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New York Lifestyle Magazine.
Remodeling a life & body
by mindle barnett
Becoming a mother changed everything. It instantly transforms your priorities and your level of baseline stress. In short, it changes your body! My physical shape never returned to its prenatal figure, even for me, a former size zero pre-babies.
FINDING THE PERFECT FIX
I knew there was no natural fix to piece me back together. Still, I also knew that plastic surgery in an investment, not only in money but the time and patience to dedicate to recover properly. Se, I put it off until I couldn’t bear loking at myself in a swimsuit any lenger. On the brink of turning fifty, a single mother, an entrepreneur, and public mental health speaker, 1 needed to look good. But more importantly, I wanted the confidence felt inside myself to match my spirit when I looked in the mirror. And until seeking the support and expertise of Neinstein Plastic Surgery, 1 was not on my A game when it came to my reflection
1 did my due diligence in locating the best when remodeling moms. De Ryan Neinstein and Dr. Chris Funderburk (my surgeon) are experts in mommy metamorphosis. It’s all they do all day, every day, and moms from all over the US and abmad seek them to fix their bellies, their backs, their breasts (which is spearheaded by Dr. Anna Stevel, and more. “Our team comprises individuals with unimpeachable character and unwavering commitment to excellence,” explains board-certified plastic surgem Dr. Ryan Neinstein. “We put in the hard work to create meaningful relationships amongst team members, allowing purposeful and passionate work to resonate seith our patients
TIGHTEN UP
So, if I was going to plunge into plastic surgery to fix my pregnancy plagued physique, I knew I also needed to go to this New York City plastic surgery mecca. The consult revealed what would he needed a hernia repair coupled with a bellybutton revision, the restructuring of my diastasis, some lipo-sculpting and because I had accumulated unwanted real estate on my lower back (thanks to gravity and age) I had lipo to slim down that area un “To tackle all of these issues, 1 performed a combination procedure of a tummy tuck, energy assisted liposuction of the abdomen and waist, and creating an entirely new belly button, explains board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Funderburk, “The tummy tuck procedure removes excess skin on the lower abdomen, resulting in tighter tummy skin. Because of the prior damage to the belly button, I incorporated a procedure to re create the belly button in the appropriate location. To shape the waist and sculpt the abdomen, I used the latest skin-tightening technology and liposuction in at procedure called Lipo360 or liposculpture. The result is a slenderer waist and tummy, with tighter abdominal skin, realigned core muscles, and a new belly button
On the big day, I was not nervous. I knew I was well cared for, the best hands, and I knew the practice’s philosophy was not only about putting safety first, but the aftercare process was also of utmost importance to them “Surgery is much more than a technical endeavor to us,” explains Dr. Neinstein. “Its an opportunity to take something overwhelming and scary and make it comforting and enjoyable. The experience to us is how we weave our culture of caring into the results for our patients
LUXURY TLC
Neinstein Plastic Surgery exudes luxury and elegance and everyone from the receptionists to the nurses to the coctors who emit warmth and empathy. Moreover, the practice boasts its own operatives, so all procedures are done safely, in-house, and without the hassle and often the germ-centric hospital
My procedure was 5 hours, but with the gift of anesthesia, it felt more like five minutes, and soon after, I was wheeled out by their concierge to take me and their aftercare partner, Radiant Recovery & Wellness Registered Nurses, home to rest. Nurse and CEO Deanna Komalski immediately set me up in my apartment, snuggled me in bed, and gave me a nutrient and vitamin infused IV treatment before I drifted hack to sleep. She was at my disposal all night and the next day, alongside her colleague Juliana Sicoli, who came armed with her freshly made pressed organic “Juli Juices” to fuel me with the post up power I needed Ongoing temperature checks and amastance with anything and everything related to functioning that first night and day, including my first (and tricky) shower, sprinkled in with their warmth and compassion (and an incredible lymphatic facial), made my first post-op 24 hours heavenly
I worked my first day post op from bed and was walking around New York City (a few blocks at a time) by day twu. By the beginning of my first post-op week, I was in full WFH mode, and by week two back in my office, heading to TV shoots and living my mom’s life as usual. There an restrictions, lifting heavy objects and retiming to a regular workout regimen are two prime examples, but the overall discomfort and typical fears many have before embarking on such an endeavor were minimal Every day I am getting stronger and feeling more like myself, but a much better version, a slimmer and healthier version, and one that exceeds how I feel on the inside when I look in the mirror!
For more Neinstein Plastic Surgery, visit neinsteinplasticsurgery.com. for Radiant Recovery and Wellness, visit radiantrecoveryandwellness.com
How To Recover From Surgery with Radiant Recovery
When Lauryn had her breast implants removed, her aftercare was of the utmost importance. As it is with all surgeries.
Lauryn’s nurses from Radiant Recovery went above and beyond for her making the days after surgery as comfortable as they could be, giving her peace of mind that her recovery was on track and she was doing all the right things. From what supplements to take, when to introduce movement, and helping with medications and repositioning, the Radiant Recover nurses outdid themselves.
Today Marissa and Deana from Radiant Recovery are here to give you all the pre and post surgery tips, as well as what you should look for in a surgeon. Their team of experienced nurses offer impeccable care to people post-surgery and you can find their services all over the country.
With that, let’s welcome Marissa and Deana to the blog.
Hi! I’m Deana Ayala. I am a Registered Nurse, CEO, and Founder of Radiant Recovery Registered Nurses. I started my nursing career 6 years ago graduating from Sacred Heart University. While studying I also had a minor in Business, and took multiple Leadership workshops my University had to offer.
When I landed my first job as a nurse, I knew immediately that it was not the ideal nursing role for me. Turns out I was right and eight months later I was already on the hunt for a new position. This cycle repeated 6 more times before finally discovering my lot in life. I knew one day I would find myself and am so thankful today that I trusted my intuition and never gave up.
In the summer of 2022 with the support of my loving husband I began to formulate a plan. I would begin to market myself to Plastic Surgeons to provide private nursing care, a side hustle to get our growing family by. I was not a stranger to the world of plastic surgery. My mother worked as a plastic surgical OR technician and I observed surgery my entire childhood. By October of 2022, I landed my first private nursing job that marked the beginning of major change.
January 2023 is when I discovered Neinstein Plastic Surgery. “We’ll give you one patient and follow their feedback. If we like what we hear, we’ll give you more.” And that’s exactly what they did! I thank NPS everyday for their belief in my vision and passion. March of 2023 came and I was feeling the beautiful pressure of growth! By now, Marissa and I had re-connected from our college years and the timing couldn’t have been more divine. It’s difficult finding others that hold the same understanding of hard work and the dedication it takes to live a successful life. To say we are the perfect match would be an understatement. Needless to say, I recognized the opportunity I have created was outgrowing a one woman show, and she immediately jumped on board.
My name is Marissa Percivalle. I am 25 years old and have had a passion for health and wellness for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the surgery world from a young age with my uncle being a world-renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Richard Bensimon. My aunt has been an RN in the plastics industry for years. I had the privilege to intern at the Bensimon Center during my college years.
Deana and I became friends in college during my freshman year as teammates on the dance team. We would do little side hustles together for extra money as broke college students and would exercise together because she shared my passion for health and fitness. We stayed connected after college talking about our routines in the gym and how we were working long hours to make a living through travel nursing. That was when Deana told me that she was building a private duty nursing company.
Plastic surgery patients were seeking professional postoperative care and guidance on nutrition, the do’s and don’ts after surgery, and more. As scary as it was to leave our secure full time jobs, Deana first took the leap. I was recovering patients with her whenever I was not working at the hospital. Finally Deana said “Marissa, it’s time.” Now she was not only one of my closest friends but my dedicated business partner. By stepping into my role at Radiant. I fulfilled my dreams. To leave the hospital and be able to care for patients utilizing the knowledge from my research and experience is an absolute blessing. We wanted to separate ourselves from all the other postoperative companies out there.
Our focus is on natural and holistic care. We let our patients rest, lowering not only their physiological stress after surgery but their psychological stress as well. We provide liposomal vitamins and guide them in selecting whole unprocessed, gut healing foods. Our nurses offer so much more than just nursing care. Empathy, kindness, and patience are highly valued and required.
We are bridging the gap between the recovery room and your personal recovery oasis in order to improve patient safety and surgical outcomes. What we achieve for our patients is the company name, to provide a Radiant Recovery! We take care of patients after elective cosmetic surgery. Many of our clients travel from out of state or internationally for their procedures and rely on us to get them through recovery.
Others are local and prefer the professionalism and confidentiality private care provides. We strive to provide the top level of recovery care, and begin our relationship with our patients long before they leave the operating room. The more we educate prior to surgery, the more prepared the patient is, and the better they handle the recovery process. We believe that knowledge is power, especially when preparing for elective surgery!
Most people wake up from their procedure and think “Phew, the hard part is over.” However, we know that the hardest part has actually just begun. Recovery is where the true journey begins. Before starting Radiant Recovery, we worked with surgeons whose patients would wake up from surgery and call themselves an Uber home! Did you know that it is written into law that a patient following an outpatient procedure requires a responsible adult for the next 24 hours to care of them? We decided to be that resource, take away that burden from friends and family, and keep YOU safe.
How To Recover From Surgery with Radiant Recovery
Do your research when choosing a surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon is incredibly important for any medical procedure. An important component to consider when choosing the right surgeon is their credentials. You want to make sure they are board-certified in their speciality which indicates they have the necessary training, skills, and experience. It is always good to ask your surgeon how many times they’ve performed the surgery you are interested in, and what their success rates are. Another factor to consider is the environment. Is your surgeon affiliated with a top rated hospital? If they are in private practice and perform surgery in their office, are they licensed to do so? What is the atmosphere of the office?
Up to date equipment and a clean operating room says alot about a practice. Reviews and testimonials are a great way to see feedback of previous patients. Look online to see if your doctor has a social media presence or google review page. Patterns of positive reviews can be informative.
In your consultation, be aware of how the doctor communicates. A good surgeon should be willing to answer your questions in depth and explain your procedure in a way you can understand. They should also be listening to your concerns and hold the same aesthetic vision you desire. Every surgery has risks. Make sure your surgeon discusses these potential complications and how they would be handled. Lastly, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or you’re uncomfortable with the surgeon, it’s okay to seek a second opinion. Remember, this is your health, well being, and aesthetic. You’ll thank yourself later for taking the time to do your research.
Keeping stress levels low, plan ahead
Keeping stress levels low and planning ahead can greatly contribute to overall well-being and a smoother experience when preparing for your procedure. Here are our main tips in reducing stress:
1. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress.
2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Regular exercise before your procedure will also play a huge part in how well you recover from surgery.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating nutritious foods can positively impact both physical and mental health and is a great habit to start in order to maintain your results post plastic surgery.
4. Network with others: It is normal to feel anxious about going forward with your surgery. Joining groups and platforms that will give you a sense of community and give you an outlet to express your thoughts will keep you calm and prepare you for your upcoming recovery. Positive groups only.
Planning ahead and preparing for your plastic surgery will ensure everything goes smoothly before, during, and after the surgery. Let’s break this down into before, the day of, and after your procedure.
BEFORE SURGERY:
Before the surgery you will need to discuss your medical history and medications. Provide a detailed medical history to your surgeon and make sure they are aware of all medications, supplements, and allergies you have. Follow any instructions for pre-operative testing such as blood work, EKG, or image scans.
Depending on your location and where you are recovering, arranging transportation is definitely something to think about. How will you get to/from the surgery center? Who will be there to monitor you and help you get settled? Depending on what kind of plastic surgery procedure you’re undergoing, you may need to seek professional help – which we will get to soon! Before the big day you want to make sure you have accumulated all the supplies needed and recommended by your surgery team. Typically, you’ll be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight before the surgery, as well as wash yourself with Hibiclens 1-2 x before the big day.
THE DAY OF:
The day of surgery you will arrive at your surgery center wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid jewelry, makeup, and nail polish. A pro tip is to wear BLACK. After a mommy makeover or liposuction, you may leak from your incision lines so wearing black will disguise the temporary mess. Don’t forget all necessary documents, including ID, insurance cards and any paperwork for your doctor. If you have any last minute questions, don’t hesitate to ask your medical team. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques to calm your nerves will go a long way the morning of plastic surgery. Visualize that new body, and get excited.
OK let’s get into the juicy stuff, what to expect and how to properly recover after the surgery:
1. REST
By this we mean do not just rest physically, rest mentally. Like previously mentioned stress before, during and after surgery also limits the body’s ability to heal. Studies show that while recovering from an injury or surgery, if you are experiencing psychological stress, the healing time can extend by 25 percent or more. The immune system plays a central role in wound healing, and stress alters your immune system’s ability.
2. Proper nutrition is MAJOR before surgery but also after.
We suggest a low sodium bone broth and anti-inflammatory foods like berries and avocados. Also we suggest Sulinu “Before + After Vitals” which is a supplement powder created just for surgical patients.
3. Booking professional aftercare.
Knowing that there is a trained professional available to assist with any medical needs can provide peace of mind for both the patient and their family members. Research has shown that patients who receive private nursing care after surgery often experience faster and smoother recoveries compared to those who do not receive this level of care.
4. Hydration (The RIGHT KIND)
Not colored and fruity drinks that disrupt your gut, but natural electrolytes. We suggested based on your surgery a pinch of celtic sea salt. Fresh pressed juice is another great source of electrolytes as well. One drink we like to make for our patients is a combination of coconut water and tart cherry juice. Given the ample scientific evidence showing the benefits of tart cherries on pain reduction, muscle recovery, blood pressure control, and sleep improvement, we recommend it.
5. Walking, finding the perfect medium between not doing enough, and doing too much.
It is important to let your body heal but laying in bed for too long can cause its own fair share of issues. Walking helps promote blood flow to your surgery sites and increases healing time.
6. Attend follow up appointments.
Your surgeon schedules these for a reason, they are important! This is a time where progress can be monitored and if a complication occurs it can be caught early. Also before this appointment make sure you’ve written down your questions and concerns. Sometimes it is hard to remember all your questions for your surgeon so writing them down helps you get all of them answered.
7. Avoid alcohol and smoking for as long as possible before and after surgery.
Yes your surgeon may tell you 2 to 3 weeks prior and after. However, it’s best to avoid it longer if possible. Alcohol and smoking compromises the body’s ability to heal.
8. Stay positive.
Surgery, elective or not, is a BIG deal. Recovery can be both physically and emotionally challenging, so be sure to take care of yourself by practicing self-care activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching exercises. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members to help you through the recovery process.
Radiant Recovery Nurses
Booking a private nurse can greatly aid in your recovery by providing personalized care and peace of mind. It’s important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with during. At Radiant Recovery, we carefully choose nurses that have experience in critical, emergency, and post anesthesia care. We also go that extra mile in professionally onboarding our nurses so that they are well rounded in all plastic surgery procedures and can speak confidently about the stages of your recovery.
As Radiant Recovery Nurses, we monitor your vital signs, administer medications, help position/reposition you to get you comfortable, assist you in and out of bed, communicate with your surgeon and team, and provide teaching along the way which takes your recovery experience to the next level. The emotional support we bring to our clients is our favorite part of the job. Reassuring you that everything you are feeling is normal and explaining why you feel the way you feel is what creates such a strong nurse-to-patient relationship.
We find it crucial to offer that companionship during this isolating time of recovery. All in all, we are trained professionals with medical expertise, ensuring that every Radiant Patient receives the highest quality of aftercare. Currently operating on the East Coast, we are rapidly expanding all over the United States and look forward to continuing to make a difference in our patients and their families lives. If you are a patient seeking professional aftercare after your procedure, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation call and booking information. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope it was informational.
5/5
Be sure to reach out to Marissa, Deana and their team if you or someone you know is need of post-surgical care and follow them on Instagram. Lauryn was so grateful for them when she got her implants removes and highly recommends them.
We hope you found this post helpful!
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Learn the benefits of lymphatic drainage after surgery.
++ Read this post on the transgender surgical process with Dr. Safir.
RECOVERY ESSENTIALS: