Suction Lipectomy - Liposuction Instructions Following Surgery
Support Garments
- Support garments are to be worn immediately following surgery for SIX WEEKS. This will ensure optimal skin retraction and reduction in swelling.
- You can purchase support garments from the Clinic. Prior to surgery, you will be measured by the Scheduling Coordinator/Booking Administrator, and the garment will be ordered so it is available on the day of surgery.
Immediately After Surgery
- Rest at home for a few days following surgery, with legs elevated when sitting or lying. SHORT WALKS are permitted and ENCOURAGED, the day after surgery.
- Ice packs should be applied to the suction areas as much as possible for the first 48 hours.
- Stay in the company of a responsible adult for the first 24 hours.
- It is quite normal for wounds to ooze excessively in the first 24 – 48 hours, due to the local anaesthetic fluid injected as part of the procedure. Ensure bed clothes are protected with plastic sheeting.
- Too much activity in the immediate post-operative period will result in excessive swelling and possible bleeding.
- No drinking of alcohol, driving or operating machinery, while on pain medications or for 24 hours after surgery.
- Get adequate rest, in order not to increase blood pressure and prevent bleeding, decrease swelling and bruising.
- No alcohol for two weeks, if possible, as it increases swelling; or have only in moderation.
- Expect to feel tired for 7 – 10 days after surgery, especially after anaesthetics.
Pain And Medications
- Stay in the company of a responsible adult for the first 24 hours.
- For pain, take Panadeine Forte, one to two tablets every four to six hours (not more than eight per day). This will be prescribed by the Anaesthetist after surgery. If pain persists and cannot be relieved with the prescribed medication, please call the Clinic immediately.
- No driving or operating machinery after an anaesthetic or while on medications for pain.
- Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications or immediately after surgery.
- Do not take Aspirin, Vitamin E, Anti-inflammatory medication or any medication containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least two weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.
- Commence hormone replacement therapy after discussing this with the doctor.
- No smoking for at least two weeks after surgery to prevent coughing and possible bleeding and infection.
Wound Care
- Do not get surgical area wet until instructed by the post-operative nurse. You may bath until you are given instructions to shower.
- Dressings shall be removed approximately 3 – 5 days after surgery.
- REMOVAL OF BANDAGES:
You may take pain medication thirty minutes prior to removal of bandages. Please ensure you have eaten, prior to removal of bandages.
Dressings
- You must wear the recommended stockings or support garments for 6 – 8 weeks, day and night, unless otherwise instructed.
- Sutures (stitches) will dissolve spontaneously. If they remain and are bothering you, the nurse will remove them for you after one week.
- Pat steri-strips dry with a towel following a shower or bath. If the steri-strips are soiled or lifting, they need to be replaced.
- After removing the steri-strips, clean the incisions with saline and cotton buds; apply prescribed antibiotic ointment and replace steri-strip.
Diet
- Fluids are encouraged for the first few days.
- A light diet is best, not too rich, on the night after surgery, to avoid vomiting after anaesthetics.
Swelling And Bruising
- Swelling and bruising are a normal part of the recovery process and will begin to subside one or two weeks after surgery. It is expected that your clothes will be tight for the first week or two after surgery. Intermittent swelling may persist for several months in the ankles.
- Elevating the legs on pillows will reduce this more quickly.
- You should see a general decrease in your size and shape approximately 1 – 2 weeks after the surgery. Your size and shape will continue to decrease over the following weeks.
- Swelling following liposuction recedes rather slowly. It will take some time before the contour finalises, usually between three and six months.
- Pain and aches are normal, especially during the first week. This will decrease as the bruising subsides.
Activity
- Return to sedentary type work is permitted after one week
- During the first five days after surgery, it is most important not to engage in any activity which will elevate the blood pressure and swelling, and possibly produce bruising under the skin and may cause bleeding.
- Short walks can be commenced after one week and increased as tolerated.
- During the first seven days, you should restrict your normal activities, no housework, cooking, lifting, bending and no physical labour. Following the first office visit, you will be given further instructions regarding your activity level.
- No heavy exercise, tennis, jogging, vigorous sports or aerobics of any kind for six weeks.
- Driving is permitted after one week.
- Exercise will increase swelling and bruising.
- Easy swimming is permitted three weeks after surgery.
- No flying for two weeks unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Do not sit in the sun or heat for four weeks as this could cause excessive swelling and other problems. Do not expose the wounds to the sun as this can lead to increased pigmentation in scars.
Massage
- It is important after surgery to massage the areas that have been liposuctioned, although it is difficult when bruising is present. Try to massage lightly after 1 – 2 weeks.
- If superficial liposuction has been performed, then arrangements will be made for ultrasound treatments with a physiotherapist twice a week for 3-4 weeks.
Call If You Have
- Any question or problem arising.
Purchase Prior To Surgery For Dressings
- Ice packs or bendable gel packs.
Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.
For an emergency, please call Dr Luke Stradwick on 0423 506 792 or Allamanda Hospital Emergency Department on 07-5591 9400