Frequently Asked Questions: Fat Injections
1. What is the recovery for fat injections: We recommend taking 1 week of off work, but it can depend on the
type of work your do and how many areas of liposuction you do along with the fat injections. We recommend
not putting any pressure on the area you are having injected for 3 months. If you are having fat injected into
your buttocks you have to keep pressure off that area. When sitting you have to sit on your upper thighs with
little to no pressure on your buttock area. Too much pressure can make the fat go away. It will take 6 months1 year to see the final result.
2. How long do I have to wear the girdle: It is recommended you wear the tan girdle for 6-8 weeks.
3. When can I shower: You can shower 3 days after surgery. After showering pat dry all Steri- Strips before putting
your girdle back on. While you’re showering is a good time to wash the girdle. Before you get in the shower sit
down for a few minutes and make sure you do not feel light headed, this is normal for the first few weeks when
you take your girdle off. It may be helpful to put a stool in the shower so you can sit for the first few weeks also.
Do not take a bath or get in any water other than shower water for at least 4 weeks.
4. When can I start exercising: Walking is great right after surgery, but anything more strenuous you should wait 4
weeks to start doing. Remember to start out slow and work yourself back up to where you were. You don’t
want to be too aggressive. If you are doing a buttock augmentation we do not recommend any exercise where
you sit for extended amounts of time for 3 months.
5. When can I take my Steri-Strips(tape) off: Leave them on until they fall off. This usually takes 3-4 weeks. If you
start to develop redness, itching or blisters call our office and we will have you come in to remove it or have you
remove it yourself. If the itching and redness persists after removing the tape apply Benedryl or Hydrocortisone
cream and start taking an over the counter antihistamine such as Allegra or Zyrtec.
6. I have a stitch coming through the incision: This is normal. Sometimes you can have a stich from the deeper
layers work itself out through the skin. If this happens call the office and make an appointment to have it
removed.
7. I feel constipated/bloated: You should have started Colace 3-5 days before surgery to help prevent this. If you
have not had a bowl movement a few days after surgery add Dulcolax (suppository) and magnesium citrate
(drink). If you do not have a bowl movement within 6 hours repeat the magnesium citrate. If you still do not
have a bowl movement you will need to do an enema which can be purchased at any pharmacy. If you are
having regular bowl movements but are still feeling bloated taking an over the counter medication for gas such
as gas-x or beano will help resolve that.
8. What if I start my period right before surgery: That is fine, just do what you normally would do.
9. How long do I have to wear the TED hose (white stockings): It is best if you can wear these for at least 1 week.
10. When can I start taking ibuprofen: 2 weeks after surgery
11. How often should I be getting up to walk: Every hour you should be getting up and walking for a few minutes.
12. How much should I be drinking: it is very important to drink a lot of fluids after surgery. Coconut water is great
post operatively (it contains potassium and electrolytes), Gatorade is good too (G2 is better because it contains
less sugar than regular Gatorade). You will know if you are drinking enough by the color of your urine; if it is
yellow you need to drink more until it is clear.
13. How long do I need to take pain medication: Most patients will take the pain medication consistently for the
first 3-5 days.
14. When can I start driving again: Most patients are driving 1 week after surgery. You cannot drive while you are
taking pain medication.
15. When can I get a massage: You can get a light massage 3-4 weeks after surgery. It is important to go to a
massage therapist who is experienced in lymphatic drainage.
16. What can I eat: It is very important to eat after surgery, your body needs protein to heal so try to eat things high
in protein.
17. When can I go swimming or take baths: 1 month after surgery as long as everything is healed and you have no
openings.
18. When can I resume intimate relations: As long as you are careful and do not feel pain while doing this you can
resume 2 weeks after surgery.
19. Is it normal to feel burning/pins and needles sensation: Yes, this feeling is normal and will go away over time.
20. Will I need a follow up injection: If your desired result is not achieved with the first session, a follow up session
may be required.