My experience at Viva Plastic Surgery Recovery Home was extremely disappointing. I would never…read morerecommend this place to anyone, not even my worst enemy.
Before booking, they were very reassuring and made everything sound professional, safe, and like I would receive proper post-surgical support. They will sweet talk you in the beginning, but once your surgery is over, you are vulnerable, unable to do much for yourself, and they already have your money, the level of care and communication changes completely.
Before my surgery, I was very clear with Vive that I needed assistance during my recovery. I explained that I had previously experienced complications after a breast surgery, including collapsed lungs from doing too much physical activity too soon. I specifically told them about this because I had been instructed to avoid lifting or straining during my recovery. I was reassured that I would not have to worry because they would help me and that I would not be expected to do any lifting or strenuous activity during my first few days.
However, during my first night at the recovery home, there was a shift change between the morning and evening nursing staff. When I needed assistance getting up to use the restroom, I was told that I could do it myself. Instead of receiving the help I was told would be provided, I was given a walker and expected to lift myself from the toilet and bed on my own.
Keep in mind, I had just undergone arm liposuction and had almost no strength in my arms. I was in extreme pain, and it had not even been 24 hours since my surgery. Expecting me to lift myself during that time was not the level of assistance I had been promised.
The care I received was not what was explained to me before booking. At one point, I asked the nurse for toilet paper because there was none available. I was told they did not have access to it because it was locked up after the housekeeper left. I was left without proper sanitation and had to wait until the next morning.
I also asked if my gauze could be changed before going to bed because I was leaking through my faja and pajamas. I was told it would be done in the morning instead. I immediately informed management the following morning about what had happened, but instead of addressing my concerns, they dismissed my experience and justified the nurse's actions by saying they encourage patients to be independent.
There is a significant difference between encouraging independence and failing to provide necessary assistance to a patient who is less than 24 hours post-op, in severe pain, and who had clearly disclosed prior medical complications before surgery.
A recovery home should prioritize a patient's safety, comfort, hygiene, and health. Unfortunately, my experience was the opposite. Once payment was made, I felt like the concern, communication, and quality of care disappeared. I would not recommend this place to anyone expecting professional, compassionate, and attentive post-surgical care.
Warning to anyone considering staying here: Please do your own research before trusting this recovery home or the surgical center with your health and recovery. I am sharing my personal experience so others can make an informed decision.
If you have any questions about what I experienced, you are welcome to contact me at astridsalgado1999@gmail.com. I have retained photographs, invoices, emails, text message conversations with the coordinator and staff, and other documentation related to my stay. I am willing to share the documentation I have so others can better understand my experience before making their own decision.
