Fat reduction

Liposuction: Essential care before and after the procedure

9 June, 2024 · Updated on 29 September 2026

Updated on 29 September 2026 • Reviewed by Dr. Gustavo Sordo, plastic surgeon

Patients considering liposuction , when they come for their initial consultation at Dr. Sordo's clinic, often ask, among other things, about the essential pre- and post - operative care . This is the surgeon's answer.

Essential care before liposuction:

Two aspects of liposuction care, more than any other, significantly influence the outcome. First, the compression garment : this shapes the results while the tissues readjust, and it must be worn consistently during the first few weeks, as we will advise during your follow-up appointment. Second, lymphatic drainage , which helps reduce swelling and allows irregularities to resolve more quickly; we will begin these sessions in the first few days.

Before surgery, two conditions apply: a stable weight —liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment, but rather a way to remove localized fat deposits that don't respond to diet or exercise—and quitting smoking for a few weeks, as it affects healing and the quality of skin retraction. And a realistic expectation regarding the timeline: swelling takes weeks to subside, and the final result is visible between three and six months , so it's not advisable to judge your figure after just one month.

1. Aesthetic diagnosis

As with any other procedure, the patient must visit Dr. Sordo for a personalized aesthetic consultation . In the case of liposuction, during this consultation, the surgeon will assess whether the patient has fluid retention , as it is sometimes necessary to treat the patient with manual lymphatic drainage and/or strong compression stockings from a pharmacy.

2. Prepare the pressure therapy belt

The compression garment used after liposuction is custom-made. The patient's measurements will be taken during the consultation before the procedure . The cost of the garment is included in the client's quote. At Dr. Sordo's practice, we work with one of the best orthopedic suppliers in Madrid, who provide us with the garment before the procedure so that the patient can leave the hospital already wearing it.

Essential care after liposuction:

1. Physical activity

After liposuction, it's important to begin some physical activity early on . In other words, it's not advisable to remain immobile or bedridden after the procedure. On the contrary, it's recommended to move around, walk, and stroll for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily for a period of time. This movement will help eliminate the fluids produced by the swelling caused by the surgery. Therefore, we recommend early mobilization of the patient, starting with daily walks of at least 30 minutes.

2. Wear the pressure therapy belt correctly

Another very important point for a proper recovery after liposuction is to wear the compression garment correctly for at least the first 30 days after surgery. It is essential that the garment is properly positioned, without folds or wrinkles, day and night. The garment can be removed when showering, as well as for a few hours while it is being washed.

As time goes by, the girdle will become too big for us, so we will have to adjust the hooks to the new size. This is essential for the correct use of the girdle. We also recommend taking the garment to the orthopaedic store we work with, so that they can fasten it correctly or tuck it in so that it fits as tightly as possible.

3. Apply heparin gel

Another essential aftercare recommendation following liposuction is the application of a heparin ointment or gel . Specifically, we recommend Menaven ointment . This ointment should be applied to any bruising that appears in the treated area. It should be applied after showering. Heparin gel can also be substituted with Thrombocid and should be applied until the bruising has completely disappeared.

4. Go to check-ups

In addition to these care measures, the patient must attend follow-up appointments at Dr. Sordo's office: one appointment one week after the procedure and another one four weeks later.

In the first check-up we will remove the small stitches that we have used during the intervention, while in the second check-up we will analyse how the patient is progressing.

5. Medication

Another recommendation that our patients should follow after liposuction is to take the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers to avoid any pain or discomfort that the liposuction might cause and to be protected against possible, although infrequent, infections.

6. Care of fat grafts

If fat grafts have been placed to fill a small imperfection or depression, it's best to avoid putting too much pressure on that area . For example, don't sleep on the fat grafts, don't sit on them... in short, don't exert strong pressure on the grafted fat.

7. Massages

There are some post-operative care measures that can help after liposuction, although they aren't essential for recovery , such as manual lymphatic drainage massage. This practice helps shorten recovery time by pumping out lymphatic fluid and reducing any swelling that may have occurred in the liposuctioned tissues, and it's also a pleasant experience. At Dr. Sordo's clinic, we recommend that these massages be performed by a qualified professional specializing in post-operative massage, who is familiar with the Vodder technique.

8. Avoid the sun

It is recommended to avoid sun exposure for one year , as small pigments from any bleeding may remain in the skin. These are hemosiderin pigments derived from hemoglobin, which can become pigmented if exposed to sunlight. For this reason, when sunbathing after liposuction, it is advisable to use SPF 50 sunscreen, reapplying it every two hours, just as we do with babies.

By following these essential pre- and post-liposuction care guidelines , you'll achieve a good recovery from the procedure . For more information, schedule an appointment with the surgeon.