Plastic Surgery Instructions (Liposuction):
-During the first 3 weeks always wear your abdominal binder, except when showering
-Ok to shower starting 24 hours after surgery
-Ok to remove the gauze pads (4×4’s) 24hrs after surgery. Leave the tape underneath the gauze in
place.
-For the first few days after surgery you may notice some oozing from your incisions. This is normal and usually stop within 2-3 days.
-You may change the gauze pads (4×4’s) or ABD pads over the incisions if your wound is oozing/leaking but do not remove the tape that is covering the incision.
-Take your pain medication with food (a few crackers are ok) to help prevent nausea.
-Pain medications can cause constipation. Take a gentle over the counter laxative (Milk of Magnesia, Colace, or Dulcolax) if you feel constipated.
-Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 2 weeks following surgery unless specifically instructed. This can lead to bleeding issues.
-Smoking causes multiple wound healing complications. It is very important that you do not smoke, and you are not around people that smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as if you were to smoke.
-You can resume driving when you are off all pain medications, have full range of motion of your arms, and feel safe to react quickly in an emergency.
-Be sure to walk at least 300 yards daily. This can be broken up in multiple short trips. It is OK and recommended that you walk more than the minimum of 300 yards. This will help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT’s/Blood Clots) and Pulmonary Embolisms (PE’s).
-Avoid exposing the scars to the sun for at least 6 to 12 months. When going outside, it is recommended that you use SPF 30 or greater over your surgical sites. All incisions will be extremely sensitive during the healing phase.
Call the office immediately if you have:
-A high fever (over 101F), severe nausea and vomiting, continued dizziness or incoherent behavior, such as hallucinations.
-Any pain that cannot be controlled by your pain medication.
-Bright red skin that is hot to the touch.
-Excessive bleeding at any time or fluid seeping through the incisions after a few days.