Preparing for Liposuction

Before your liposuction

• Stock-up on any type of sports drink for after your surgery.
  • Plan to drink at least 48 – 80 ounces (six to 10 eight-ounce glasses) of sports drink each day for 2- 3 days after your procedure.
• Prepare healthy meals ahead of time for the days following your surgery.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your surgery.
• Consult your doctor for more specific information on follow-up visits after surgery.

After your liposuction

When recovering from your surgery it is important to be aware of the following:

• You have received an anesthetic and may feel mildly sleepy and dizzy.
• Take pain medication as directed by your nurses and continue as directed for the next few days until the pain begins to subside.
• Apply ice packs to help control the pain.
• Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products, including ibuprofen, as this increases the risk of bleeding and bruising. 
  • Tylenol can be used when the pain has somewhat subsided.
• Limit your activity immediately following your surgery.
  • We suggest that you get out of bed frequently and walk around the house.
• Shower two days after surgery.
• Remove your compression garment only to shower.
  • Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin or Polysporin^®, on the incision before putting the compression garment back on.

Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you develop any unusual symptoms, such as:

• shaking chills and/or fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• excessive bleeding (more than slight oozing of blood)
• excessive pain
• excessive swelling