It is important to read the general postoperative instruction sheet also. These plastic surgery postoperative instructions or cosmetic surgery postoperative instructions are meant to be as thorough and complete as possible. However please don’t hesitate to call for any questions or concerns!
“Simple Yet Strict”
Recovering from liposuction surgery can be surprisingly easy. Follow the simple instructions provided by Dr. Saunders. Yet these instructions are strict. They should be followed closely. These instructions are based on decades of experience. Please follow the instructions carefully and maximize your chance of healing uneventfully! No smoking, nicotine patches or nicotine gum until further notice! This is extremely important!
Bandages:
The most modern type of liposuction techniques are done with tumescent fluid. This fluid leaks out in the postoperative period and is the cause of the bandages getting wet. They will be pink and bloody in appearance. It only takes one drop of blood to make an entire toilet bowl red. So do not be alarmed by the bloody appearance. The bandages are placed sterile at the time of surgery and in general do not need to be replaced. Like going to bed in a wet bathing suit, the bandages dry over 24 to 36 hours. If they are excessively wet, they can be changed the morning after surgery, reapplying gauze that can be purchased from most drugstores.
Garment:
The garment or girdle should be worn continuously until further notice. After your shower the garment or girdle can be washed and bleached. It is okay to be out of it during this washing process. Additional garments can be purchased in the office during postoperative visits.
Blood clot or DVT prevention:
Early ambulation is an important instruction to minimize blood clots in the legs. Early ambulation means getting up and walking around the house for approximately 10 min. at least six times a day. If there was thigh liposuction, make sure the garment or girdle is not tight and constrictive in any area, in particular above or below the knees. The garment should be smooth to avoid it bunching up and constricting in one location. Dr. Saunders recommends “the invisible bicycle” to minimize blood clot in the legs. Pump your legs like you are riding a bicycle to minimize blood clots. This can be done extremely frequently. Leg elevation is also important to minimize blood clots and to promote healing.
Medication:
The antibiotic is mandatory to take. If you are having problems with nausea and vomiting, it is usually the pain pill. Try and take Tylenol or Motrin as this is typically enough for the pain after liposuction.
Dr. Saunders’ cell phone 302-584-8407 ( texting preferred)
