THREE WEEKS BEFORE THIGH LIPOSUCTION SURGERY:

• Laboratory and EKG (if they are required) must be done. If you are having your preoperative testing at a lab other than the one we suggested, you are responsible for having the written results of this testing arrive at our office one full week before thigh liposuction surgery (our fax number is 585-271-4786).
• YOUR LIPOSUCTION SURGERY WILL NEED TO BE CANCELLED IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT.
• All fees are due, including surgical, facility and anesthesia.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THIGH LIPOSUCTION SURGERY:

• Do not take any products containing aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or Vitamin E. Tylenol is acceptable.

· Refrain from all nicotine products, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chew or Nicotine patch. Nicotine interferes with healthy circulation and may affect the result of your thigh liposuction surgery. It also places you at higher risk of complication when receiving anesthesia.

ONE WEEK BEFORE THIGH LIPOSUCTION SURGERY:

• Do not drink alcohol for 1 week before and after thigh liposuction surgery.
• Please ensure that all laboratory tests and/or blood work has been completed by this time as ordered by the plastic surgeon/nurse practitioner. The fax number for the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery is 585-271-4786.

THE DAY BEFORE THIGH LIPOSUCTION SURGERY:

• Call 267-8200 to obtain your arrival time for the day of your thigh liposuction surgery.
• DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT (This includes water and gum chewing). Thigh liposuction surgery may be cancelled if this is not followed. A fasting state is required in order to receive sedation for surgery. The only exception is medication, which we instruct you to take with a sip of water the morning of thigh liposuction surgery.

DAY OF THIGH LIPOSUCTION SURGERY:

• Go to suite 101 (Lindsay House Surgery Center).
• You may shower and shampoo the morning of your liposuction surgery. Do not wear makeup, hair sprays or gels, or nail polish. You may leave acrylic nails on.
• Please wear loose fitting clothing.
• Do not wear jewelry, including body jewelry or bring valuables to your thigh liposuction surgery.
• If you have your menstrual cycle, please wear a feminine napkin. Do not wear a tampon.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIGH LIPOSUCTION:

COMMON INSTRUCTIONS AFTER THIGH LIPOSUCTION SURGERY:

• A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after your thigh liposuction surgery (public transportation is not permissible).
• A responsible adult must stay with you overnight and after your surgery until the morning following the procedure. If you are having several plastic surgery procedures, you may need or prefer assistance for 1-2 days following your thigh liposuction procedure.
• Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 24 hours after your thigh liposuction surgery.
• Do not drive for approximately 5-7 days after thigh liposuction surgery or when taking pain medications.
• Avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort. There are no restrictions on your activity or exercise.
• You are encouraged to walk around the house on the day of your liposuction surgery and thereafter. This helps to prevent blood clots from developing in the legs.
• Move/pump your legs frequently while lying down. This also helps in preventing blood clots from developing.
• Take deep breaths often when you get home and for the first 24 hours after thigh liposuction surgery. This helps to expand the base of your lungs.
• Resume activities slowly. You may feel tired for the first few days but you should be able to return to normal activities within 1 week after thigh liposuction surgery.
• Expect to have pain for the first 24 hours. Take your pain medication before your pain becomes severe.
• Take all medications as instructed post operatively.
• Some bruising and swelling is normal. It is expected to take between 3-6 months to see your final results.
• Avoid direct sunlight to the incision for at least 1-year. Use a sunscreen with zinc oxide with a SPF of 20 or greater to help decrease the visibility of the scar.
• Drink lots of liquids after thigh liposuction surgery to help replenish fluids that may have been lost during surgery.
• Use caution when getting up from a chair or bed as you may experience slight lightheadedness.
• You will go home with a compression garment in place. You will need to wear this garment at all times for three weeks after thigh liposuction surgery. After 5 days, you may take the garment off to shower but it should be put back on afterwards.
• Expect to have a moderate amount of swelling and drainage. You may change the gauze pads over your garment as needed to help keep clothing dry. The drainage from the small incisions may be significant for the first 12 hours after your liposuction surgery but should stop after 24 hours. If it persists after then, please call the office.
• After you have taken your first shower and changed into your new garment, you can then apply Dr. Koenig's Post Liposuction Oil to the areas on your body treated with liposuction. Avoid suture/incision area for at least 2 weeks.

CALL OUR OFFICE IF YOU DEVELOP ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Fever of 101 degrees F or greater.
• Pain not relieved with pain medication.
• Swelling, redness, bleeding, and/or foul drainage from an incision site.
• Persistent nausea and/or vomiting.
• Any other concerns.

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Copyright 2010 Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery