More patients are choosing to recover in luxury after plastic surgery

Slide into a car with tinted glass and you are taken to the discreet entrance of the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. You climb in a private elevator and then slide behind a curtain to enter a suite overlooking the city. You are not a celebrity. You are not a tech billionaire who lives in seclusion. You are actually entering a private, and expensive, world. This is the high-end recovery scene for plastic surgery that seems almost as common than face-lifts.

Olivia Schiff, a fashion designer, said that she spent $4,500 on three nights at the SLS to recover from a corrective tummy-tuck, liposuction and lower facelift. Prestige Surgical Aftercare is a one-stop company that handles everything except the face-lift. They will book the hotel room, provide 24-hour staffing, and consult with you about your aftercare. This might include pain medication, such as IV-administered Acetaminophen.

Schiff says, «If you are spending an inordinate amount of money on plastic surgery, it seems like it would be a great way for you to treat yourself on that end. I added another night to make sure I would get the Amex points. You are safe. They’re going to take good care of you.» Schiff says that she was taught by nurses how to clean her skin after an operation. They also gave her Aquaphor and cold compresses. I highly recommend visiting a hotel post-op. «I was living the best Kardashian life.»

We don’t know anything about the Kardashians. However, we can tell you that post-op services — there’s a lot of companies in L.A. who book rooms for patients at boutique hotels or prestigious resorts like the Fairmont or the SLS — caters to people who have saved enough. Endora Capri, director of nursing at Prestige Surgical Aftercare, says that they do offer a variety of options. Although Prestige is not a part of the SLS, it does have a block there.

Compression boots, lymphatic massage, and trips to a drugstore (no scrunchie) no problem! All are available on the menu. Amy Dunfrund (director of operations at Prestige) says, «We’re big in the concierge side.» One patient wanted to go to a particular vegan restaurant. Another patient needed makeup to be picked-up at Saks Fifth Avenue. Unfortunately, the store was closing just before we arrived, so she met her makeup consultant down the street to pick up the makeup.

Although these service providers are not considered to be part of the hotel’s business, they can make deals with them. These include discounts on rooms, blocks and IV drips. The cost of the room and staffing the hospital with a nurse 12 hours a days is paid by patients. Total costs range from $750 to $3,000 per day. Patients typically opt for a stay of two or three nights, but some patients pay for up to a month.

Julius Few MD, a board certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles and Chicago, says that it has saved many marriages. His Chicago patients have the option of staying at The Peninsula, The Four Seasons or Waldorf Astoria. It’s daunting to take care of someone following surgery, and their partner wants them to do it right. He continues, «And the patient is kinda suffering with the initial phases of the recovery process.» It can cause a lot more stress and it can have a negative impact on the entire recovery process. It is important to have a supportive and non-intimidating environment in order to reduce stress.

Although many recovery services in Los Angeles are contracted out, Dr. Few manages his own practice, with the help of nurses. Patients staying at Four Seasons are checked by Dr. Few. In-room IVs can be used to relieve nausea. Room service is also available in the hallway for nurses to pick up (a level of discretion that patients appreciate). Dr. Few has «runners», who can pick up prescriptions and comfy loungewear for patients. He says, «They have gone to Neiman Marcus after a breast augmentation or to pick up athletic leisurewear or lingerie.»

Since patients started flying in from faraway places like Hong Kong to have breast augmentations or face-lifts, Dr. Few has provided ritzy and professional recovery care over the past 15 years. He explained that they often traveled together and that it was difficult for them to fly after surgery. The idea of staying at Four Seasons was first floated by him. His nurses can transport patients to their rooms and assist with post-op drains and bathroom visits. More patients flew in and more rooms were booked. «The Four Seasons management reached out to me, and asked if we could take you to lunch ?» That’s how it all started. They agreed to facilitate it. His patients now book more than 50 nights per year for post-op treatment.

Philip Barnes, Fairmont Century Plaza general manager in Los Angeles, says that there has been a strong connection between the post-surgery and hotel industries. «I have worked in hotels around the world and had many guests come in after surgery and while they are receiving treatment. One member of the Saudi royal family spent a good part of a year with us in Australia. The Four Seasons Houston worked closely with local hospitals.» If a patient was in their care, the staff would be available to take them to the pharmacy at 3 a.m. Barnes says that today’s formalized post-op services are a natural extension. Having nurses take care of you in a suite overlooking the ocean feels more nurturing than clinical.

Steven Teitelbaum MD, a Santa Monica plastic surgeon, says that once you could stay over in a doctor’s office, it was possible. But, there were legislative issues and you needed at least two RNs to make it financially viable. The hotel recovery industry has existed in this area since 1995. It has grown with plastic surgery.

Many of his patients remain after tummy tucks. They also have nurse assistance with next-day catheter removals and bathroom trips. There are motorized beds and pillow positions that make recovery easier. Dr. Teitelbaum says that there are times when clinical services can be a great fit. Nurses can help with complicated medication schedules, oxygen can make you feel better, and leg compression devices can prevent blood clots.

«Then, there are some face-lift victims who don’t want anyone to see them.» He adds that the kids not seeing them is a huge thing for many people. They’ll stay for a whole week. It’s okay to recover, but it is expensive. I will say that you don’t need all the services associated with recovery. For less than $100, you could book a room at The Peninsula with a friend, have room service, and enjoy a memorable night.

This trend is clearly beneficial for business: some hotels book more than 100 nights per year. Schiff, a post-op guest at a Beverly Hills hotel, said that she has friends who have stayed there and they are like, «Oh my God!» When I was there, I saw these women with bandages all over their bodies. These hotels are everywhere! «Who knew?»