Liposuction Surgery Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LIPOSUCTION SURGERY

1:  Liposuction is not very painful; you will feel like you have a bruise.  You should fill your prescriptions before your liposuction surgery and have Extra Strength Tylenol available.  You may switch over to these when you no longer need the prescription pain medications.
 
2:  Preparation for your liposuction is rather simple.  You will need to shower or bathe the night before and do not use deodorant, wear makeup, wear jewelry or contact lenses the morning of surgery. Remove any metal piercings (earrings, bellybutton rings, etc.) before coming to the office. You may replace them (except for the bellybutton) when you get home.  You should wear dark, comfortable clothing (gym attire is appropriate) and flat, comfortable shoes.  Shirts that button or zip in front is preferable to shirts you have to pull over your head. 
 
3:  Do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum or candy) after midnight before surgery.  You may brush your teeth and rinse with water and/or mouthwash.
 
4:  You should not shave areas to be liposuctioned one week prior to your surgery. 
 
5:  You may not drive home after your surgery.  You cannot leave the office unescorted after your surgery and must not plan to travel by public transportation (bus, train or taxi). Bring a pillow and a blanket for your comfort during your ride home.
 
6:  You must have a responsible adult to escort you home and stay with you the night of surgery. 
 
  
INSTRUCTIONS AFTER LIPOSUCTION


1:  Remembering that your liposuction surgery was done after you not eating or drinking since the night before,  you should eat a light snack after your surgery.  It is much more important to drink fluids (water, Gatorade, V-8, apple juice) if you are having trouble eating solids.  Jell-O, chicken broth and toast are good starters.
 
2:  If you have not urinated within six hours of your liposuction surgery call Dr. Diehl.
 
3:  Again, liposuction surgery is not very painful; mild soreness will be experienced.  Prescription pain medications frequently or cause nausea as a side effect.  If so, cut back on them and try Extra Strength Tylenol alone, every 6 hours or call Dr. Diehl so that he can change your prescription pain medication to an alternate.  Remember, people react differently to the various pain medications.
 
4:  You must get up and walk around the house the night of your liposuction surgery and several times a day to keep up the circulation in your legs.
 
5:  Liposuction can give you some temporary numbness, swelling and bruising in the surgical area which is a normal part of the recovery process.  It is important that you do not apply heat or ice to the area.
 
6:  Take your medications as prescribed.
 
7:  For the next 24 hours:  Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Do not make important decisions or sign any legal documents. Do not operate any mechanical or electrical equipment.
 
8:  Sometimes your result from liposuction surgery is best if you wear a garment. If you are instructed to wear an elastic garment, be sure it is not too tight and that it does not dig in or crease in the treated area as liposuction surgery can give you some numbness for a short while.
 
9:  You may shower 24 hours after your liposuction surgery. Do not sit in a tub to bathe - you do not want to soak the surgical sites. Apply spot band-aids to the sites and change them daily.
 
10:  Dr. Diehl usually sees his liposuction patients for a follow up in a few days after surgery. 
 
11:  If you have any questions call Dr. Gregory Diehl, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, located in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County, Long Island at  631-476-7300.