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 liposuction recovery, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas once your procedure is completed. These help to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours.

In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.

· Leave the surgical compression garment on until instructed otherwise. This will decrease the risk of seroma (collection of fluid) formation in the postoperative period.

· Limit lifting, pulling or pushing for at least 10 days.

· You can shower after 48 hrs. You will need to remove the garment prior to showering. You can place the garment in cold water and dry per manufacturer instructions (this can be done while you are in the shower). You will need to quickly get the garment back on.

· Do not use the bathtub until instructed by the surgeon. This may be up to 2 weeks.

· Do not use a hot tub for 4 weeks.

· Sutures are typically dissolvable and will not need to be removed.

· Moderate discomfort, which should be relieved by the pain medications.

· Some possible bloody drainage on the dressings, especially if tumescent technique is performed.

· The greatest discomfort to be 48 hours after surgery. Try to get up and move around several times an hour. This will help with the discomfort.

· Moderate swelling and bruising around and below the treated area.

· Clear liquid oozing from incision.

· You will follow up with one of our nurses by phone1-3 days after surgery. You will follow up with Dr. Stacey if any concerns arise during this time otherwise you will see him at your 2 week post-op appointment.

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.

· The bandages seem too tight.

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

· A fever.

· Call the office if you have any questions.