Consultation and Evaluation

• Pre-operative consultation: You will start with a consultation with Dr. Faulkner, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to discuss your goals, medical history, and suitability for the procedure. Dr. Faulkner will assess the areas of the body you’d like to target and help design a treatment plan.
• Health assessment: Make sure Dr. Faulkner is aware of any medical conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, or medications you’re taking that could affect the surgery or healing process.

Avoid Certain Medications

• Blood thinners: Avoid medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain blood thinners, and herbal supplements (e.g., garlic, ginseng, vitamin E) at least 7 to 10 days before the surgery. These can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Consult with Dr. Faulkner: Always check with Dr. Faulkner before discontinuing any prescribed medications, as some might be necessary for your health.

Stop Smoking

• Quit smoking: Smoking impairs circulation and delays the healing process. To ensure optimal results, stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and after the surgery.
• Avoid nicotine products: This includes nicotine patches or gum.

Arrange for Post-Surgery Care

• Transportation: Since you’ll likely be under anesthesia, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgery center or office.
• Post-operative care: You may need help with everyday tasks for the first few days after the surgery, so it’s helpful to have someone available to assist you.

Prepare for Surgery

• Fasting: If you’re undergoing general anesthesia, you must avoid eating or drinking for 8 to 12 hours before the surgery.
• Clean skin: Shower with an antibacterial soap before the surgery to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid applying lotions, deodorants, or perfumes on the day of the surgery.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing on the day of the surgery. This will allow for easy dressing after the procedure, as you may have some swelling and bandages.

Rest and Recovery

• Rest is essential: Plan for rest and avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery phase. You may need a few days off from work, depending on the extent of the liposuction.
• Pain management: Mild pain, swelling, and bruising are common. Dr. Faulkner will prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter medications to help manage discomfort.

Compression Garments

• Wear compression garments: You will need to wear compression garments on the treated areas to reduce swelling and help your skin tighten around the newly contoured areas. This garment should be worn for 4 to 6 weeks as recommended by Dr. Faulkner.
• Proper fit: The garment should fit snugly but not be too tight. It helps reduce swelling and promote healing.

Swelling and Bruising

• Expect swelling and bruising: These are normal after liposuction and may take several weeks to subside. The swelling can take up to 6 weeks to fully resolve, but the final shape may take up to 6 months to show.
• Ice packs: You can use ice packs to reduce swelling, but make sure to place them over a cloth or towel, not directly on the skin, to avoid cold injury.

Incision Care and Hygiene

• Keep incisions clean and dry: Dr. Faulkner will give specific instructions for cleaning your incisions. Generally, you will need to clean the area gently with mild soap and water.
• Avoid soaking the incisions: Do not submerge the treated areas in water (baths, hot tubs, swimming pools) for at least 4 to 6 weeks to improve the healing process.

Activity Restrictions

• Avoid strenuous exercise: Refrain from vigorous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks. This helps prevent complications and allows your body to heal properly.
• Return to light activity: Light walking and daily activities can often be resumed within a few days to a week, but always follow Dr. Faulkner’s advice regarding when it’s safe to return to more strenuous activities.

Follow-Up Appointments

• Attend follow-up visits: Dr. Faulkner will want to monitor your recovery.
• These follow-up appointments are essential to check the healing process, remove any stitches, and assess for any signs of complications.
• Monitor your progress: Be sure to report any unusual symptoms (such as excessive pain, infection, or fluid buildup) during your follow-up visits or immediately if they occur.

Scar Management

• Scars are inevitable: Small incisions are made during liposuction, and these will leave scars. Follow Dr. Faulkner’s scar care instructions to help minimize scarring.
• Use scar treatments: Dr. Faulkner may recommend silicone sheets or gels, available in our office, to help minimize scarring once the incisions have fully healed.
• Sun protection: Protect the scars from the sun by using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, as direct sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable.

Signs of Complications

• Watch for infection: If you notice increased redness, warmth, or discharge from the incisions, or if you develop a fever, contact Dr. Faulkner immediately.
• Fluid buildup (seroma): In some cases, fluid can accumulate under the skin. If you notice swelling or a bulging area that feels fluid-filled, contact Dr. Faulkner.
• Blood clots: If you experience swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in your legs, or if you develop shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately as these can be signs of blood clots.

Long-Term Maintenance

• Stable weight: Liposuction removes fat cells, but the remaining fat cells can still expand if you gain weight. Maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet and exercise will help maintain your results.
• Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet, will ensure the best long-term results after liposuction.

Lipo in Rockville can provide lasting, dramatic improvements in body contour by removing excess fat from targeted areas. By following the pre- and post-care instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery process, minimize risks, and optimize the results. Always keep in touch with Dr. Faulkner throughout the healing process to address any concerns and ensure the best outcome for your body.