Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

Stop smoking

Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

During your recovery from body contouring surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions following the procedure.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You may be instructed to avoid bending, straining or lifting for several days to weeks.

Where tightening of the abdomen or thighs is involved, your plastic surgeon may also instruct you to avoid standing fully upright and stressing any internal sutures as they heal, and to sleep with pillows elevating your knees.

To minimize the risk of DVT (blood clots in the legs) you will need to be up and walking as soon as possible, and drinking plenty of fluid.

Call the office if you experience:

· Severe pain not responding to pain medications.

· Excess swelling or swelling that is greater on one side than the other.

· A bright red spot on the bandage which continues to enlarge.

· Incisions that appear to be opening or becoming very red, hot to the touch or containing pus.

· A fever.

· Bright red blood in the drains that seem to be clotting.

· Call if you have any questions.