Postoperative Lipedema Surgery Instructions in West Long Branch, NJ

You must wear your compression garment and velcro wraps 24/7 for the first 4–6 weeks, unless otherwise directed.
They help to:

• Reduce swelling
• Prevent fluid buildup (seroma)
• Promote skin retraction
• Support proper contouring and symmetry

Do not remove your Marena garment, even for a short time, during the first week. Premature removal can lead to shearing injuries, hematomas, or unwanted contour irregularities.

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when standing is common in the first few days after surgery.
This is due to fluid shifts, medication, and your body’s stress response. Tips to prevent fainting:

• Change positions slowly (especially from lying to sitting or standing)
• Stay hydrated
• Have someone nearby to help you stand or walk

If you faint, feel persistently weak, or are unable to stand safely, contact us immediately.

Your body needs more protein during recovery to:

• Support wound healing
• Prevent muscle loss
• Promote collagen and tissue repair

Aim for 75–100g of protein daily.
Good sources include eggs, lean meats, fish, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, tofu, and legumes.

• Antibiotic (must be taken for 7 consecutive days unless otherwise instructed)
• Gabapentin 100mg (nerve medication, take up to 4 times daily then decrease to lowest effective dose)
• Xarelto 2.5mg (blood thinner, must be taken for 7 consecutive days unless otherwise instructed)
• Celebrex 200mg (anti-inflammatory, recommended to take in the morning)
• Narcotic pain reliever (only as needed, up to 4–6 times per day)

Please note: Your specific medications may differ from those listed above. It is essential that you carefully read the instructions on each medication bottle. Contact our office with any questions.

You just had surgery, so rest is your priority today.

Expect:

• Drainage from incisions (pink or blood-tinged fluid is normal)
• Soreness, fatigue, and lightheadedness
• Low activity levels—this is expected

Instructions:

• Change absorbent pads every 4 hours or when saturated
• Try to prevent any folds or bunching of the garment and pads
• Drink fluids and begin eating light, protein-rich foods as tolerated

You may feel more alert today, but rest remains essential.

Expect:

• Drainage will start to decrease
• Some swelling will increase—this is normal

Instructions:

• Do not remove your garment for any reason
• Once the incisions have stopped draining, remove the pads to avoid indentations
• Continue taking medications as instructed
• Monitor for signs of faintness—hydrate and rise slowly
• Focus on small, protein-rich meals and snacks throughout the day

Time to check incisions and maintain gentle movement.

Expect:

• Most drainage should have stopped
• Soreness and bruising

Instructions:

• Keep incisions clean and dry
• Look for signs of infection:
  • Increasing redness or swelling
  • Heat, pain, pus, or fever

Your energy may be improving, but use it wisely.

Expect:

• Less pain, but still swollen and tender
• Light drainage may persist from 1–2 incisions

Instructions:

• Gradually increase activity (short walks are good)
• Finish your antibiotics and Xarelto after 7 days unless otherwise instructed
• Continue non-narcotic pain medication (Gabapentin, Celebrex) if needed. Refills can be provided at your follow-up visit
• Avoid salty foods to prevent increased swelling
• Begin preparing for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Lymphatic Pump Therapy (starting after Day 7)

Pump Setup Instructions:

• Remove outer wraps, leave garment on
• Start pressure at 20 mmHg for the next 14 days, then increase as tolerated
• Pump use should be comfortable, not painful

Congratulations. You’ve completed your first week. Today is an important check-in with Dr. Volshteyn.

What to Expect at Your Appointment:

• The main goal is to assess your healing progress and swelling
• Our team will assist you with removing your wraps and compression garment, if needed
• If everything looks good, Dr. Volshteyn will clear you to take a shower and travel if needed

If you’re healing well, you’ll be cleared to take your first shower today. This is a big step, but it must be done cautiously.

Please follow these important safety tips:

• Use a chair or stool in the shower so you can sit if you feel lightheaded or weak
• Have someone with you nearby for support in case you feel dizzy or unsteady
• Hot water and no compression can cause a vasovagal response (drop in blood pressure), leading to fainting or nausea
• Do not take your first shower alone

Instructions:

• Use lukewarm water (not hot)
• Gently cleanse with mild soap
• Do not scrub incision sites
• Pat dry, do not rub
• After showering, immediately reapply your compression garment and wraps

If you’re planning to travel soon, we will also review:

• How to safely manage compression garments during travel
• Hydration, mobility breaks, and how to reduce swelling during flights or long drives
• Special considerations for long-distance trips within the first month after surgery

You’re entering the next phase of healing. Keep up your great work and continue following your instructions carefully.