Body Procedures Post-Operative Instructions
Body Procedures Post-Operative Instructions
An important part of achieving your best results and safely returning to your routine.
Post-Surgical Care
What to Expect After Your Body Contouring Surgery
What to Expect After Your Body Contouring Surgery
Body procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), or body lift are designed to sculpt and enhance your physique by removing excess fat or skin and tightening underlying tissues. Whether your goal is a flatter abdomen, more defined contours, or overall refinement, understanding the recovery process is essential to ensure optimal healing and results.
Depending on the specific procedure, you may have drains, compression garments, and varying levels of post-surgical swelling or bruising. Full healing and visible final results may take several months, but you’ll see progress each week as your body recovers.
Your Post-Op Checklist
Your Post-Op Checklist
1. Rest and Take It Easy
Allow your body time to heal. Avoid standing fully upright if you’ve had a tummy tuck—stay slightly hunched at the waist for the first few days as instructed. Rest, but take short, gentle walks to promote circulation.
2. Pain Management
Expect some discomfort, tightness, or soreness, especially in the first few days. You’ll receive prescription pain medication—take it as directed. Avoid over-the-counter NSAIDs unless approved, as they may increase bleeding.
3. Wear Your Compression Garment
You’ll be fitted with a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support healing tissues. Wear it as instructed—typically full-time for several weeks. Only remove it to shower or when otherwise directed.
4. Avoid Strenuous Activity
Do not engage in vigorous activity, heavy lifting, or core exercises for at least 4–6 weeks. Overexerting yourself too soon can slow healing or cause complications.
5. Care for Incisions and Drains
Keep incisions clean and dry. You may have surgical drains—your provider will show you how to care for them and track output. Do not submerge the surgical area in water until cleared to do so.
6. Reduce Swelling
Swelling and bruising are normal and can last several weeks. Keep the treated areas elevated when possible and follow any additional instructions to support fluid drainage and comfort.
7. Monitor for Signs of Complication
Contact us immediately if you notice increased redness, warmth, pus, significant swelling, fever, or worsening pain. Mild discomfort is normal, but sharp or growing pain is not.
8. No Smoking or Alcohol
Avoid smoking for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. Smoking reduces blood flow and greatly increases the risk of poor healing. Alcohol should also be avoided while on pain medications and during early recovery.
9. Healthy Diet and Hydration
Support your body’s healing by eating a nutrient-rich diet and drinking plenty of water. Protein, leafy greens, and fruits high in antioxidants can help speed recovery.
10. Gentle Movement Encouraged
Even while resting, take short walks daily to prevent blood clots and aid circulation. Avoid sitting or lying in one position for too long.
11. Protect the Area From Sun Exposure
Healing skin is more sensitive to the sun and prone to pigmentation changes. Keep treated areas covered and use SPF if exposed to sunlight.
12. Follow-Up Appointments
Keep all post-op visits so we can assess your healing, remove sutures or drains if applicable, and make sure you’re on track for a great outcome.
