Fat Grafting (Liposculpture) Instructions

These instructions were carefully written with you in mind. Take the time to read them thoroughly several times. We have found that adherence to these guideline will give you the smoothest recovery and optimum results. If a question does arise, first refer back to these pages. If you are still uncertain, call the office on 706-235-5570.

Before Your Procedure:

1. Be sure to have all your medications and prescriptions purchase prior to surgery. These include antibiotic, antibiotic ointment (Polysporin), pain medication, anti-nausea suppositories, hydrogen peroxide and Q-tips, antiviral medication, and possible steroid medication.

2. Shampoo your scalp for 10 minutes on the evening prior to your surgery with an antibacterial shampoo such as Phisoderm.

3. Cleanse your face for 5 minutes twice daily with an antibacterial cleanser (such as Dial soap) for at least three days prior to your surgery.

4. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY, UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE.

5. Arrange for a driver to transport you to the office for your first few days post-operative visits, due to the fact that the medication given may slow your reflexes, and the facial dress and swelling may restrict your vision. Ask the Doctor’s advice if you have questions.

6. You must have a responsible adult, friend or relative, 21 years or older, drive you home following surgery and plan to remain with you for the first 24 hours post-operatively. (You will not be allowed to ride home in a taxi cab following surgery.)

7. If indicated, please see your personal physician pre-operatively for medical clearance for surgery, and have the report (faxed) sent to our office.

8. Prescription drugs administered under the care of your physician, and reported on the history form you completed at the time of consultation, may be taken unless you were instructed otherwise. Please refer to the “list of drugs to avoid” before and after surgery.

9. Smoking – if you are a smoker, stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery to enhance wound healing and maximize your ultimate result.

Follow Up Appointment Schedule:

Beginning the day after surgery: You will be seen at the office to have your facial dressing removed, examined, and facial dressing reapplied.
Day 3: Office to have your facial dressing removed and chin strap applied, and to possible remove the dressing from the donor fat sites.
Day 5 to 7: You will be seen at the office to remove the sutures.
Day 14: Office for re-evaluation.

All remaining postoperative follow-up visit dates will be recommended by the doctor. Please call the office to schedule your appointments. Our office number is 706-235-5570.

What to Expect After Surgery: (See body and submental (chin) liposuction instructions for donor site care.)

1. On your arrival home you will feel like sleeping. You will have a large, bulky dressing which looks like a turban or helmet. You may experience discomfort from the bandage, or nausea from the anesthesia. The dressing will restrict your hearing and your peripheral vision and may feel tight. Do not loosen or remove the facial dressing. As mentioned above, on the second or third postoperative day, the dressing will be removed, and a chin strap may be applied. The chin strap is to be worn day and night for two weeks (14 days) and at night thereafter for the next two to four weeks. DO NOT wear your chin strap too tightly; a moderate support is all that is needed.

2. It is common to have a variable degree or swelling and bruising for the next few days. To keep it to a minimum, continue elevation of the head. Sleep in a semi-sitting position. You can do this by sleeping in a recliner or by propping yourself up on two or three pillows. Continue sleeping in this position for two weeks (14 days) following surgery. Stay away from salty foods, especially before retiring.

3. If you develop severe swelling on one side of the face versus the other, exaggerated pain on one side, or bleeding through the bandage, immediately elevate the head, apply pressure to the area, and then notify the office at 706-235-5570.

4. For the first few days when getting up from bed, rise slowly taking short breaths between each movement. Example: sit up, rest, place feet on the floor, rest, etc. Be sure you have an able adult assist you to and from your destination.

5. A low grade fever is not abnormal. Take two Tylenol tablets for any elevated temperature under 101 degrees. Call the office if you have a persistent fever over 101 degrees.

Activity

Avoid excessive facial and neck movements for one week (7 days). Move your head and shoulders as one unit. Tightness is to be expected, but if you feel an increase in tightness as you move, you may be moving your head or neck too much. Avoid quick movements, bending, leaning forward or straining for two weeks (14 days) following surgery. Excessive movements can raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding and bruising.

Sun Protection

To help prevent further sun damage, apply a facial sunscreen to your face daily after the first week. Use a sunscreen that provides the broadest coverage with SPF 15. Avoiding the mid-day sun, wearing a broad brimmed hat, are also important in helping prevent aging skin changes from the sun and the risk of pigmentary changes of the skin incisions.

Additional Procedures

Additional procedure, such as chemical peel, BOTOX, JuveDerm, dermabrasion, CO2 laser skin resurfacing, face lift or eyelid surgery may be discussed during your postoperative visit; and can be scheduled 6 to 12 weeks after fat grafting, if indicated.

Learn more about facial fat grafting procedures here.