Case #1669 · San Diego, CA
Liposuction
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This 30-year-old from San Diego, CA wanted to improve her physique and reduce areas of stubborn fat. Dr. Cassileth performed vaser liposuction on her torso, flanks, thighs, chin, and knees. She then added fat grafting to enhance her breasts by one cup size.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Liposuction.
- Compression garment continuously for 4 weeks, daytime for an additional 4 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage massage starting week 1
- Walking encouraged from day 1; cardio at week 3
- Massage technique taught to maintain even contour during the swelling phase
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to support healing when recommended
- Body hydration protocol on the contoured areas
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic on incision site scars
- SPF 50+ on incision site scars for 12 months
- Indiba radiofrequency for skin retraction during the first 8 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage weekly for the first month
- Laser or microneedling for skin tightening at 3 months if needed
- Skincare
Sun avoidance and SPF protocol extended through month 12 to minimize scar hyperpigmentation.
Younger skin pigments scars more reliably under sun exposure.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil discontinued 14 days pre-op to reduce bruising risk. Acetaminophen is allowed.
- Nicotine in any form, cigarettes, vapes, patches, gum, paused six weeks before and six weeks after surgery. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and slows wound healing.
- Plan the first week so nothing needs to be lifted or reached. Most patients also pre-cook simple meals or arrange delivery.
- Day-of transport and an overnight companion (24 hours minimum) are required for discharge.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Light activity, hydration, and elevation. Expect peak swelling between days 3 and 5, then a gradual easing through the end of the week.
- Week 2
Patients off prescription pain medication, walking 1–2 miles daily, and back to most light household activity.
- Week 4
Most patients back to gym cardio at 50 percent intensity. Scar massage protocol begins. Driving restored if not already.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
Most patients consider this the "final result emerges" milestone. The remaining 10 percent of refinement plays out through month 6.
