LIPOELASTIC TEAM Are you currently preparing for liposuction to treat your lipoedema? We understand that this can feel stressful, and you want everything to go as smoothly as possible. That’s why we’re here to support you with guidance on what to take with you for your surgery and what to do during your recovery. ♥︎
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Topics covered in this blog article:
1 - What to pack for lipoedema surgery
a) Clothing
b) Personal hygiene
c) Accessories and other essentials
2 - Post-operative essentials after lipoedema liposuction
a) Compression
b) Lymphatic drainage
c) Scar care
d) Nutrition
e) Complementary treatments
f) Physical activity
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1 - What to pack for lipoedema surgery
A. Clothing
Whether you’re travelling to your chosen clinic for lipoedema surgery or preparing for the post-operative period, comfort is key.
Choose loose, comfortable trousers such as joggers or lightweight trousers, paired with a T-shirt or long tunic. Long dresses or skirts can also be a practical option. The aim is to make your day-to-day recovery as comfortable and easy as possible.
Opt for comfortable, open footwear, such as Crocs or a similar style, which may be easier to wear if you experience post-operative swelling.
Also pack comfortable underwear, such as a soft bra and cotton briefs or boxer-style underwear. Choose breathable, comfortable materials that will help you feel at ease during recovery.
B. Personal hygiene
This will depend on where you are having your surgery, whether in the UK or abroad, how long you plan to stay there, and whether you decide to return home shortly after the procedure.
We recommend packing fragrance-free baby wipes so you can freshen up when you are unable to shower, as well as dry shampoo for your hair.
You may also want to take a disinfectant spray for your incision sites and absorbent bed pads to protect the bed from any post-operative leakage or staining. These can also be useful for the journey home by car or other transport.
A portable female urinal may also be useful. Sitting down can sometimes be uncomfortable after surgery, so this can make things a little easier during the early stages of recovery.
Of course, remember to bring your usual toiletries and personal care essentials, such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and any other hygiene products you normally use.
C. Accessories and other essentials
Bring something to tie your hair back and think about ways to keep yourself occupied, as you may spend a considerable amount of time resting.
Sleep is an important part of recovery, so rest whenever you feel you need to. You can also bring your favourite books, films, TV series, music or podcasts to help pass the time.
Consider bringing extra pillows to elevate your legs and help you stay comfortable during your recovery.
Important: Make sure you have someone with you to support you during your surgery and recovery. They may be able to help with washing, changing your compression garment, preparing meals and accompanying you on short walks, as you may be advised to walk regularly.
Having someone nearby can also provide valuable physical and emotional support throughout your recovery.
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2 - Post-operative essentials after lipoedema liposuction
A. Compression
Wearing compression garments is an important part of post-operative care and can help support recovery after plastic surgery. Following liposuction, compression garments may help manage swelling, support the treated tissues and make the recovery period more comfortable.
Compression can also help the skin remain supported as it adapts to the treated area and may help reduce the appearance of post-operative irregularities.
Our tips for post-operative compression following liposuction:
Follow your surgeon’s individual recommendations regarding how long and how often you should wear your compression garment.
We also recommend having two compression garments, so you always have one available while the other is being washed.
A garment with hook-and-eye fastening and a hygienic opening may make everyday wear easier during the early stages of recovery.
As post-operative swelling gradually decreases, your initial compression garment may become too loose. At this stage, you may need to be remeasured and move to a different size, depending on your surgeon’s advice.
♥︎ You may also be advised to use compression foam around specific areas, such as the pubic region, to provide additional support and help manage swelling.
B. Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage can also play an important role during recovery.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) may be used as part of conservative treatment, as well as before and after surgery when recommended by your healthcare professional.
- Before surgery, it may help support lymphatic flow and manage fluid retention.
- After surgery, it may help reduce swelling and bruising and support the recovery process.
- It may help encourage the movement of excess fluid.
- It can support tissue recovery and comfort.
- It may help improve mobility during recovery.
- It may also be used as part of a strategy to help manage post-operative fibrosis.
Lymphatic drainage can be a valuable part of post-operative care in the days and weeks following surgery. Anne-Laure from Perfect Body recommends three sessions per week during the first three weeks, followed by two sessions per week for maintenance. However, the appropriate frequency should always be discussed with your surgeon or qualified lymphatic therapist.
If you are undergoing several procedures, your healthcare professional may recommend continuing MLD between surgeries and adapting the treatment schedule following each procedure.
Keep in mind that post-operative swelling may peak around 10 to 12 days after surgery, although recovery varies from person to person.
Renata França-style massage is not the same as post-operative MLD. Post-operative lymphatic drainage uses specific, gentle techniques and should be carried out by an appropriately trained professional.
Once you have recovered, lymphatic drainage may continue to form part of your conservative lipoedema management routine if recommended by your healthcare professional.
C. Scar care
Following liposuction for lipoedema, you may have several small scars in the treated areas. Once the incisions are fully closed and healing well, you can begin caring for the skin and scars according to the advice of your surgeon or healthcare professional.
Keeping the skin moisturised may form part of your scar-care routine once the wounds have fully closed.
Some people use scar creams or products such as Cicalfate, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 or hyaluronic acid-based creams, but you should check with your healthcare professional before applying products to healing surgical wounds.
Essential oils
Some people also choose to use plant oils or essential-oil blends as part of their skincare routine once the skin has completely healed. However, essential oils can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions and should not be applied to open or healing wounds.
If you wish to use essential oils or other topical products after surgery, discuss them with your surgeon or another qualified healthcare professional first.
Important: Essential oils can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
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Discover our range of silicone-based dressings designed to help care for scars:
♥︎ Silicone-based scar products have been shown to help reduce redness and itching and may help prevent abnormal scarring, including the formation of keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Important: Follow the wound-care schedule recommended by your surgeon or healthcare professional. This may include regular visits from a nurse and removal of stitches at the appropriate stage of healing.
You may be able to shower and wash with a mild, fragrance-free soap, depending on your surgeon’s instructions.
D. Nutrition and hydration
After liposuction, your body needs plenty of rest as well as a healthy, varied diet to support recovery.
Focus on nourishing your body with foods rich in protein, iron and fibre, alongside plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as carbohydrates and healthy fats.
Think of your body like a car: it needs the right fuel to function at its best.
Give your body the nutrition and energy it needs to support your recovery.
As with conservative lipoedema management, nutrition can play an important role.
This is not the time for restrictive dieting. Aim for a balanced and varied diet with sufficient protein, both before and after your liposuction, while following any specific advice from your healthcare team.
Staying well hydrated is also important. Aim to drink regularly throughout the day, unless your healthcare professional has advised otherwise.
Liposuction is still a significant surgical procedure, and your body needs time and appropriate support to recover.
E. Additional supplements
Some people choose to use supplements before or after surgery. However, supplements should always be discussed with your surgeon or healthcare professional, as some may interact with medication or may not be suitable around the time of surgery.
Collagen supplements may be used as part of a balanced diet, although they should not be considered a substitute for adequate nutrition or medical care.
Iron supplements should only be taken when appropriate, particularly if iron deficiency or significant blood loss has been identified by a healthcare professional.
Always check with your surgeon before taking supplements, herbal products or homeopathic remedies around the time of surgery, particularly because some products can affect bleeding, medication or recovery.
F. Physical activity
After liposuction for lipoedema, your body will need time to recover and you may experience some discomfort.
However, it is important to stay gently active, following the advice of your surgeon or healthcare professional. Start with short daily walks and gradually increase the number of steps at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Walking can help support venous circulation and may help reduce the risk of blood clots during recovery.
When can you return to exercise after liposuction?
After the first few weeks, gradually increase the length or pace of your walks when you feel ready. You may also be able to start using a stationary bike. At this stage, we recommend focusing on low-impact activities.
- Introduce low-impact cardiovascular exercise gradually.
- Avoid strenuous, high-impact exercise.
Once your incisions have healed and bruising has settled, typically around six weeks after surgery, you may be able to gradually reintroduce strengthening exercises around the treated areas, depending on your recovery and your surgeon’s advice.
This could include:
- Resistance bands
- Bodyweight exercises
- Light weights
Once your wounds have fully healed, you may also be able to return to swimming.
Always progress at your own pace and follow the recommendations of your surgeon or healthcare professional.
We hope this checklist helps you feel more prepared for your surgery and supports you throughout your recovery.
♥︎ A big thank you to Anne-Laure from Perfect Body for taking the time to share her advice and help others prepare for lipoedema surgery.
Feel free to share these tips with anyone preparing for lipoedema surgery.
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