WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER LIPOSUCTION

  • Drainage: Drainage can occur from the incision sites for the first 24-72 hours. The drainage will be blood tinged. You may use gauze or a light pad to reinforce post-op dressings if this occurs.
  • Bruising: You can expect to have bruising. The bruising can be impressive depending on the extent of liposuction performed. Most bruises will heal after about 2-3 weeks. The bruise will go from a purplish color to a yellow/green shade as it starts to resolve.
  • Swelling: Swelling is to be expected with liposuction for weeks and sometimes months. The swelling can improve with intermittent rest and compression garments. Exercise and physical activity can transiently worsen swelling but is encouraged.
  • Itching: Itching at the incision sites is normal for a few days. You may take Benadryl to help with this.
  • Sensory Changes in Skin: You may notice numbness or tingling sensation around your incision sites and throughout the liposuction areas which is normal. You can expect return of normal sensation after a few months.
  • Scarring: Scars are small and minimal and may take up to a year to fully heal. Tape is used for scar management though a topical silicone gel can also be used if desired.

DO NOT’S AFTER LIPOSUCTION

  • DO NOTapply hydrogen peroxide to incision sites. Keep postop dressings in place until follow-up.
  • DO NOTsoak in baths, jacuzzies or hot tubs until all incisions have fully healed.
  • DO NOTtake Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or other blood thinners until your surgeon advises you it is safe.
  • DO NOTapply heating pads or ice packs to the treated areas unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AFTER LIPOSUCTION

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR GO TO THE HOSPITAL

  • Signs of Infection: Spreading redness, worsening swelling, increased drainage or drainage of pus, worsening pain, warmth at incision site and temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Excessive Bleeding: If the dressings are saturated with bright red blood and you are having to make very frequent dressing changes.
  • Other Emergency Situations: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, lightheadedness that does not quickly resolve, severe vomiting, pain, or asymmetric swelling in your legs.