Case #1682 · Manhattan Beach, CA
Liposuction
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This 55-year-old patient from Manhattan Beach, CA was unhappy with and growing self-concious of her flabby arms. Dr. Cassileth performed a combined procedure of lipsuction, BodyTite, and Morpheus BodyBurst to help tighten and tone her upper arms. The patient now confidently wears
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.
- Discontinue blood thinners (NSAIDs, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) two weeks out. Acetaminophen remains safe; the full list is reviewed at pre-op.
- 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.
- Set up a recovery zone with easy access to water, medication, and comfortable seating. Avoid stairs when possible the first 72 hours.
- Confirm a driver for surgery day and a companion who can stay through the first night.
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
Patients off prescription pain medication, walking 1–2 miles daily, and back to most light household activity.
- Week 4
Light cardio and most desk-work activities cleared. Lifting limit increases to 15 lb. Scar massage typically starts now.
- Week 6
Most physical restrictions lift. Return to strength training, full-impact cardio, and overhead lifting.
- Month 3
Most patients consider this the "final result emerges" milestone. The remaining 10 percent of refinement plays out through month 6.
