SUCTION LIPECTOMY - LIPOSUCTON

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING 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.

* Apply ice packs to suctioned areas as much as possible for the first 48 hours.

* Stay in the company of a responsible adult, the first night.

* 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 on the first day after surgery.

PAIN

* For pain relief, take prescribed tablets every 3 - 4 hours (not more than 8 per day) as necessary.

* Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of an anaesthetic or medications, that may cause drowsiness.

* Please contact the Clinic if pain cannot be controlled with prescribed medications.

DIET

* Fluids are encouraged for the first few days.

* Light meals are preferable after general anaesthesia.

THE FIRST WEEK: WOUND CARE

* Bandages are to be removed 3-5 days after surgery, prior to the first post-operative appointment. You may shower fully once bandages are off.

Removal of Bandages

* Take painkillers ½ an hour prior to removal of bandages.

* Try to have someone present (in case of fainting).

* Make sure you eat prior to removal of bandages.

* It is best to soak bandages off in a warm bath for about ½ an hour or shower (although the water should not be too hot).

* Have a jug of cold water nearby, in case you feel faint.

* Rest after the shower or bath on a bed before cleaning stitches.

DRESSINGS

* You will be fitted for stockings and support garments at your first post-operative visit.

* You must wear the recommended stockings or support garments for 6-8 weeks, day and night unless otherwise instructed.

* Stitches will dissolve spontaneously. If they remain and are bothering you, the nurse will remove them for you after 1 week.

* Pat steri-strips dry with a towel following the shower. If the steri-strips are soiled or lifting, then they need to be replaced.

* Prior to replacing the steri-strips, clean the incisions with saline and cotton buds, removing crusts if present. Replace steri-strips as previously.

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 surgery. Your size and shape will continue to decrease each week.

* 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 the first week; this will decrease as bruising subsides.

ACTIVITY

* Return to sedentary type work is permitted after one week.

* Short walks can be commenced after 1 week and increased as tolerated weekly.

* Driving and flying are permitted after one week.

* Tennis, jogging, aerobics and other vigorous sports may be resumed approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

* Easy swimming is permitted three weeks after surgery. Protect your skin from sunburn by using a sun screen with a Sun Protection Factor 15 or higher. Avoid the sun as it will increase swelling.

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.

FOLLOW-UP

* For routine questions and follow-up visits call the office.

POST-OPERATIVE PACK NOTE

Post-operative packs containing the following are available at a reduced cost or alternatively the products can be purchased from a pharmacy.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal saline 0.9% - 100 ml.
• Cotton buds - 1 packet.
• Steri-strips (½” x 4” approx) x 5 packets.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036