Liposuction Discharge Instructions

Diet:

  • Start with regular diet high in protein and low in sodium as tolerated.

Medications:

  • Have your prescriptions filled BEFORE surgery and bring them with you the day of surgery.  
  • Take all medication as directed with plenty of water starting the day of surgery.
  • Use pain medication as needed for pain and discomfort. DO NOT DRIVE WHILE TAKING PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION.

Activity/Wound Care:

  • Keep head elevated 45 degrees on 2-3 pillows or in a recliner for the first 5-7 days. This is to help decrease swelling and for comfort. Do not lay flat.
  • Port sites will ooze up to 48 hours. This is normal.
  • Suctioned areas will discolor; gravity will draw that discoloration downward.  
  • Wear the compression garment 24/7, except to shower.
  • Suctioned areas will appear swollen and larger than they were pre-operatively.  This is normal.
  • No heat or ice.
  • The day after surgery, it is okay to remove the surgical garment and any gauze pads to take a shower. Leave the brown episeals on.   After showering, pat dry and replace surgical garment, with additional padding, if needed.
  • No lotion or ointment to surgical incision areas for one week.
  • No lifting heavier than 10 pounds or increasing heart rate for at least 1 week after surgery. No jarring or high impact exercises for at least 3 weeks after surgery.

Post-op Visits:

  • Post-op visits are very important. Follow up with scheduled appointment. If you were not given a follow-up appointment, please call the office within 24 hours of your procedure to arrange an appointment.
  • You will be seen again as follows: 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months, and as needed.

Additional Discharge Instructions:

  • Do not drive, operate mechanical equipment, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
  • IF YOU HAVE AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911
  • Please call the office at (910) 338-5900 if you experience any of the following:
    • Rash or hives
    • Fever of 101 or greater
    • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • If it is after hours, please call the office telephone number, you will be directed to the doctor or nurse on call.
  • If you have questions or concerns that are not an emergency, please call the office telephone number from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday, or leave a message on our voice mail after hours.

Thank you for choosing la Belle vie Plastic Surgery for your cosmetic procedure!