Consultation and Evaluation

• Pre-operative consultation: Schedule a consultation with Dr. Faulkner to discuss your goals, medical history, and suitability for the procedure.
• Skin Assessment: Dr. Faulkner will evaluate your skin and fat areas to determine if BodyTite is the right treatment for you and will discuss areas to be treated.

Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements

• Blood Thinners: Avoid medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or any blood-thinning medications at least 1 week before the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding. Check with Dr. Faulkner before stopping any prescribed medications.
• Herbal Supplements: Avoid herbal supplements like ginseng, garlic, vitamin E, and fish oil for 1 to 2 weeks before treatment, as they can interfere with blood clotting.

Stop Smoking

• Quit smoking: Smoking can impair healing and affect the results of BodyTite. If possible, stop smoking for at least 6 weeks before and after the procedure.

Prepare for the Procedure

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing: Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off after the procedure, especially as you may have bandages or compression garments on.
• Hydrate well: Make sure you are well-hydrated before your procedure.
• Avoid alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption for 48 hours before your treatment as it can affect the healing process and increase the risk of bruising.

Arrange for Transportation

• Arrange a ride home: If sedation is used during the procedure, make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home as it would not be safe to drive.

Compression Garments

• Wear compression garments: After the procedure, you will be instructed to wear compression garments for about 4 to 6 weeks to help reduce swelling and promote skin contraction. These garments should fit snugly but not be too tight.

Swelling, Bruising, and Redness

• Swelling and bruising: It’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and redness in the treated areas. These symptoms typically subside within a few days to weeks.
• Manage swelling: You can apply cold compresses (not directly on the skin) to help with swelling and discomfort.

Pain and Discomfort

• Pain management: Mild discomfort, including a feeling of tightness, may be experienced. Dr. Faulkner may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe pain medication if necessary.
• Monitor pain: If you experience excessive pain or discomfort that doesn’t improve with medication, contact Dr. Faulkner.

Activity Restrictions

• Limit physical activity: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercises for about 2 to 3 weeks post-procedure to allow for proper healing.
• Light activities: You can usually return to light activities and walking within 1 to 2 days, but avoid bending, stretching, or any activities that could strain the treated areas.
• Avoid sun exposure: Keep the treated area out of direct sunlight to avoid pigmentation changes in the skin.

Hydration and Nutrition

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water after the procedure to aid in recovery.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein to support the healing process.

Incision Care

• Keep the area clean: The treated area may have small incisions. Follow Dr. Faulkner’s instructions for caring for the incision sites.
• Avoid soaking: Avoid submerging the treated area in water (baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools) for at least 1 to 2 weeks.

Follow-Up Appointments

• Schedule follow-up visits: Dr. Faulkner will want to monitor your healing process, remove stitches (if necessary), and check for any potential complications.
• Observe for signs of complications: Contact Dr. Faulkner immediately if you notice signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or discharge), unusual pain, or if your swelling worsens.

Results and Healing

• Initial results: While some fat reduction may be visible immediately, the full results of BodyTite, including skin tightening, will continue to develop over several weeks to months.
• Collagen stimulation: The radiofrequency energy helps stimulate collagen production, which improves skin tightness and contour over time. Final results can be seen after 6 months.

Signs of Complications

• Infection: Signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, pus, or fever. Contact Dr. Faulkner immediately if you suspect an infection.
• Excessive pain or discomfort: If the pain worsens or is not relieved by medication, inform your provider immediately.
• Fluid retention: In rare cases, fluid buildup (seroma) may occur. If you notice a fluid-filled bulge or unusual swelling, reach out to your provider.

By following the pre- and post-care instructions carefully, you can minimize the risk of complications, reduce downtime, and optimize the results from BodyTite in Rockville. Always stay in communication with Dr. Faulkner if you have concerns during the recovery process, and attend your follow-up appointments to ensure the best outcome from your treatment.