My BBL

I am just a little over 3 months post op and wanted to post an update. I am very happy with my results. It is very natural looking and exactly how I wanted.

Well it’s taken me some time to get this out because it has been such a whirlwind. I wanted to be thorough and as detailed as possible. I’ve decided I’ll address this per experience and hopefully it’ll help some with lingering questions. Just to reiterate, I had 360 lipo, BBL, arm lipo and chin lipo.
Days pre op: I arrived a few days early and stayed at a hotel. During that time I got my blood lab work, EKG and covid tests completed. Not to mention a bit of touring the city and eating at a few incredible restaurants. (I have recommendations if anyone is looking for amazing food).
One thing to remember with the office at Innovare hospital, it is very clean and everyone is very kind and friendly. However,
there is no sense of urgency whatsoever and it is a tad unorganized. I did have to keep reminding myself that they just do things differently here and it’s important to keep an open mind and willingness to adjust. Let me make clear, my experience was not negative, just different from what was expected.
Pre op consult: I cannot say enough about Dr Arenas. My consult went so well. He was so patient with me. I did not feel rushed at all and he took his time and made sure to answer all my questions in detail. We even decided on a few tweaks here and there to make my results come out better. I left there feeling so comfortable and happy with my decision on this doctor. He takes great pride in his work and that is very evident.
Surgery day: This was another experience that was very different from what I am used to. In my previous post I explained I have had plastic surgery before so I am accustomed to what the process is like. It is a bit different than how we do things in America. However at no point was I uncomfortable. I was admitted into surgery and they took me back and I changed into my gown. From there it was pretty typical procedure, IV insert, vitals etc. At that time the anesthesiologist came in to speak to me. I asked a lot of questions and I did find out that he does not use general anesthesia. He uses epidural and sedation. A piece of info that I wasn’t aware of so I was glad I asked. In the long run I experienced no difference than general anesthesia however it is always good to know.
Post op: The recovery room where you are just coming out of surgery was not the greatest experience. I feel that there are so many patients throughout the day going in and out that the staff there is very impersonal and desensitized. Although that is not surprising with how much traffic goes through there. Luckily I was only there for an hour then I was taken to my room. Once I was in my room I was treated so well and could not say enough about Dr Arenas nurses who took care of me for the night I was there. My every need was met and every question answered. My nurse even stayed the night in my room with me on the couch. That’s how devoted they are to their care.
Recovery house: I would highly recommend you stay at the Morada Luna recovery house that works directly with Dr Arenas if you can. Unfortunately they were booked when I had my surgery so I stayed at Medtrip. I would not recommend this recovery house. If you would like details about my experience there then feel free to dm me. I just encourage you to do our research on recovery houses prior to making a decision.
Post op: My post op appointment went really well however doctor found that I had A LOT of fluid in my abdomen. (Part of why I don’t recommend this recovery house). But doctor and his nurses drained the fluid and I continued to drain everyday before I left. By the time I went for my last ultrasound appointment the doctor came to visit me and said I looked so much better than a few days before. He knew I was leaving that day so wanted to see me one more time just to make sure I was looking ok. Another reason why he’s so great. Just taking the extra time when he don’t have to meant so much to me and made me feel like I was ready to go home.
At home recovery: Things are going really well and I am now a little over two weeks post op. I opted to see a lymphatic massage therapist to help with my recovery and I’m so glad I did. I see her everyday and I really feel like I am getting the Cadillac of post op treatment. Fibrosis was such a fear of mine so I wanted to be sure I am doing everything right. I am getting a mixture of lymphatic massages, ultrasonic cavitation and radio frequency therapy. They have also helped me with getting a new faja with boards and foam to help with contouring.
All in all I am so thrilled with my results so far. I would go back to Dr Arenas in a second. He truly is an artist. I have attached a few pics that I took about a week ago. Still very swollen but progress gets better day by day. Like I keep seeing in everyone’s posts “TRUST THE PROCESS!” Your results will look better everyday. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have. I am more than happy to help in any way I can.