Case #1679 · Tarzana, California
Liposuction
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This patient was tired of her stubbon fat around her thighs and midsection. Dr. Cassileth performed liposuction on her abdomen for a more slender look.
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
Aggressive sun protection on incision lines through the first 12 months.
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.
- Full nicotine cessation 6 weeks pre- and post-op. This includes vapes and nicotine replacement products; the constriction effect is the same.
- Stage essentials at hip height, phone charger, water, medications, snacks, to limit reaching and bending in the first week.
- 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
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.
