Dallas / Fort Worth — Liposuction Care Instructions

Liposuction is a popular body contouring procedure that can help individuals attain renewed confidence by giving their bodies a smoother, sleeker appearance. Most patients of our Dallas / Fort Worth-area practice are delighted with the results of liposuction. Because taking good care of oneself before and after surgery can help promote faster healing and ensure a positive outcome, we provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative instructions for our patients. During your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Alfred Antonetti will explain these instructions and address any questions or concerns you may have.

If you would like to discuss the liposuction procedure with Dr. Antonetti, contact our Dallas cosmetic surgery practice to schedule a private consultation.

Before the Liposuction Procedure

  1. Take one antibiotic the night before surgery at bedtime.
  2. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your liposuction procedure. This includes water, tea, coffee, juice, mints, gum, and food, but does not apply to medications prescribed by your physician.
  3. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before or after surgery.  Do not take aspirin products, vitamin E, blood thinners, or any herbal medications or herbal teas for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.
  4. You must have a responsible adult drive you home and spend the night with you the night of your surgery.  You cannot drive yourself home, and we will not release you to a cab driver.
  5. Shower the morning of surgery and wash your hair.  However, no lotion, powder, cream, or deodorant should be used on your body.  You should wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't have to be slipped over your head.  All jewelry should be left at home. If you wear prescription lenses, please wear your glasses, not your contact lenses.

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After the Liposuction Procedure

  1. Drink plenty of fluids (e.g., Gatorade®, fruit juices, water, 7UP® / Sprite®). Starting with a clear liquid diet, such as soup and crackers, and progressing slowly to a low-fat diet will help prevent nausea and vomiting. 
  2. Don't be alarmed if you experience fluid drainage from the liposuction incision sites. This will stop after 24 hours.  Rest on a beach towel.  You may also reinforce the area with gauze.
  3. Take it easy and just rest for the first week.  Do not drive until your drains have been removed.  Resume normal daily activities slowly, and refrain from strenuous exercise for two weeks.
  4. You must sponge bathe until your drains are removed, after which you can shower.  Your tape will be removed in one week from the procedure.  Just gently pat dry after your shower.
  5. Do not sit with your body flexed more than one hour at a time to ensure smooth abdominal skin.  Preferably, lie flat or recline with your legs elevated. 
  6. Keep your compression garment on at all times for three weeks, only removing it to shower daily once your drains are removed. This is essential to a positive outcome. On the fourth week, you may wear the garment 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
  7. To prevent unsightly lines and to promote smooth skin after liposuction, do not wear anything tight or elastic around your waist or thighs.
  8. Do not judge your results until all swelling and bruising have subsided. Swelling will temporarily mask the effects of liposuction and can take from 6 to 10 weeks to go down. Bruising usually goes away within a week or two, especially with massage. This will enhance circulation and thus promote healing.  Dr. Antonetti will instruct you on massage techniques during your first week visit.

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Curious about Liposuction?

Schedule an appointment at our cosmetic surgery practice in the Dallas / Fort Worth area to discuss liposuction with a board-certified plastic surgeon. He will answer all of your questions and help you to determine whether liposuction is right for you.

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972-566-6677

Contact Dr. Antonetti at his Dallas / Fort Worth-area practice to learn more about liposuction.






Dr. Antonetti is an internationally known board certified plastic surgeon in Dallas. He is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Medical City of Dallas Complex | 7777 Forest Lane, Bldg. C, Suite 642 | Dallas, Texas 75230 | Phone: 972-566-6677