AFTER FAT GRAFTING SURGERYPURE Cosmetic Center

Your mind and your body need plenty of rest to recover after surgery. You will feel tired more easily, and you will not have your full level of energy for the first 4 weeks after surgery. You will be bruised and swollen after surgery. This is all normal. Bruising gets better in about 2 weeks. Much of the swelling improves in 6 weeks, but you will continue to have some swelling for 6 months after surgery.

• You can shower 48 hours after surgery. Soap and water can run over the incisions and the surgical tape, but be careful not to scrub or rub directly on the incisions while washing or drying off. Be gentle. Pat dry.
• NO baths, Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, swimming, or submerging the incisions until after the incisions have completely healed. This is typically at least 4 weeks after surgery.
• It is normal to have more discomfort in the area where liposuction was performed rather than where the fat was injected. 
• It is also normal to have drainage from the liposuction port sites. This drainage may start off looking red and mostly bloody and then fade to a clear/yellow color. The drainage will decrease over the first 3-5 days after surgery.
• Arnica Montana is a homeopathic anti-inflammatory that can help swelling and bruising resolve more quickly. It is available over the counter at most pharmacies in oral tablets or topical forms (gel, cream). You can apply to the skin where there is bruising and swelling but not directly over incisions. You can start the oral tablet 1-2 days before surgery or use the tablets or topicals after surgery. 
• You do not need to massage the liposuction or the fat-grafted areas unless directed to do so. 
• Wear a support garment day and night for 3-4 weeks. After 3-4 weeks, you may wear the garment during the daytime only and remove it for sleep. 
• You should avoid sitting or laying on the buttocks for prolonged periods of time (>30 minutes at a time) in the beginning. You should spend most of your time face down, on the belly, including for sleep. After 2 weeks, you can spend more time sitting and lying on the buttocks.
• Driving short distances is typically OK 7-10 days after surgery. You must be able to safely get in and out of the car, move your body enough to see behind you, and not be taking any of the following medications: gabapentin, tramadol, oxycodone, and diazepam (Valium).
• Do not lift/push/pull anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first 2 weeks.
• Activity Timeline
  • Week 1: Walking around the house or short distances outside (walking is the best way to prevent blood clots. Try to get up and walk for 10-15 minutes at a time, 3-4 times/day)
  • Week 2: Light short walks around the neighborhood.
  • Week 3: May begin cardio-based exercise (treadmill, bike, elliptical). May start lifting 5-10 pound weights. 
  • Week 4-6: Increase weights by 5 pounds per week. Increase time spent with cardio-based exercise as tolerated. 
  • Week 6: No restrictions. May resume all activities and exercise.