Planning Cosmetic Surgery and Recovery in Brisbane?

Your Brisbane Post Surgery Recovery Guide

The first few days after your cosmetic surgery are all about rest, comfort, and keeping things simple. Luckily, Brisbane makes that easy. With its slower pace, warm weather, and plenty of green, peaceful spaces, it’s the perfect place to slow down and focus on recovery.

At MINKST, we understand that everyone’s recovery is unique, but there are some simple steps that can help make your recovery more comfortable. Here are a few key tips our team often shares with patients to support them along the way:

Light Movement and Fresh Air

Once your doctor gives you the go-ahead, gentle movement can make a big difference in how you feel. A short walk helps circulation and prevents stiffness. And Brisbane has plenty of beautiful, easy options:

• South Bank Parklands: Venture into South Bank’s pristine parklands, flat riverside paths, shaded areas, and plenty of benches to rest. You can even book a river cruise and discover Brisbane from the water.
• Roma Street Parkland: Explore 16 hectares of beauty at Roma Street Parkland. Lush gardens with subtropical plants and walking loops are ideal for quiet strolls.
• New Farm Park: New Farm Park is a heritage-listed riverfront park. Known for its stunning rose garden, sprawling lawns, cosy cafes, and riverside views, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA):  If you’re feeling up to a calm indoor outing, GOMA’s wide, open spaces and riverside setting make it an easy, inspiring place to wander slowly and enjoy art without overexertion.
  
• Queensland Art Gallery (QAG): QAG is located next to GOMA and features classic Australian and international art. It has a quiet atmosphere and easy access via lifts

Eating Well (Without Lifting a Finger)

Good nutrition helps your body recover, but cooking might not be at the top of your list after surgery. Thankfully, Brisbane has plenty of great food delivery options that make eating healthy simple:

• Soulara: Fresh, plant-based meals made to nourish your body and support healing. Delivered straight to your door, they’re light and perfect for those first few days when cooking feels like too much.
  
• Garden of Vegan: Garden of Vegan offers organic, wholesome meals designed to fuel your body and aid recovery. Easy to enjoy at home, they’re fresh, nutritious, and perfect when you want healthy food without any effort.
• Vanilla Zulu: If you feel like trying your hand at cooking while you recover, Vanilla Zulu offers a variety of hands-on classes, including Rustic Italian, Spanish Tapas, Dumplings, and Thai cuisine. Their “Around the World” class is perfect if you want to sample multiple cuisines in one session. Classes are led by accredited chefs in a relaxed, social environment, making it a fun way to learn new skills and enjoy delicious meals.

Wellness and Rest

Recovery isn’t only about your body,  it’s about your mind too. Once your doctor approves, a little self-care can help you feel more like yourself again. There are plenty of options right up your doorstep in Brisbane:

• Heavenly Spa by Westins: If you’re looking for a calm, feel-good reset, the Heavenly Spa by Westin is a great pick. You can unwind with a soothing massage, breathe in calming aromatherapy scents, and just let the stress fade away. It’s all about helping you feel relaxed, refreshed, and a little more like yourself as you recover.
• The Breath Temple: This studio in Brisbane offers private and small-group sessions that focus on guided breathwork designed to relax the body, reduce stress, and support emotional wellbeing. Their approach is ideal for post-surgery recovery, allowing you to rest, reset, and nurture both your mind and body.
• Sacred Ritual Spa: For a gentle wellness boost during recovery, Sacred Ritual Spa in West End offers head and scalp massages paired with Ayurvedic teas. The calming atmosphere and aromatherapy treatments make it easy to relax and unwind, giving you a restorative break. It’s a simple, nurturing ritual that supports both relaxation and overall wellbeing.

You don’t always have to go out to relax and unwind. Many massage therapists in Brisbane offer mobile services, so you can enjoy a soothing massage in the comfort of your own home.

Where to Stay in Brisbane After Your Surgery

Brisbane offers plenty of great places to stay that are peaceful, private, and practical for recovery. Look for serviced apartments or boutique hotels with lift access, kitchenettes, and room service.

Here are some comfortable options:

• Spicers Balfour Hotel: Located in New Farm, this boutique hotel offers a blend of heritage charm and modern comfort. It features a rooftop bar with city views, providing a tranquil environment.
• Adina Apartment Hotel, Anzac Square: Ideal for longer stays with self-contained suites and laundry facilities. Its central location near public transport, cafes, and local attractions makes it easy to access medical facilities and daily necessities.
• Pure You – Recovery Concierge Service: Pure You offers a Recovery Concierge service that accompanies patients during recovery, as well as offering suitable and vetted appartments. They can assist with discharge and provide support during the initial recovery phase, ensuring patients are not alone during this critical time. 

Your Post-Surgery Essentials

Packing the right things before your surgery can make your stay feel a lot smoother. Here’s a simple list to get you started:

• Loose, soft clothes that don’t press on your incisions.
• Support or compression garments (as directed by your surgeon).
• Slip-on shoes — no bending required.
• Neck Pillow or Wedge Pillow: Maintain an elevated position during rest to minimise swelling.

• Ice or gel packs can further reduce post-surgery swelling.
• Dry shampoo and baby wipes are fantastic for helping you feel clean and refreshed after surgery.
• Sleeping masks and earplugs are essential travel items after plastic surgery, especially if you’re a light sleeper. 
• Entertainment: books, podcasts, playlists…and a battery pack just in case.

Take Time to Recover

Staying in Brisbane for your surgery recovery gives you time to rest, recharge, and adjust without rushing back to daily life. You’ll have everything you need close by, supportive doctors, healthy food, and calm, easy surroundings.

Recovery might not be glamorous, but it’s your moment to slow down, breathe, and care for yourself. At MINKST, we’re here to guide you through every step, from your first consultation to the final stages of healing. If you have any questions about your recovery plan, just reach out. We’re here to help you heal confidently and comfortably.