What Is a Recovery House?
A recovery house (also called a recovery retreat or post-op house) is a residential facility specifically designed for cosmetic surgery patients during their initial healing period. Unlike a hotel, recovery houses offer medical-grade post-operative care in a comfortable, home-like environment. Unlike a hospital, they're designed for extended stays (7–21 days) at a fraction of hospital rates.
What's Typically Included
Nursing care: Licensed nurses monitor vitals, manage medications, check surgical sites, and assist with mobility during the first critical days. Most recovery houses have nursing staff available 24/7 for the first 72 hours, then daily visits thereafter.
Lymphatic drainage massage: Essential for body contouring patients (BBL, lipo, tummy tuck). Sessions typically run 5–10 over a two-week stay, starting 24–48 hours post-op. This isn't a luxury—it directly impacts swelling reduction and final results.
Meals: Chef-prepared, nutrition-focused meals designed for surgical recovery. High protein, anti-inflammatory, properly portioned. Most houses accommodate dietary restrictions.
Compression garment management: Staff help with garment fitting, adjustment, and cleaning. For BBL patients, this includes ensuring proper positioning and compliance with sitting restrictions.
Transportation: Shuttle to and from surgeon follow-up appointments, pharmacy runs, and (when cleared) light outings.
Cost Expectations
Recovery houses in Medellín and Bogotá typically charge $80–$150 per night, inclusive of nursing, meals, and lymphatic drainage sessions. Companion accommodations are usually available at $30–$50 additional per night. A 14-night stay runs approximately $1,100–$2,100—less than most US hotels without any medical support.
Recovery House vs. Hotel vs. Airbnb
For body contouring procedures (BBL, tummy tuck, mommy makeover), a recovery house is strongly recommended. The nursing support and lymphatic drainage alone justify the cost. For less intensive procedures (rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation), a comfortable apartment or hotel can work if you're comfortable managing your own post-op care.
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