Your comfort and safety during recovery are our highest priority. This guide has been prepared to help you navigate each stage of your healing journey with clarity and confidence. Please read it carefully and keep it close throughout your recovery — our team is always available should any questions arise.
Preparing for Your Procedure
One Week Before
- Refrain from alcohol for at least 3 days before and after surgery.
- Confirm all required laboratory work and blood tests have been completed and sent to our office. Fax: 855-506-2309.
- Fill any prescribed medications so they are ready at home before your procedure date.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Vitamin E, and any blood-thinning supplements unless otherwise directed. Tylenol is acceptable.
- Refrain from all nicotine and tobacco products. Nicotine impairs circulation and healing and increases anesthesia risk.
The Evening Before
- Our team will contact you to confirm your arrival time.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight — this includes water, breath mints, and gum. Failure to fast may result in cancellation of your procedure, as a fasting state is required for safe sedation.
- The only exception is prescribed medication; take it with the smallest sip of water the morning of surgery as instructed.
Morning of Surgery
- Shower and shampoo thoroughly before arriving.
- Do not apply makeup, hair products, gels, or nail polish. Acrylic nails may remain.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and flat, easy-to-slip-on footwear.
- Leave all jewelry, body piercings, and valuables at home.
- If you are currently menstruating, please wear a pad rather than a tampon.
- Please make sure you have a responsible adult picking you up when surgery if completed.
Your Recovery at Home
The First 24 Hours
- A trusted caregiver must remain with you overnight and ideally for the first 1–2 days.
- Avoid major decisions or activities requiring clear judgment for 24 hours.
- Do not drive for approximately 10–14 days, or while taking narcotic pain medication.
- If you have not urinated within 6 hours of arriving home from surgery, please contact our office.
Activity Restrictions
- Short, gentle walks are encouraged from the first day to support circulation and prevent blood clots. Pump your legs frequently while lying down.
- Keep your hips gently flexed while in bed for the first week to reduce tension at the surgical site.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, and straining for 4–6 weeks. You may resume full activity after six weeks.
- Do not drive for approximately 10–14 days or while taking narcotic pain medication.
- You may resume sexual activity after 3 weeks.
- Avoid baths, swimming, and hot tubs for 6 weeks. Showering is permitted 24 hours after surgery.
- Do not hold or allow animals to sleep with you for at least 2 weeks.
Compression & Wound Care
Compression Garment
- An abdominal binder or compression garment will be applied immediately after surgery and must be worn continuously for 2 weeks. You may remove it to shower 24 hours after surgery, but it must be replaced immediately after.
- Continue wearing the garment for a total of 6 weeks post-surgery.
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle. Do not place in the dryer.
Wound Care
- Change absorbent gauze pads at the surgical site as needed to keep incisions clean and dry.
- Leave surgical tapes in place — they will fall off on their own. If they become wet, dry them gently with a blow dryer on the cool setting.
- Ice packs may be applied to liposuction sites during the first 24–48 hours to reduce swelling. Apply for no more than 10 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Never apply ice directly to skin. Do not use heat.
Supporting Your Results
Swelling & Healing Timeline
- Swelling and bruising are completely normal and expected after liposuction. Bruising tends to follow gravity — lower treatment areas may show more bruising than upper areas.
- Final contouring results typically emerge between 3 and 6 months post-surgery as all swelling fully resolves.
Scar Care & Sun Protection
- Avoid direct sun exposure to your arm incisions for at least 1 year following surgery.
- Once incisions are fully healed, apply unscented zinc oxide SPF 30+ consistently to help minimize scar visibility.
- Arm lift scars are long by nature — consistent scar care over the first year makes a significant difference in their final appearance.
Hydration & Nutrtion
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day to support healing and reduce swelling.
- Prioritize protein-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and limit sodium intake.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks and do not smoke or use nicotine products during recovery.
Contact Our Office Immediately If You Experience Any of the Following:
- Fever above 101°F
- Pain that is not adequately relieved by prescribed medication
- Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision site
- Bleeding that saturates your dressings
- Foul-smelling or unusual discharge
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or any other symptom that concerns you
When in doubt, please call. We would always rather hear from you.
