Liposuction Post-Procedure Instructions 

Activity 

• Do not lift anything over 5 pounds for the first two weeks after surgery. 

• Avoid straining, lifting and bending for 2 weeks. 

• Avoid sports and other strenuous activities for 4 weeks. 

• It is very important to begin walking with assistance the day of surgery, DO NOT remain in bed. 

• No driving until 24 hours after your last narcotic pain medication dose. 

Home Care 

• Cough and deep breathe every hour while awake for 2 days. For mild fever (less than 100°F), increase frequency of coughing or deep breathing. 

• You may shower in 24 hours. Do not go in any hot tubs, baths, or pools for at least a month. 

• Reinforce dressings as needed with gauze or pads. 

• DO NOT smoke (including second-hand smoke) or use nicotine products of any kind for 4 weeks before and after surgery. 

• Please plan to have a responsible adult with you for at least 24 hours following surgery. 

What to Expect 

• Moderate discomfort and swelling. 

• Cold compresses can be used on the areas of liposuction, on and off, to reduce soreness and swelling. 

• DO NOT use cold compresses on fat transfer areas. 

• Swelling and bruising occur up to 1 week post op. and take several weeks (bruising) to months (swelling) to resolve. 

• The pain medication will help with the pain but you may still feel some discomfort. 

• Drainage may temporarily increase with activity. 

• Constipation may occur with narcotic pain medication. Increase fluid intake and use a mild laxative or stool softener if needed. 

• Most people can return to work within 2-5 days of the surgery. 

• It is recommended to perform at least 2 sessions of lymphatic massage after surgery to help drain and reduce inflammation. Several session of radiofrequency skin tightening after a month to help with the skin tightening. 

• Resume the usual diet, drink plenty of water and avoid carbonated beverages or salty food. Avoid alcohol until antibiotics are completed. 

• Drainage: A blood-tinged fluid will drain from the small drain ports during the first 24 hours following the surgery. Sit and sleep on towels or absorbent pads for the first 24 hours. 

• After the drainage stops, clean the ports with witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide and place Polysporin ointment on them. 

• Avoid sitting for prolonged periods to avoid crease formation along the abdominal area where the skin has folded. 

• Avoid wearing underwear and clothes with tight and/or elastic waist bands under the garment; loose clothing is preferable. 

• Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, baths, and tanning beds for 4-6 weeks after the surgery. 

• Bruising/swelling: Bruising and swelling is normal after the surgery and varies from patient to patient. It may take weeks to months for all swelling to resolve. 

Medication & Comfort 

• You should take scheduled Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and gabapentin (if tolerates), as baseline for pain relief. Opiates medications can be use for breakthrough pain but should not be the first line pain medication. 

• Pain medications may cause drowsiness, upset stomach, and constipation. 

• Take pain medications with food. 

• Do not drink alcohol or drive while taking prescribed pain medication. 

• Refills are only available during office hours Monday through Friday. If you feel you need more pain medication, please call during those times. 

Elastic garment/cushion 

Use the garment 24 hours a day for the first four (4) weeks after the surgery. 

Remove the garment slowly, while sitting or laying back to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure, the day after the surgery to take a shower. 

After the first four (4) weeks, use the garment for 12 hours a day, for an additional 2 weeks. 

After a fat transfer to the buttocks, use the special cushion for sitting at all times for at least 1 month after the procedure. 

Driving: Do not drive for at least 48 hours following the surgery. 

Physical activity: 

Walk right after the surgery. 

Mild exercise and activity can be resumed as tolerated and gradually increased each day. 

Avoid high-impact exercises or weightlifting for at least 4 weeks after the surgery. After restarting, increases gradually. 

Medication & Comfort 

• You should take the scheduled tylenol, gabapentin, and celecoxib for pain relief as prescribed. 

Breakthrough pain with the opiate medications. 

• Pain medications may cause drowsiness, upset stomach, and constipation. 

• Take pain medications with food. 

• Do not drink alcohol or drive while taking prescribed pain medication. 

• Refills are only available during office hours – 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. If you feel you need more pain medication, please call during those times. 

Call the Office (806 503 2090) if you notice: 

• More swelling on one side than the other. 

• Large spots of drainage that soak through the bandages. 

• Severe pain not responding to medication. 

• Fever greater than 101°F 

• Signs of infection: If you notice foul-smelling drainage, redness, excessive swelling and pain in the treated areas, please notify us immediately. 

• Final Results: Expect the best results 6-12 months AFTER the surgery. 

If you have an issue after hours, contact Dr. Boonipat directly at 603 731 6888 

I have read and understand ALL the above instructions. I understand that the following instructions are solely my responsibility for a better post-surgical recovery. I understand that it is my responsibility to ask the surgeon about any questions or concerns related to my procedure, health, and healing process.