery process. Here’s what to know.

Butt Implants vs. BBL Recovery - Pearl Recovery Retreat

If you are considering enhancing your butt cosmetically, you might have come across these two procedures; butt implants vs. BBL. Although these two procedures are commonly mistaken as one, there is an important difference between the two.

A Brazilian Butt Lift, aka BBL, utilizes your body’s fat (extracted from another part of the body). On the other hand, a butt implant procedure involves silicone implants.  

Butt Implants vs. BBL: What Are the Differences? 

  • The results of BBL look and feel completely natural as it involves your body’s fat. On the other hand, the results of butt augmentation might feel slightly unnatural.
  • There is always a risk of implant displacement with butt augmentation along with capsular contracture. If any of the complications occur, revision surgery is needed. The risk of complications with BBL is greatly minimized with BBL.
  • When it comes to butt implants vs. BBL, the recovery is slightly different. We will discuss that in detail.

Recovery from BBL

When it comes to BBL surgery recovery, there are a few things to consider. Let’s begin with a recovery timeline:

  • Back to work: Most people can go back to work in about 1-2 weeks after the surgery.
  • Full Recovery: Complete recovery can take around 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery.
  • Return to exercise: Most patients should avoid exercising for at least 8 weeks after surgery.

Recovery Tips for BBL

  • You need to avoid putting excessive pressure on your butt for the specified interval (typically 4 to 8 weeks). It is advised to use a special BBL pillow if you have to sit. We would still recommend sitting in only short intervals.
  • While sleeping or lying down, rest on your stomach or side and avoid putting any pressure on the newly transplanted fat cells.
  • It is important to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
  • Make sure to wear a compression garment all day for at least the first 3 weeks of the BBL surgery. Please get your hands on a comfortable one. If it is too tight, report this to your surgeon and get a new one.
  • Avoid high-impact, strenuous workouts for at least the first few weeks after the surgery. Stay clear of any bouncing activities and heavyweights. Stick to light walking for the first couple of weeks after the procedure.
  • It is best to avoid showering for at least 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. Use lukewarm water instead of a steaming hot one. Stay clear of beaches, pools, baths, and hot tubs until your surgeon gives you a go.
  • Avoid getting massages that focus on the buttock area as it can disrupt the newly transplanted fat cells and impact the results negatively.
  • Take all the medications prescribed by your surgeon to avoid pain and swelling.
  • Drink a lot of fluids to stay hydrated. It will help boost up the recovery.
  • Lightly walk around the house and stretch your legs often to prevent the risk of blood clots.
  • Rest loads, sleep for at least 8 hours a day as it will allow you to recover quickly.

Recovery from Butt Implant

For butt implant recovery, let’s also begin with the butt implant recovery timeline:

  • Back to work: You will be able to return to work in about 2 weeks after the surgery.
  • Full Recovery: Complete recovery can take around 4 weeks after the surgery.
  • Return to exercise: Stay clear of exercising for at least 8 to 12 weeks after surgery.

Recovery Tips after Butt Implant

  • Avoid sitting on your butt for at least four weeks after the procedure. Do not lay on your back while sleeping. You’ll have to get creative while sitting and sleeping. The surgeon will advise you to use a pillow for the next few months after the procedure.
  • Do not opt for any strenuous activities after the surgery. Avoid squatting, stretching out the butt muscles, bending over, and all sorts of exercises till your surgeon gives you a go. Most patients can resume light activities 6 weeks after the procedure.
  • Look out for weight gain. If you gain excess weight, it can compromise the results of the procedure. Eating a healthy diet and following a workout routine will help you maintain your weight.
  • Make sure to take your surgeon’s approval prior to starting a workout routine.
  • Take care of your incisions and drains. You will need to come in for a follow-up visit to remove the drains. Avoid getting your incisions wet and keep them clean and dry at all times.
  • Make sure to take all the medications as instructed by your surgeon to eliminate the pain and inflammation.
  • Focus on rest during the recovery phase. You will heal and recover while you rest. So, make it a priority.

A Piece of Advice for Recovery

Regardless of the butt implants vs. BBL recovery process, you will need some assistance during the first week or two after recovery. You can ask a family member or friend to help you around the house, help with cooking, groceries, driving you around or book yourself in a recovery center.

Booking yourself a place in a recovery center is the best approach. You won’t have to micro-manage stuff, and all your needs will be taken care of by the experts. From food to exercise, wound care, transportation, entertainment, you won’t have to worry about a thing. You can truly relax during the recovery phase.

With that being said, not all recovery centers are created equal. You’ll need to explore different options till you find the right one that fits all your needs. You can even ask your surgeon to recommend you some options.

Final Takeaway

Both butt implants vs. BBL are great procedures if you wish to enhance your butt. Most patients and surgeons prefer BBL because it has fewer complications when compared with butt augmentation. The choice of treatment is based on several different factors such as desired aesthetic, budget, body shape, and what your surgeon thinks will suit you best.

If you have any further questions, let us know in the comments section below, and we will get back to you.

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Understanding the phases of recovery is essential in successfully healing from surgery. Here’s what to know.

Healing From Surgery - Pearl Recovery Retreat

Undergoing any kind of surgical experience is never fun. The time spent during the healing from surgery can be quite stressful and painful. The recovery period feels like an endless stream of confusion that can make you wonder about a lot of things. 

For instance; am I supposed to feel this bad? Is this how I will look? When will I finally feel like myself again? 

All these thoughts are very normal. Knowing the right answers can lower your anxiety and help you while you are healing from surgery. It is important to educate yourself about the recovery phase so you can keep yourself calm and heal easily and successfully. With the right support, guidance, and education, you will know how your body will look/act like along each phase of recovery. 

Healing From Surgery

Whether you are undergoing an elective, plastic, Ob/Gyn, or orthopedic surgery, your body will undergo three phases of healing; acute/inflammatory phase, Sub-acute/Proliferative Phase, and Chronic/ Remodeling Phase. In this article, we will dissect each of the phases and educate you. Without further ado, let’s get started: 

Step 1: Acute/Inflammatory Phase 

The acute/inflammatory phase will begin immediately after the surgical procedure. It is often characterized by redness, pain, and swelling. This particular stage can last anywhere from a few days to six weeks. During this phase, your body’s main goal will be to protect the affected area. This sense of guarding will impact your mental state as well. Most people tend to curl up in their homes to heal in private and have a tendency to withdraw and keep to themselves. Your swelling, bruising and redness will be very pronounced. 

A great thing you can do is book yourself in a recovery center. At Pearl Recovery, you will experience a healing, calming, and therapeutic environment. You will be greeted with positivity and warmth which instantly makes you feel better when you are healing from surgery. If you want personalized, compassionate, and focused care, look no further than pearl recovery. Changing your healing journey from a solo trip into a team effort will make a world of a difference. 

The initial recovery date will be focused on mobilizing your lymphatic fluid, reducing swelling, and kick-starting the overall healing process. You will have an extra set of hands, eyes to monitor you and help you heal. When you get proper care from the professionals, recovering from surgery will be much easier.  

Step 2: Sub-Acute/Proliferative Phase 

Think of it as the second phase of recovery. It will last for 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery. In some cases, it can last for about a year (depending on the type of surgery). During this phase, the visible signs of inflammation will subside, the new tissues will start to form, and the edges of your wounds will start to pull back together. Keep in mind that your new tissue is fragile and still needs a lot of care.  

Your mind will start to feel better but your body will still be lagging behind. In certain cases, the bruising and limited range of motion can make them feel frustrated. 

A few of the questions that might pop up in your head are: Can I return back to work? Should I start exercising? Is this how my final results are going to look like? When will I finally feel better? 

Your tissues are new and fragile at this point. They are susceptible to both stagnancy and injury. Hence, you need the appropriate mobilization of the tissues. This cannot be done at home and requires professional help. 

At Pearl Recovery Retreat & Wellness, we have a pre-operative therapist that will analyze your particular case and determine what will work for you. Certain patients require to move a bit while others need to slow down their activity. It all depends on what surgery you underwent and how your body is healing from surgery. Our professional team members will answer all your questions, give you the desired support and help you get through the fears and anxiety associated with healing. 

Step 3: Chronic/Remodeling Phase 

This one is certainly the longest phase. It can last from several months to even a year. During the third stage of recovery, your tissue will organize and mature itself. In some cases, you might experience confusing messaged from your body. Even when you are fully healed, your brain’s alarm will be still turned on. It can take some time to completely go away.  

Your pain will completely go away but you might be left with persisting symptoms that impact your range of motion and mental wellbeing. Don’t fret, you will be back to normal in just a few days. If you are struggling mentally or physically, it is important to take the help of professionals. With the right knowledge and help, you will be able to tackle any mental and physical challenges. 

One thing that helps is to stop trying to find the ‘old normal’ and try to ‘discover the new normal’. Your body will be different post any kind of surgery. Accepting the changes is the only way forward. 

Your therapist will help you adjust to post-surgery life. Remodeling is very difficult to push through and resembles the final few miles of a marathon. With the help from your therapist and staying consistent, you can pass the finish line with great strength. 

Health Maintenance 

Congratulations! The three phases of healing are over now. You have all the freedom that comes with good health and well-being. Maintaining this health and wellbeing requires constant effort on your part and shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Make sure to eat well and lead an active lifestyle. Drink loads of water, take your vitamins regularly, pay close attention to your mental health. 

Visit your doctor regularly to make sure there aren’t any health glitches, get massages, and regular tune-ups to keep feeling healthy. Pay attention to your mental and physical health. At any point post healing, your sense something isn’t functioning well in your body, immediately get in touch with a health care professional. 

Last but not the least, be grateful for your health and don’t take it for granted! 

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Roughly 637,000 body sculpting surgeries are performed each year – but what is body contouring? In this guide, we’ll discuss what these procedures look like, what to expect afterwards, and how to heal properly.

What Is Body Contouring - Pearl Recovery Retreat & Wellness

For people who are overweight or obese, weight loss is often recommended. For some, diet and exercise are enough to banish unwanted pounds. However, for others, medical treatments such as prescription medications or weight-loss surgery will be important features of someone’s weight-loss journey.

When people lose weight, they often have skin and some fat deposits left behind. This can also be the case after one or more pregnancies have taken their toll. While these are not dangerous, many people find them uncomfortable or simply would like them gone. No amount of dieting, exercising, or taking diet pills can remove excess skin, so for these individuals, body contouring is an option. Also called body sculpting, these procedures can remove skin and some stubborn fat deposits left after weight loss. They do not actually help you lose weight (other than the nominal amount of weight the extra skin contributes to your overall body weight).

Types of Body Contouring Procedures

Many parts of the body can be contoured and sculpted. Here are some of the most common contouring surgeries:

– Arm lifts

Also called brachioplasty, an arm lift is when skin and fat deposits are removed from the upper arms. This is most commonly done on the underside of the area between the armpit and the elbow, where gravity takes effect over time and after weight loss. The excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened up to give a more toned appearance.

– Butt lifts

As the name implies, this procedure helps lift up the buttocks. The buttocks tend to sag as a result of the aging process as well as after weight loss. This procedure, also known as BBL surgery, pulls them back up and tightens up the skin. It is sometimes done along with a lower body lift.

– Lower body lifts

During a lower body lift, the buttocks, thighs, hips, and abdomen are all sculpted and toned. This procedure is also sometimes called a belt lipectomy. During the surgery, your doctor will remove extra skin and lift these areas to minimize sagging and to improve the tone and appearance of the area.

– Tummy tucks

Commonly performed after a woman’s last pregnancy, a tummy tuck tightens and tones the lower abdomen. This can also be done after dramatic weight loss, as it will remove any sagging skin that can cause chafing and discomfort.

– Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the more invasive body contouring procedures. Your surgeon will use a suction device to liquefy and remove some of the excess fat deposits in the area being worked on. Some common areas to have liposuction are the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms.

Non-Invasive Body Sculpting Techniques

In addition to the procedures described above, there are also non-invasive body sculpting techniques that some people prefer. These don’t involve scalpels but instead rely on lasers, injections, or ultrasound techniques. Here are some common non-invasive body contouring options:

– Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)

This procedure is also sometimes known as “fat freezing.” It uses an external suction to pull a bulge of fatty tissue into the applicator, and the tissue is chilled to between 30 and 39 degrees fahrenheit. This freezes the fat cells and allows the body to resorb or redistribute them to eliminate the bulge.

– Injectable Deoxycholic Acid (Kybella)

Kybella is a prescription injection that destroys fat cells under the chin. Those who have a “double chin” often have this procedure done to tone and slim out that area of the body.

– Laser Treatment (SculpSure)

Laser treatments can be used on various areas of the body that are holding onto extra fat even after you’ve lost weight. Some common places that SculpSure can be used are the abdomen, back, thighs, and love handles.

– Red Light Therapy (UltraSlim)

UltraSlim uses a patented light to shrink fat cells, leading to a more toned look on the abdomen, thighs, chin, and other areas of the body. Some patients notice a dramatic difference even after the first session.

– Ultrasound Fat Reduction

This type of fat reduction technique uses ultrasound technology to break up fatty tissue. Some people find that they have good results with just one treatment. On the other hand, others will need a series of treatments to get the results they’re looking for.

What to Expect After Body Contouring Procedures

Your recovery after a non-invasive body contouring technique will be relatively quick and easy. You might feel bruised or have very sensitive skin for a few days following your procedure. You might also feel numb, which can be disconcerting. Additionally, you may need pain medication, and you will need to take it easy while your body recovers.

After one of the more invasive body sculpting procedures, expect to have a recovery process that is like any other surgical procedure. During body sculpting surgery recovery, you’ll need to get plenty of rest in bed, and you’ll also have some exercises that your doctor will tell you about to prevent blood clots and other potential complications. You might need to wear compression garments and you may have drainage tubes that need to be changed. You also might have prescription pain medication. Recovery can take several weeks or longer, depending on what area(s) of the body you had sculpted and how you are feeling.

Benefits of Post Op Care

At Pearl Recovery Retreat, we specialize in helping people recover from all types of surgical procedures, including body sculpting. Whether you need a quiet place to recuperate from laser treatment or a full medical staff available to help you get through your recovery after a lower body lift, we are here for you.

In addition to providing medical supervision and plenty of peace and quiet, we also provide healthy, nutrition-packed meals that are exactly what your body needs. We can arrange transportation for you to get back and forth to your surgical center or outpatient facility if you need to follow up with your surgeon. And we have lots of complementary therapies that can be soothing and promote healing after your surgery. If you are having a body contouring procedure, contact Pearl Recovery Retreat to learn about our services and how we can help you heal.

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Smooth Recovery - Pearl Recovery Retreat & Wellness

Having any type of surgery can be nerve-wracking. You might feel concerned about the surgery itself as well as a smooth recovery. What your days will look like, how much pain you’ll be in, and so on. If you are having plastic surgery, you might be particularly concerned about how you will look after the procedure and your healing process. The good news is that you can take steps now to prepare for your procedure and a smooth recovery.

Get Plenty of Rest Ahead of Time

The more well-rested you are before your procedure, the more likely you are to have a smooth recovery.  Getting ready for surgery can be tiring and mentally draining, so in the days leading up to it, try to take some extra time for rest and relaxation. You might look into some mindfulness or meditation routines that can put you in a calm, restful state of mind. This is also great practice for staying mindful and relaxed after your surgery. This is of the utmost importance when it comes to healing and a smooth recovery.

Read Over Your Preparation Instructions

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might have to stop eating certain foods or taking certain medications before your procedure. It would be very stressful to find this out a day or two before your surgery when you were meant to have stopped your intake of these substances a week or two prior! Don’t let that happen to you. When you go in for your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you’ll be given a list of tips for preparation. Read them through during a relaxed moment and make a plan for following them.

It is equally important not to take steps that you should be avoiding. For example, some people will be asked to stop taking certain painkillers (particularly those containing ingredients like ibuprofen), but other people really need to continue taking them, so their surgeons will not recommend that they stop. The same might be said about blood thinners; in some cases, you might need to switch to a different type. Your doctor will go over your unique needs with you and will make recommendations based on those. If you aren’t sure if you should stop taking a medication, contact your doctor and ask rather than taking matters into your own hands.

Arrange for a Ride To and From Your Procedure

You will not be able to drive yourself home from your surgery, so make sure you have a reliable ride set up to take you to and from the facility. Your ride might or might not be allowed to wait in the waiting area, so find out how long the surgery will take so he or she can plan accordingly. You might also want to arrange for a backup ride in case your planned driver gets sick or cannot do it at the last minute. The more options you have in place, the less stressed you will be.

Plan What You Will Eat in the Days Following Your Surgery

After plastic surgery, you might be very sore and unable to cook the types of meals you usually do. Since good nutrition is vital to a smooth recovery, it’s important to have a plan in place. You might choose to cook extra batches of some of your favorite foods to have on hand as needed. Also, consider having fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, and other easy-to-grab snacks available.

Ask Someone to Stay With You Post-Procedure

After any surgical procedure, you might be tired and shaky on your feet for a day or two due to the anesthesia you’ll have. You also might feel nauseated and unable to eat large meals. You might even need help getting to and from the bathroom, getting dressed, washing your hair, and so on. If you live alone, it’s best to have someone stay with you to help you with these activities.

If you already live with another adult who can help you, make sure that they can take a few days off of work to care for you. Also, if you have young children, arrange for your partner to care for them or ask a friend or family member to keep them at their house. This will give you the peace and quiet you will need to recuperate without your children calling for you, climbing on you, crying to be picked up, etc.

If you do not have an adult, a friend, or relative who can stay with you for a few days, you might need to hire a nurse to come and help. Remember that you’ll need to get up and move around to prevent complications and to speed up a smooth recovery, so you will want someone who is capable of helping you walk. A nurse can also monitor you for signs of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, which are uncommon but very severe complications of any type of surgery.

Consider Staying at a Recovery Center

When you book a stay at Pearl Recovery Retreat, you won’t have to worry about many of the tips listed above and are guaranteed a smooth recovery. Your meals will be cooked for you and delivered to your bed. You will have options available if you are nauseated and can’t stomach “real food” for the first day or so.. You’ll also have nursing care available; all you’ll need to do is relax and allow your body to heal. The nurses can also help you move around as recommended by your surgeon and check you for signs of complications. At Pearl Recovery Retreat, transportation from your surgical facility after your procedure is included. If you need a follow-up appointment with your surgeon, that transportation is arranged, too.

Talk to your surgeon about whether you would benefit from a stay at our retreat, and call us for more information about our recovery services as well as the other services available. Our goal is for you to get  a smooth recovery from plastic surgery as quickly as possible so you can get back to doing the things that are important to you.

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2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

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