You might have heard that liposuction is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries. It is also one of the safest but of course, it has its risks.

In the US about 300 thousand liposuctions are done every year. And to reduce the rate of complications after surgery, it’s really important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions. So here are some expert tips on what NOT do to post-surgery.

Being stationary – This might sound bizarre, not to stay on bed rest after surgery. However, after liposuction, it’s important to be mobile. This is extremely important, especially in the first few days after surgery. You don’t have to walk great distances. Walking around your apartment or house is sufficient. But why is this important?

Well, after every surgery, there is a risk of developing blood clots which can cause a number of problems. One of the most serious ones is pulmonary embolism (or also known as PE). With PE, a blood clot can travel through the blood stream and clog your lungs. You should also know that PE after plastic surgery is responsible for 23% of fatalities.

So in order to minimize the risk of forming blood clots, it’s important to stay mobile.

Dehydration – During surgeries, it’s pretty normal that you lose some of your blood and body fluids. In order to replenish this (and also avoid getting PE) you need to stay hydrated. Drinking water and fluids will not only replenish the loss you experienced during surgery and prevent PE, but it will also clear your body of any medication you might have received during surgery.

Furthermore, fluids minimize the risk of swelling since you can’t use hot or cold pads. In case there is some minor swelling, don’t be alarmed. That’s pretty normal and common (after all your body just went through surgery, which is a traumatic experience for the tissue) and should subside in a few months.

Blood-thinning medication – Blood-thinners are usually taken in order to combat the formation of blood clots and preventing PE and manage the post-op pain. However, there is a downside to this. As blood-thinners make your blood… well thinner, there is an added risk of having post-operative bleeding. And since blood-thinners hinder your body’s natural process of coagulation (making blood thicker in order to stop bleeding) this can be really dangerous. So in the first week or so after your surgery, don’t take any blood-thinners. So if you’re experiencing some pain after your surgery, consult with your doctor and see what would he recommend. He might even prescribe you some medication if necessary.

Not wearing compression garment – Patients that undergo liposuction. Often receive pressure garments to wear post-surgery. The goal of pressure garments is to reduce swelling and it’s important to wear them at all times during your first month after surgery. Of course you don’t have to wear them while you’re taking a shower.

Now, these compression garments don’t always feel comfortable, they can itch and you might be tempted to remove them. We strongly recommend that you resist this urge. Taking off your compression garments and putting them back on frequently, puts you at risk of developing seroma.

Strenuous activities – We already talked about the importance of being mobile after your surgery. However, this doesn’t mean that you can hit the gym and work out. You should really refrain from any activity which can cause elevated heart rate and higher blood pressure. This is especially important in the first few weeks after surgery. But not to worry. You will be able to return to your regular workout routine 4-6 weeks after your surgery.

Taking long baths – When the liposuction procedure is done, surgeons cover the surgical site with either waterproof dressing or they might go for regular bandages. This can impact your personal hygiene routine when you’re back home. However, no matter If your plastic surgeon used normal bandages or waterproof dressing, you shouldn’t be soaking in baths or going into hot tubs. This can lead to a serious infection. So refrain from your bath routine and instead take a shower.

So there you go, these are the most common “no-nos” after liposuction surgery. And if you have questions or doubts, contact your surgeon first.