What to Expect After a Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical process of removing fat deposits in certain areas of the body.
This procedure involves careful planning and execution.
However, liposuction does not end at the moment the last drop of fat was suctioned out.
The procedure extends up to the time the wounds have completely healed and the desired results are achieved.
This article aims to provide guidelines after a liposuction.
#1At Home Ask someone to drive you home after the surgery or arrange transportation with the facility because it would be impossible for you to drive home due to the pains and swelling.
Furthermore, ask a friend or relative to help you out at home during the first few days after the surgery because your range of motion is limited at these times.
You may also hire a PCA (personal care assistant), to take care of you and the house chores for the meantime.
#2 Physical activities Get enough rest for the first few hours after the surgery.
Also, do not operate heavy machines or drive for the first eighteen hours post-surgery.
Due to the possible effects of anesthesia, patients are advised not to make important decisions during the first 24 hours after the surgery.
Short walks can be done 12 hours after the procedure and light to moderate activities can be done a day after the procedure.
Normal activities resume after 3 to 4 days from the date of the surgery or until the patient can tolerate it.
#3 Diet For those who have had local anesthesia, the diet is usually resumed immediately after the surgery.
You will be advised to increase your oral fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
However, alcoholic beverages are prohibited at least 48 hours before and after surgery as this could increase the toxicity levels of your medications.
#4 Post-operative garments Commercial post-op garments and elastic binders may be used to facilitate healing and prevent infection.
However, you may also use loose clothing with absorbent pads underneath to provide compression.
Absorbent pads and binders are worn for the first 24 hours after the surgery until no further drainage is observed.
#5 Take your post-op meds religiously Your doctor will prescribe medicines for you to take after the surgery.
These include but are not limited to analgesics and antibiotics.
You may be directed to take the analgesics (pain medications) as needed, but antibiotics should be taken as directed.
You must complete the entire course of antibiotic even if you are feeling better.
#6 Signs of infection Don't wait for your follow-up check up if you notice any signs of infection.
Possible signs could include foul smelling drainage, fever, abnormal redness, swelling and intense pain on the area.
Call your doctor immediately if something worries you as this symptom could lead to complications.
#7 Follow up appointments You will be advised to revisit your doctor for a follow-up check up a week after the procedure.
S/he would re-assess the treated area and your personal insights regarding the procedure.
#8 List of Do Not's Do not apply ice packs, heating pads, hydrogen peroxide, plastic band-aids, or any topical creams on the treated area unless instructed by your doctor.
Also, do not soak in bathtubs, swimming pools, and Jacuzzis for at least 7 days after the procedure or until incision sites are completely healed to minimize the risk of possible infection.
This procedure involves careful planning and execution.
However, liposuction does not end at the moment the last drop of fat was suctioned out.
The procedure extends up to the time the wounds have completely healed and the desired results are achieved.
This article aims to provide guidelines after a liposuction.
#1At Home Ask someone to drive you home after the surgery or arrange transportation with the facility because it would be impossible for you to drive home due to the pains and swelling.
Furthermore, ask a friend or relative to help you out at home during the first few days after the surgery because your range of motion is limited at these times.
You may also hire a PCA (personal care assistant), to take care of you and the house chores for the meantime.
#2 Physical activities Get enough rest for the first few hours after the surgery.
Also, do not operate heavy machines or drive for the first eighteen hours post-surgery.
Due to the possible effects of anesthesia, patients are advised not to make important decisions during the first 24 hours after the surgery.
Short walks can be done 12 hours after the procedure and light to moderate activities can be done a day after the procedure.
Normal activities resume after 3 to 4 days from the date of the surgery or until the patient can tolerate it.
#3 Diet For those who have had local anesthesia, the diet is usually resumed immediately after the surgery.
You will be advised to increase your oral fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
However, alcoholic beverages are prohibited at least 48 hours before and after surgery as this could increase the toxicity levels of your medications.
#4 Post-operative garments Commercial post-op garments and elastic binders may be used to facilitate healing and prevent infection.
However, you may also use loose clothing with absorbent pads underneath to provide compression.
Absorbent pads and binders are worn for the first 24 hours after the surgery until no further drainage is observed.
#5 Take your post-op meds religiously Your doctor will prescribe medicines for you to take after the surgery.
These include but are not limited to analgesics and antibiotics.
You may be directed to take the analgesics (pain medications) as needed, but antibiotics should be taken as directed.
You must complete the entire course of antibiotic even if you are feeling better.
#6 Signs of infection Don't wait for your follow-up check up if you notice any signs of infection.
Possible signs could include foul smelling drainage, fever, abnormal redness, swelling and intense pain on the area.
Call your doctor immediately if something worries you as this symptom could lead to complications.
#7 Follow up appointments You will be advised to revisit your doctor for a follow-up check up a week after the procedure.
S/he would re-assess the treated area and your personal insights regarding the procedure.
#8 List of Do Not's Do not apply ice packs, heating pads, hydrogen peroxide, plastic band-aids, or any topical creams on the treated area unless instructed by your doctor.
Also, do not soak in bathtubs, swimming pools, and Jacuzzis for at least 7 days after the procedure or until incision sites are completely healed to minimize the risk of possible infection.
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