So you’ve had the surgery. Maybe it was a facelift that took years off your appearance. Perhaps a tummy tuck after massive weight loss or pregnancy. Could be breast augmentation, a mommy makeover, or even a Brazilian butt lift. The surgical results are healing beautifully, the swelling is going down, and you’re starting to see the transformation you invested in. But your skin needs help recovering from the trauma. Or maybe you’re dealing with scars that aren’t fading as quickly as you’d hoped. Perhaps the skin quality just isn’t matching your newly improved contours. This is where medical spa treatments become the perfect complement to surgical procedures.
At Raise The Bar Med Spa in Gilbert, we work closely with plastic surgery patients who are in various stages of recovery. We understand that surgery addresses structure – removing excess skin, repositioning tissue, adding volume with implants. But skin quality, texture, scar management, and maintenance require a different approach. Think of surgery as renovation and our treatments as the interior design that makes everything look polished and finished.
Timing is everything when it comes to post surgical treatments. Too early and you risk complications, infection, or interfering with healing. Too late and you miss the optimal window for certain interventions, particularly with scar management. Generally, we wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery before starting any treatments, and even then, we’re extremely gentle and selective about what we do. Your surgeon’s clearance is essential – we work as a team, not independently.
Scar management is often the first priority. Surgical scars go through phases, and each phase benefits from different treatments. In the early phase (6-12 weeks post surgery), scars are red, raised, and actively forming. This is when intervention can make the biggest difference. Gentle treatments around (never directly on) healing incisions can improve circulation and promote better healing. We might use LED therapy, specifically red light, which promotes healing and reduces inflammation without touching the area.
Once scars are fully closed and your surgeon approves, usually around 8 to 12 weeks, we can start more targeted treatments. Microneedling around scars (not on them initially) can help blend the texture with surrounding skin. Very gentle chemical peels can improve the overall skin quality, making scars less noticeable. The key is starting gently and gradually increasing intensity as healing progresses.
For facial surgery patients, the concern is often that their skin quality doesn’t match their new contours. You might have had a beautiful facelift, but if your skin is sun damaged, has poor texture, or uneven pigmentation, the results won’t look as good as they could. This is where treatments like HydraFacial become invaluable. They improve skin quality without any trauma, perfect for post surgical skin that’s still sensitive.
The lymphatic system needs special attention after surgery. Surgery disrupts normal lymph flow, leading to swelling and delayed healing. Manual lymphatic drainage massage can help, but we can also use specific treatments that promote lymphatic function. Certain HydraFacial protocols include lymphatic drainage. LED therapy promotes circulation and lymph flow. These treatments not only reduce swelling faster but improve overall healing.
Bruising is another post surgical concern we can address. While some bruising is normal and necessary (it’s part of the healing process), lingering bruising can be frustrating. Certain LED wavelengths can help bruises resolve faster. Arnica based treatments, both topical and oral, can help. The key is not interfering with normal healing while helping unnecessary bruising clear.
For body contouring surgery like tummy tucks or liposuction, skin quality becomes even more important. You’ve gone through surgery to improve your contours – you want the skin to match. Microneedling can improve texture and tighten mild laxity. It’s particularly effective for the crepey skin that sometimes appears after liposuction. Most patients benefit from a series starting about 3 months post surgery.
Breast surgery patients often deal with specific skin concerns. Stretch marks might be more visible on newly augmented breasts. The chest area might have sun damage that’s now more noticeable. Scars from augmentation, reduction, or lifts need careful management. We can address all of these once healing is complete, using targeted treatments that improve skin quality without affecting the surgical results.
The psychological aspect of post surgical recovery is significant. You’ve invested thousands of dollars and gone through significant recovery. You’re anxious to see final results. You might be second guessing your decision during the ugly duckling phase of healing. Having a professional team supporting your recovery, celebrating improvements, and addressing concerns makes a huge difference in the emotional journey.
Maintenance after surgery is crucial for preserving your investment. Surgery can turn back the clock, but it doesn’t stop it. Regular treatments help maintain your surgical results longer. HydraFacials keep facial skin quality optimal. Tox prevents new wrinkles from forming. Fillers can extend facelift results by maintaining volume. Think of it as protecting your investment with regular maintenance rather than waiting for problems to develop.
The order of treatments matters when combining surgery with non surgical options. Generally, surgery comes first to address structural issues. Then non surgical treatments refine and maintain results. But sometimes we do treatments before surgery to optimize skin quality for better healing. And sometimes certain concerns are better addressed non surgically even when surgery is planned. It’s about creating the most effective overall plan.
Here’s what a typical post surgical treatment timeline might look like: Weeks 1-6: Gentle LED therapy if approved, lymphatic drainage, scar care education. Weeks 6-12: Begin gentle HydraFacials, continue LED therapy, start scar treatments. Months 3-6: Add microneedling if needed, chemical peels for texture, more aggressive scar treatment. Ongoing: Regular maintenance to preserve surgical results.
Product use after surgery needs to be carefully managed. Your surgeon might have specific requirements that override normal skincare rules. Scar care products need to be applied correctly – too much can macerate tissue, too little won’t help. Sun protection becomes even more critical as scars are prone to hyperpigmentation. We help you navigate the confusing world of post surgical skincare.
Realistic expectations are essential when combining surgical and non surgical treatments. Non surgical treatments can enhance surgical results, but they can’t replace surgery when it’s needed. Similarly, surgery can’t create perfect skin quality – that requires additional treatment. The combination of both gives the best overall results, but it requires investment of both time and money.
The results of combining surgery with medical spa treatments can be remarkable. Surgical results look better when skin quality matches the improved contours. Scars fade faster and better with proper treatment. Recovery is often easier with supportive treatments. Long term results are maintained better with ongoing care. It’s truly a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Communication between your surgical and non surgical teams is essential. We need to know what procedure was done, what technique was used, any complications during healing, and your surgeon’s specific requirements. Your surgeon needs to know what treatments we’re planning and when. This collaboration ensures safe, effective treatment that enhances rather than compromises your surgical results.
At Raise The Bar Med Spa, we’re experienced in post surgical care and work with many of the top plastic surgeons in the Phoenix area. We understand the unique needs of post surgical skin, the importance of proper timing, and how to enhance surgical results with non surgical treatments. Whether you’re preparing for surgery, recovering from a recent procedure, or maintaining results from surgery years ago, we’re here to support your journey to looking your absolute best.
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