Liposuction

Before surgery After surgery If liposuction was under your chin If liposuction was on the abdomen If liposuction was on the thighs
Notes of guidance Before and after photographs Related procedures

Pre and post operative instructions

Before surgery

Please purchase the correct elasticated support garment for your procedure. Do not forget to bring it with you on the day of surgery.
Please bring with you comfortable loose fitting trousers, (joggers are ideal).

After surgery

Complete bed rest is helpful for at least 1 day. After day one you should be mobile to encourage good circulation to avoid unwanted blood clots.
There will be oozing for the first 48 hours after surgery. Keep in mind that there are no stitches. Normal oozing is to be expected due to infusion of large volumes of fluid during the operation.
When oozing does occur, do apply pressure to the site for 10 minutes. Upon your return home drink lots of liquids, particularly water, for the first 24 hours. This will flush injected solutions out of your body and decrease the chances of infection.
Your support garment should be worn 24 hours per day for the 2 weeks after surgery. After the first 2 weeks your garment should be worn during your waking hours. You may take it off at bedtime only.
You need to wear your support garment for 6 weeks post operatively. The garment is to help your skin to adhere to your muscle wall. Remember that you want the best result possible.
Start gentle fingertip massage with light kneading motion to the operated areas on the 10th day following surgery. Massage 15 minutes to each area twice daily for three weeks.

If liposuction was under your chin, jowls or arms

Start gentle fingertip massage on the 10th day (twice daily for 10 minutes). Any lumpy feeling usually disappears within a few weeks.

If liposuction was on the abdomen

Start sit-ups with knees bent on the 14th day. Do as many as you can and increase the number by two each day. Continue for at least two months.
Continue massaging the abdomen for 15 minutes twice daily for at least three months.
It is expected that the abdomen will feel lumpy for several months. This is normal.
Your support garment should be worn daily, except at bedtime, for the first 6 weeks, having worn it 24 hours a day for the first week.

If liposuction was on the thighs

Start the following exercises on the 14th post operative day

Classic thigh tightener (also good for buttocks). Kneel, with back straight and palms on your thighs now lean backwards slowly, using thigh muscles. (Don’t bend spine or the tension in your legs will be transferred to the back muscles). Hold for count of 10 then slowly return to starting position. Repeat.
Backs of thighs are helped by the following exercise: Lie down with weight on elbows. Now bring knees to the chest then straighten legs, pointing toes. Hold feet 8 inches above floor and hold for the count of ten. Repeat 5 times.
Inner thighs can be firmed with a simple leg lift: Lie propped on side - raise top leg as high as you can. Flex ankle hard, point toe and hold for the count of ten. Repeat 5 times.

Please note this hospital has a no smoking policy.

Notes of guidance Before and after photos Download this page in PDF format Top of the page

Related surgical procedures

Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) Body contouring by Liposuction Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

This web site has been prepared to give a basic understanding of the procedure before a consultation takes place, and to cover many of the questions frequently asked about this type of cosmetic surgery. Final decisions should not be made until an individual assessment has taken place with the surgeon.

There is no obligation on the part of the patient to undergo surgery by attending for consultation. If you have any further questions or would like to arrange a consultation please do not hesitate to call us.