Case #1673 · Santa Monica, CA
Liposuction
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This 42 year-old-patient from Santa Monica, CA had experienced weight gain around her mid-section after 2 kids. Dr. Cassileth performed liposuction around her torso and bra bulge for a slimmer look. She loves her new body and feels more condident when wearing form-fitting dresses
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
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.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Short walks every couple of hours, no lifting over 5 lb, and full nights of rest. The worst of the swelling peaks around day 3.
- Week 2
Activity ramps up cautiously: longer walks, no lifting yet. Most patients return to desk work this week.
- Week 4
Light cardio and most desk-work activities cleared. Lifting limit increases to 15 lb. Scar massage typically starts now.
- Week 6
The "back to normal" week for most patients. Final compression schedule transitions to optional.
- Month 3
Shape is 80–90 percent of final. Scars are still pink and will continue to lighten through month 12.
