Autologous fat grafting is a common cosmetic procedure that extracts excess fat from the body to fill in sunken areas, achieving desired volume. Due to its maturity and permanent results, it is favored by many women. However, most women experience suboptimal recovery due to lack of understanding. Therefore, avoid the following activities post-surgery to promote healing.
What should you avoid after autologous fat grafting?
1. Not wearing compression garments
Many women find compression garments uncomfortable after autologous fat grafting and choose not to wear them. This is inadvisable. Compression garments are essential for stabilizing and shaping the treated areas post-surgery. Without them, the liposuction sites may develop uneven contours. Therefore, compression garments must be worn for three months following autologous fat grafting.
2. Avoid getting wounds wet
Doctors typically advise keeping surgical wounds dry for about seven days. Since fat is harvested from areas like the legs or abdomen, multiple incisions exist. Exposure to water risks infection, so keep these areas dry.
3. Removing fixation tape
After autologous fat grafting, doctors apply medical fixation tape to the injection sites. This prevents moisture from reaching the injection wounds and causing infection, while also preventing fat displacement that could lead to asymmetry. Some women remove the tape because they find it inconvenient, but this practice is strongly discouraged.
4. Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited after autologous fat grafting. Cigarettes contain nitric oxide, which reduces oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to insufficient blood supply, causing fat cells to die. Generally, the fat graft survival stabilization period lasts three months. Therefore, smoking must be avoided for at least three months post-surgery.
5. Cold/Hot Compresses
Any temperature fluctuation post-surgery can compromise autologous fat grafting results. While some believe cold or hot compresses hasten swelling reduction, cold therapy causes cellular apoptosis, while heat accelerates absorption, both lowering fat cell survival rates.
6. Manual Massage
Some women believe post-operative massage alleviates discomfort. However, massage is strictly prohibited after autologous fat grafting. It stimulates facial tissues, compresses fat granules, reduces survival rates, and compromises results.
Important reminder: Thoroughly understand post-operative precautions for autologous fat grafting. Avoid prohibited activities to maximize fat cell survival and ensure surgical success. If discomfort arises post-surgery, seek medical attention promptly. Do not self-medicate or take unadvised measures.