Why does post-surgical recovery matter so much?
All surgery produces swelling, and the way the body resolves it directly influences the final result: how long the definitive contour takes to appear, the quality of the scar, and the patient’s comfort during the first weeks.
A good recovery protocol does not accelerate biological healing beyond what the body allows, but it can support a more efficient reduction of swelling, greater comfort and a better appearance of scars. Results may vary according to each patient, their type of surgery and their adherence to post-operative instructions.
The general recovery protocol
Whatever the procedure, Dr. Arístides Arellano’s post-operative follow-up generally includes:
- A compression garment (for body surgery) for the weeks indicated, to control swelling and help the skin adapt to the new contour.
- Follow-up appointments to review healing, remove sutures or drains, and adjust instructions.
- Progressive restrictions on physical activity, lifted in stages according to the type of surgery.
- Complementary treatments (described below), prescribed according to the procedure performed and each patient’s progress.
All surgery carries risk and requires prior medical assessment and proper post-operative follow-up.
Available post-surgical treatments
Manual lymphatic drainage
A specialised therapeutic massage technique that helps mobilise the fluid accumulated by post-operative swelling. Together with the compression garment, it is one of the pillars of the recovery protocol after body surgery such as liposculpture, abdominoplasty or breast augmentation.
Approximate price: Per assessment (depends on the number of sessions and the area). Confirmed at your consultation.
Hyperbaric chamber (hyperbaric oxygenation)
Sessions in which the patient breathes oxygen at above-atmospheric pressure, increasing the amount of oxygen available in the bloodstream. Used as support in the healing process across various procedures, per medical indication.
Approximate price: $700 MXN per session · 10-session package $6,000 MXN. Confirmed at your consultation.
Radiofrequency
A treatment that applies energy to stimulate the skin of the treated area. Used in some cases as part of post-operative skin-quality care.
Approximate price: $800 MXN per session · 6-session package $7,000 MXN. Confirmed at your consultation.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
A concentrate obtained from the patient’s own blood, rich in growth factors, used as support in healing and skin-recovery processes.
Approximate price: $3,000 MXN. Confirmed at your consultation.
Scar laser (ResurFX / CO₂)
Laser treatment aimed at improving the appearance of surgical scars, once the wound has closed and the physician so indicates.
Approximate price: From $8,000 MXN (ResurFX) — CO₂ laser from $25,000 MXN. Confirmed at your consultation.
Carboxytherapy
Subcutaneous application of medical carbon dioxide, used in some recovery and skin-quality protocols.
Approximate price: $700 MXN per session · 10-session package $6,000 MXN. Confirmed at your consultation.
Collagen chamber
Phototherapy sessions aimed at supporting collagen production in the skin.
Approximate price: $1,000 MXN per session. Confirmed at your consultation.
Collagen biostimulators
Injectable treatments that stimulate the natural production of collagen, used in some cases as part of medium-term skin care after surgery.
Approximate price: Per assessment. Confirmed at your consultation.
The combination of treatments for each patient is defined individually, according to the surgical procedure performed and their progress. Not every treatment applies to every case.
General recovery timeline
- First weekThe phase of greatest swelling and discomfort; relative rest, compression garment where applicable, and the first follow-up appointments.
- Weeks 2–4Progressive decrease in swelling and bruising; gradual return to daily activities and, in many cases, the start of complementary treatments such as lymphatic drainage.
- Weeks 4–8Progressive lifting of restrictions on physical activity, according to the type of surgery.
- Months 3–12Refinement of the definitive result, varying by procedure: the nasal tip after rhinoplasty can take up to 12 months; body contour after liposculpture, 3 to 6 months.
This timeline is general and indicative: each procedure has its own recovery calendar, detailed on its own page.
Results and timelines may vary from patient to patient.
Who is this protocol for?
Any patient who has undergone, or is about to undergo, plastic surgery with Dr. Arístides Arellano, whether aesthetic or reconstructive. The specific complementary treatment —drainage, hyperbaric chamber, scar laser, among others— is prescribed according to the procedure performed, the skin type and individual progress.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the hyperbaric chamber cost?
The reference price is approximately $700 MXN per session, with a 10-session package at $6,000 MXN. The number of sessions recommended depends on the surgical procedure performed and is defined during your post-operative follow-up. Approximate price — the definitive cost is set at your private consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano.
What is lymphatic drainage and what is it for after surgery?
It is a specialised therapeutic massage technique that helps mobilise the fluid accumulated by post-operative swelling, reducing puffiness more comfortably after surgery such as liposculpture, abdominoplasty or breast augmentation. The number of sessions is prescribed individually.
What is the aftercare following plastic surgery?
In general: relative rest as prescribed, use of a compression garment where applicable, attendance at follow-up appointments, progressive restriction of physical activity, and the complementary treatments —lymphatic drainage, hyperbaric chamber, among others— that Dr. Arístides prescribes for your specific procedure. Timelines may vary from patient to patient.
How long must I wear the compression garment?
It varies by procedure. For body surgery such as liposculpture or abdominoplasty, continuous use for several weeks is usually prescribed. The exact duration is defined during your post-operative follow-up.
Do all patients need the same post-surgical treatments?
No. The combination of treatments —lymphatic drainage, hyperbaric chamber, scar laser, among others— is prescribed individually according to the procedure performed, the skin type and each patient’s progress. Not every treatment applies to every case.
Does the hyperbaric chamber speed up healing?
Hyperbaric oxygenation increases the amount of oxygen available in the bloodstream and is used as support in the healing process, per medical indication. A recovery protocol does not accelerate biological healing beyond what the body allows, but it can support a more efficient reduction of swelling and greater comfort. Results may vary.
About Dr. Arístides Arellano
Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic surgeon holding a specialty licence: he practises under a Mexican medical licence (D.G.P. 1125959) and a specialty licence in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (0002008), both issued by the Directorate General of Professions (DGP), which reissued his certificate of professional standing in 2025. His career began before Mexico’s present-day specialty-board system existed: he belongs to the founding generation of plastic surgery in Puebla, the second generation of a surgical tradition started in 1971 by Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. Trust is verified, not promised: both licences are public and anyone can look them up in the DGP’s National Registry of Professionals.
Questions about your recovery, or want to schedule your post-surgical treatments?
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