Instructions on what to do and what to expect after a mini-liposuction to obtain adipose stem cells.

1. REGENERATIVE CELL THERAPY POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
 Swelling and discoloration may be present following liposuction, especially in areas such as the
ankles, wrists and pubic area which are outside the compression garment. Careful attention to
these postoperative instructions will help to minimize your discomfort after surgery.
 Final results of liposuction may not be apparent for three or more months.
 You must have an adult friend drive you to and from the surgery and stay with you for the first 24
hours. You cannot go home alone in a taxi.
 You should not sign documents, make important decisions, or undertake potentially harmful
activities in the 24 hours following surgery.
 Plan to rest for the remainder of the day of surgery. The following day you may feel lethargic but
be able to care for yourself.
 You will have drainage from the incision sites for the first 24 to 48 hours. This is normal; it is the
extra tumescent anaesthetic solution used during surgery. There will be some blood mixed with
the anaesthetic, which may make it look more dramatic. Some people may leak very large
volumes. This is normal in the first day. DON’T PANIC! Cover your mattress with a plastic sheet
with a large beach towel on top. If this drainage does not stop after 48hrs there may be superficial
infection – RING ME!
 For the first few days after liposuction, massage the area as strongly as you are able to. This helps
get rid of the excess fluid. After the fluid is gone, continue to massage the areas every day as
strongly as you can handle, to help aid the healing process, and to avert developing lumps or
hardness.
 Try to drink a glass of water every hour after surgery until bedtime. If you do not drink enough,
you may faint. This is more likely when you take the compression garment off. Avoid high salt
drinks as these may cause swelling. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these may interfere with
medication and residual lignocaine.
 You may be discharged wearing a surgical compression garment. If this is the case, this should be
worn for at least two weeks. It may be worn longer if you feel the need for more support.
 The morning after surgery remove the garment and take a shower.
 When putting the garment back on, LIE DOWN so that the skin will reattach in a higher position.
This may be painful and difficult but will minimize skin folds forming at the lower stomach.

2.  If you need to wash the garment, you can do so, but restrict your activities whilst the garment is
drying. Most people find it comfortable to lie down and rest whilst they are waiting for the
garment to dry.
 You may return to most normal activities after the first 24 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise for the
first three or four days. Return to work is dependent upon the type of work you do, but will be
after two to four days.
 Do not stay in bed on the day after surgery. Movement will help to reduce the swelling and speed
up your recovery.
 Dizziness is common after an anaesthetic. If you experience dizziness, before getting out of bed, sit
up slowly and rest on the edge of the bed until it settles, before standing.
 Pain is usually minimal and controlled with Panadol. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory
medications as these may produce bruising.
 Avoid soaking in water until the wounds have healed. This includes bath-tubs, swimming pools,
and spas.
 Nausea after anaesthesia is common.
 Avoid smoking for 12 hours postoperatively as it may increase the risk of dizziness, nausea and
vomiting.
 Low grade fever is normal after surgery. If your temperature continues over 38°C, contact us
immediately. This may indicate infection and should be dealt with promptly.
 Call us the day after surgery for a progress report.
 Constipation may occur with Panadeine Forte and dehydration.
Fat harvesting disrupts the lymph channels through the fat. Fluid will collect causing some
swelling. The lymph channels will repair in one week and the swelling will go down over the next
week. Some people get hardening in the area where the fat was collected which may take 2
months to resolve. Ultrasound therapy can be used to speed recovery from this.