Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: No food or drink, including water, mints, or gum, for 8 hours before surgery.

Transportation: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 1–2 days. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are not permitted.

Medications:

• Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, herbal supplements, weight-loss medications, and blood-thinning agents as directed.
• Review all prescription medications—especially blood pressure or diabetes medications—with your surgeon.

Lifestyle Preparation:

• Avoid nicotine for 4 weeks before and after surgery.
• Reduce or avoid alcohol for 2 weeks before and after surgery.

Day of Surgery:

• Shower using soap; do not apply lotions, perfumes, or skincare products afterward.
• Remove all jewelry and piercings.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to change in and out of.

Suggested Supplies:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Compression garments and corsets as directed
• Stool softener or laxative (if narcotic pain medication is prescribed)
• Easy-to-prepare, nutritious foods and plenty of fluids

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain & Nausea: 

• Tylenol is recommended for mild to moderate pain.
• Narcotic pain medication and anti-nausea medication (Zofran) may be prescribed if needed.
• Use stool softeners or laxatives while taking narcotic medications.

Garments & Corset Use:

• Compression garments and corsets must be worn as directed, often 24/7 during early recovery.
• These garments are critical to supporting healing and helping the ribs adapt to their new position.

Activity:

• Begin gentle walking as soon as possible to promote circulation.
• Avoid strenuous activity, twisting, or heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.
• High-impact exercise should be avoided until approved.

Breathing:

• A sensation of tightness from compression garments is expected.
• Take slow, deep breaths throughout the day.

Bathing & Swimming:

• Showering is typically allowed within 24–48 hours once cleared.
• Avoid baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs until incisions are healed and approved by your surgeon.

What to Expect:

• Swelling and bruising along the torso and waist are normal.
• Tightness or pressure from garments is expected.
• If liposuction is performed, bruising typically improves within 2–3 weeks, while swelling may take several weeks to gradually resolve.
• Final results take time and depend heavily on consistent garment and corset use.