WHAT it is:
This is a total body contouring procedure for someone who has had massive weight loss. The overall goal is to shape and tone the body through the removal and tightening of excess skin. Bonus: it aids in skin hygiene by reducing your chances of skin rashes and infections that can form between the folds of excess skin.
HOW it’s done:
A Body Contouring procedure can include a Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift, Arm Lift and/or Body Lift.
WHAT to expect:
You may experience temporary pain, soreness, and numbness in the area(s) that have been treated.
Maximum discomfort will occur the first few days but may last several weeks.
Expect the bruising to last up to 6 weeks, depending on your surgery.
Swelling and bruising are normal part of the recovery process and will begin to subside one or two weeks after surgery.
It is expected that your clothes will be tight for the first month or two after surgery. Intermittent swelling may persist for several months.
Your size and shape will continue to decrease each week.
Swelling following liposuction recedes rather slowly. It will take some time before the contour finalizes, usually between three and six months.
Pain and aches are normal especially the first week; this will decrease as bruising subsides.
TOO MUCH ACTIVITY IN THE IMMEDIATE POST OPERATIVE PERIOD WILL RESULT IN EXCESSIVE SWELLING AND POSSIBLE BLEEDING.
AWAKE or ASLEEP
Take a nap with general anesthesia
RECOVER, RESULTS & FREQUENCY:
Recovery times vary according to the type of body contouring surgery performed.
In general, a full recovery can take several months.
Tummy Tuck: Permanent fix if you maintain a healthy lifestyle!
Breast and Lower Body Lift: Long- term fix! Results can last 10 years or more.
PRE-OP instructions:
Have all prescriptions filled prior to your surgery. Do not take any Aspirin, Plavix, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Coenzyme Q10 or medications containing these compounds for 14 days before your procedure.
Begin your stool softener on the day prior to surgery to avoid constipation.
Wash with Hibiclens or antibacterial soap the night before surgery, as directed. Cleanse your belly button area with a Qtip and the antibacterial soap while showering.
Do not shave the surgical site within 2 days of surgery. This includes under arms for breast procedures and the pubic area for abdominal procedures. Hair may be trimmed with an electric clipper.
Avoid using body lotions, deodorants or perfumes on the day of surgery.
Do not wear any jewelry, piercings or contact lenses.
Refrain from vigorous exercise on the day before your surgery.
Have a regular meal on the evening before surgery, and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages on the evening before surgery. Do no eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
POST-OP instructions:
You may shower 48 hours after your operation, but no soaking in a bathtub.
Do not remove steri-strips. hey may come off naturally at 2 weeks. When they start to peel off, they are easier to remove in the shower.
Record drain output (milliliters) every 12 hours
Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.
Wear abdominal binder at all times.
Compression garments are helpful to reduce swelling from liposuction
May pad incision with dressings for comfort.
Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
Begin scar therapy approximately 2 weeks after your operation
Start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
No lifting greater than 8 lbs. for 4-6 weeks.
Sleep in a recliner or with multiple pillows
Avoid strenuous exercise and activities for approximately 6 weeks.
Return to work in 1-2 weeks.
