Saturday, August 8, 2009

Medical News

Caregiving for the Liposuction Patient
Learn about post-op care and healing time to help your loved one recover after this popular plastic surgery procedure

By Madeline Vann
Medically reviewed by Stefan B. Craig, MA, MD

For many women and men, investing in liposuction is time and money well spent because they can finally conquer areas of fat they have not been able to budge any other way. But the plastic surgery procedure is only part of the process. Afterwards, it may be several days before the patient is up on his or her feet again. During this time, the person may need your help for everything from changing the pads used to catch draining fluids to preparing healthful meals.

Liposuction Recovery: Know What to Expect

To help you get an idea of what your loved one will go through post-surgery, read what Houston, Tex., resident Charlene Gonzales says about her experience. “I was told prior to the surgery that the pain afterwards is similar to how you feel the day after a strenuous workout, and that is absolutely correct. Your body feels very tender,” says Gonzales, a mother of three young children who also works full time.

In the days after the plastic surgery, Gonzales wore women’s sanitary pads over each of the 16 incisions created during the procedure. “This was to absorb the liposuction liquid that was inserted to break up the fat. A lot of the liquid remains after the surgery and leaks out of each of these little, round, pencil-eraser-sized holes until they heal shut,” explains Gonzales. As a caregiver, you may be instructed to cut sanitary pads in half and use surgical tape to hold them in place over each wound.

Planning for Liposuction Recovery

Although the patient’s post-op needs will depend on the specifics of his or her procedure, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

* Review all directions for dressing incisions before you leave the medical facility.

* As the caregiver, ask that you be given all information in writing or take notes. * The patient may be too groggy to remember details and will need written directions to follow once you are no longer there around the clock. Also ask about specifics of giving pain relief medication. Be prepared to provide round-trip transportation. For convenience, you’ll want to start out by driving the patient to the surgery center so that you don’t have to worry about his or her car being left there after the procedure. Be prepared to spend the night at the patient's home. If you don’t share a residence, you may need to stay overnight and perhaps another day or two to help out.

* Take care of any strenuous chores. Most patients can walk around with minimal discomfort after liposuction, but may have to scale back on some activities. “Any significant physical activity should be avoided for anywhere from a week to six weeks, depending on the procedure,” says Perry Johnson, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Make sure the patient doesn’t overexert or try to take on too much too soon. Make sure the patient wears any pressure garment as instructed. For at least the first week after liposuction, a pressure garment may be required to help the body heal. Help the patient in and out of the shower. Baths will be out for a few days to a week while incisions heal; stay close by in case your loved one feels unsteady in the shower. Stay Alert for Any Signs of Complications

Liposuction patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. In general, these should go away over time. However, you should be concerned if your loved one’s swelling or pain gets worse. Dr. Johnson says signs of problems with cosmetic surgery include:

* Fever
* Redness
* Feeling sick after initially feeling good
* Bleeding problems Progressive, increasing, or uneven swelling or pain.

“Bottom line: if you are unsure, then call the doctor,” says Johnson.

Liposuction can produce dramatic results, but the procedure doesn’t end when the patient leaves the surgery center. In fact, that’s exactly when your role as caregiver begins. With your help, your loved one’s recovery will go that much faster and more smoothly.

Last Updated: 07/29/2009
This section created and produced exclusively by the editorial staff of EverydayHealth.com. © 2009 EverydayHealth.com; all rights reserved.

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