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Suction Lipectomy/Liposuction Dr. Rao

Liposuction is used to remove body fat from a place that does not respond to a program of healthy eating and proper exercise.

 

After Surgery

 

  • Plan to be off work for 1 week.  Discuss this with your doctor.
  • Do household and outdoor chores ahead of time, or make plans for someone to help you for a 1 week.
  • Plan activities that do not require a lot of standing or lifting.
  • Plan meals that are easy to prepare.
  • Have someone to watch your children for 1-2 days, if needed.

 

Pressure Garment

 

You will be wearing a pressure garment for two weeks.  The garment has special openings so you can use the bathroom.  You may remove the garment to shower the day after surgery.  Have someone with you when you when you take it off.  You may feel very dizzy the first time it is off. While sitting, slowly take the garment off.  Wear loose, comfortable clothes over the garment.

 

Incision Care

 

The suctioned areas will be swollen and bruised, and you may feel some burning.  The bruises may get worse for 1-2 days.  The bruising may last for several weeks.  The swelling may last for 3 months.  This is normal.  Please be patient as it may take 3 months to see your final result.

 

Change the dressings when they are soiled.  Do not get the dressings wet.

 

Check incisions daily for signs of infection.

  • Increased redness or warmth
  • Pus-like drainage
  • Excess bleeding (if more than ½ of your dressing is soaked in an hour)
  • Excess bruising that is purple or blue
  • Excess swelling
  • Check your temperature daily.  Call if it is greater than 100.4°F by mouth, for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.
  • Pain not controlled with pain pills

 

Activity

 

  • Plan for rest.
  • Nothing strenuous until okayed by your doctor.
  • Do not lift more than 20 pounds until okayed by your doctor.
  • Do not cross your legs or sit for more than 1 hour in the same position.

 

Diet

 

Drink 8-10 glasses (8 oz.) of fluid daily to promote healing.  A diet with enough fluid and fiber can help prevent constipation.

 

Pain

 

You will have pain pills ordered by your doctor.  Take as directed.  Remember; do not drive while taking these pain pills.  You may need to take a stool softener (docusate sodium, Colace®) and or a bulk fiber laxative (Metamucil®) to prevent constipation.  Follow the package directions.

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

  • Chest pain, call 911
  • Shortness of breath, call 911
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Excess pain or increased pressure from the pressure garment, especially if the pain or pressure is greater on one side
  • Excess bleeding, more than 1/2 of the dressing is soaked in 1 hour
  • Signs of a wound infection
  • Increased redness or warmth
  • Pus-like drainage
  • Excess swelling
  • Excess bruising that is blue or purple
  • Temperature greater than 100.4°F by mouth for two readings taken 4 hours apart
  • Problems passing urine

 

Phone Numbers

 

Surgery Clinic:   608-263-7502      Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

After hours, weekends and holidays: (608) 262-0486.  Ask for the doctor on call for Dr. Rao or for the plastic surgery doctor on call.  Leave your name and phone number with area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call: 1-800-323-8942.

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 04/21/2009

Copyright © 04/21/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4570

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