Beyond the Surgery: What RN Kiana and Dr. Fasusi Want Every Patient to Know
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Fajas, or compression garments, are more than just shaping tools. They smooth your silhouette, make outfits look amazing, and are a must-have for many recovering from surgery. Whether you’re healing, getting glam for a big night, or want that extra boost of confidence, your faja has your back.
And let’s be honest —wearing a faja is all about feeling good and owning your look. Sometimes you don’t care if it peeks through, but other times you want it to stay your little secret. That’s when tiny things like lines, straps, or stubborn zippers can get in the way. Don’t worry—we’ve got some fun and easy tricks to keep everything smooth, sleek, and totally stylish.
The other day, we sat down with two amazing health and beauty experts: Kiana, RN, owner of Holistic Recovery and Wellness Spa, and Dr. Fasusi, a skilled plastic surgeon.
Their conversation went beyond medical talk — it offered practical advice every patient should know. From why massages are more than “pampering,” to how compression garments really help, to navigating the emotional ups and downs… These tips can make all the difference.
Curious to see the full conversation? Watch the video here!
The First Weeks: Massages Are More Than a Luxury
Lymphatic massages are the unsung heroes of recovery — they drain fluid, reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and actively support healing from the start.
For Kiana, recovery massages are treatment, not pampering. She recommends 15–20 sessions in the first 2–3 months and warns: only trained post-op care truly protects your results.
Dr. Fasusi recommended a structured approach to recovery massages, breaking it down into clear stages:
Week 1: Drainage massages are essential. They release fluid, reduce swelling, and ease discomfort.
Weeks 2–6: The golden massage period. At least 15 sessions, starting with 3 per week and then tapering.
After 6 weeks: Advanced therapies like radiofrequency, cavitation, or wood therapy can smooth scar tissue, improve skin texture, and refine contour.
Bottom line 
Recovery massages aren’t optional — they’re a key element in healing and achieving the best outcome.
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One of the biggest misconceptions? Patients thinking Stage 1, 2, and 3 fajas mean small, medium, and large. That couldn’t be further from the truth. These stages refer to the function and intensity of compression, not the size tag.
Here 's how Dr. Fasusi explained it:
Stage 1 (first week post-op): Gentle compression — snug but not tight. Protects circulation and avoids skin issues like lipo burns. Always worn with foams and boards.
Stage 2 (2/3 Weeks): Once incisions are healed. Firm compression sculpts your body and controls swelling. No need to size down constantly — just adjust or switch fajas if needed. What matters most is consistency during these months.
Stage 3 (after 2–3 months): You can stay in Stage 2 up to 6 months, but Stage 3 offers extra definition. Extra High-compression garments with rods and latex refine results — just remeasure and use extenders if needed. For rod support but with more comfort, Aphrodite fajas are a great option.
As Dr. Fasusi put it:
“Compression is like Goldilocks — not too much, not too little. Just right.”
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After surgery, it’s not just one incision healing — your whole body is rebuilding. Nutrition is the fuel that makes tissues bond and recover.
Here’s the breakdown from Dr. Fasusi:
Protein (first 6 weeks): 1–1.5 g/kg — helps tissues bond and prevents complications.
Healthy fats: Avocado, salmon, nuts, olive oil — support fat survival after BBL.
Balance: Avoid extreme diets; your body needs protein, fats, carbs, and micronutrients to rebuild.
So when we say “feed the fat,” we don’t mean fried chicken or burgers. We mean feed your healing. 
Hydration: More Than Just Water
If there’s one thing patients often overlook, it’s hydration. And according to Dr. Fasusi, it can make or break your recovery — especially after large-volume liposuction or mommy makeovers.
Here’s what he recommends:
Water alone isn’t enough; add electrolytes (sodium, potassium).
Sports drinks hydrate better in the first 48 hrs.
Sodium is safe in moderation — avoid excess or cutting it out completely.
Kiana prioritizes hydration in recovery, offering IV therapy in her packages. Proper fluid replenishment reduces swelling, speeds healing, and keeps energy levels steady—a small step with a big impact.
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Kiana highlighted that many patients expect to look like superstars right after surgery — but recovery is a process, with swelling, bruising, and doubts that are completely normal.
Dr. Fasusi reminded us that recovery isn’t a straight line. You can set a goal and make a plan, but sometimes that plan will need to change along the way.
Complications like swelling, fibrosis, or even seromas may appear — and they’re not failures, just part of the process. What truly matters is being willing to adapt, stay patient with yourself, and adjust your recovery plan as your body responds.
That's why Dr. Fasusi stresses open communication with your providers. Setting realistic expectations from the start makes recovery less overwhelming and easier to manage.
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Recovery isn’t a straight line — every journey is unique. Trust the process, care for your body with compression, massages, nutrition, hydration, and emotional support. Healing is about patience, self-kindness, and celebrating progress, big or small — not just looking your best, but feeling confident and whole. 
Important Reminder: Every recovery is unique, and while these tips are powerful, they should never replace the guidance of your own surgeon or medical team. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions — they know your body and your surgery best.