It is important that you be sufficiently prepared for your postoperative recovery period.Complete written post-operative instructions will be provided prior to surgery.

Unless your procedure involves only a small area, do not plan on driving yourself home.Please make arrangements for transportation on the day of your procedure.The post-operative discomfort experienced from liposuction is typically mild and occasionally moderate.Swelling and soreness are expected consequences of liposuction.Two extra-strength Tylenol should be taken every 4-6 hours while awake for the first 48 hours to reduce postoperative soreness and swelling.Discomfort is worse the second day after surgery and then improves daily. Narcotic pain medication may be prescribed after your procedure however is usually not needed.Antibiotics will be prescribed and should be taken as directed until the prescription is finished.Take antibiotics with food.

A compressive garment will be placed at the finish of the surgery and is required to be worn for up to one month following the procedure.These garments are compressive and will fit under your normal clothing.You are permitted to remove the garment each day for showering.For the first 24-48 hours and sometimes longer, leakage will come from the small incisions made during the surgery.This leakage is normal and will stop.Bandages worn over the incisions are recommended during this initial leakage time.During the first 36 hours, when sitting or lying down, you should place absorbent towels beneath you in order to protect your furniture from any expected leak of blood-tinged drainage.When there is a large amount of drainage, it is advisable to place a plastic sheet beneath the towel.

If you have had liposuction totally by local anesthesia, you may resume your usual diet immediately.Drink adequate amounts of water, juice or sports drinks to prevent dehydration.Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for 48 hours after surgery.Rest is recommended for the first few hours immediately after surgery.Do not drive; operate hazardous machinery for 24 hours after surgery.Later in the day or evening of surgery you may take a walk if desired.Walking will assist in the drainage process and reduce swelling and soreness.The day after liposuction surgery you should fell well enough to drive your car and engage in light to moderate physical activities.You may carefully resume exercise and vigorous physical physical activity 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.Most people can return to a desk job within one to two days after the procedure.

Showering is recommended on the first day after surgery.Keep incisions clean.First wash your hands, then wash incisions gently with soap and water; afterwards gently pat incisions dry with a clean towel. Apply new absorbent pads if drainage persists.When an incision has ceased draining for more than 24 hours, it no longer needs to be covered by pads.Removing the garment for the first time may cause lightheadedness so make sure to seek assistance if necessary.The garment should be washed once every day or two and allowed to air dry.The first follow-up appointment is either the first day after surgery or one week after surgery.Our office will instruct you on your follow-up appointments.

Do not apply ice packs or a heating pad to skin overlying the areas treated by liposuction.The area may be numb following the procedure and ice packs or heat may injure the skin.Bruising is minimal with tumescent liposuction.Nevertheless, the more extensive the liposuction surgery, the more bruising one can expect.Some patients have more of a tendency to bruise than others.Do not soak in a bath, Jacuzzi or swimming pool for at least 7 days after the surgery in order to minimize the risk of infection.

Dr. Mitchell is available 24 hours per day and can be reached on his cell phone for urgent questions or concerns.