First 48 Hours (Immediate Phase)
✅ Do
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Use cold compresses intermittently (10 min on, 10 min off) to ease swelling and tenderness.
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Sleep with head elevated (if facial treatment) to minimize edema.
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Take paracetamol/acetaminophen if needed for discomfort (avoid NSAIDs unless prescribed, as they may interfere with the inflammatory process).
❌ Avoid
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Touching, massaging, or pressing the treated area.
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Strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths, or excessive alcohol.
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Applying creams/ointments to the area unless prescribed.
Day 3 – 14 (Resolution Phase)
✅ Do
-
Begin gentle lymphatic support therapies:
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): 2–3 sessions during this period.
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Pressotherapy (compression boots/suit): 1–2x weekly if available.
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Light exercise (walking, stretching) to encourage circulation.
-
-
Drink 2–3 litres of water daily to support metabolic clearance.
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Use light compression garments (if trunk/limbs treated) if comfortable.
❌ Avoid
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Deep massage or strong pressure (can worsen inflammation).
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Heat-based treatments (radiofrequency, cavitation, HIFU) until at least 10–14 days post-treatment.
Week 3 – 6 (Remodelling Phase)
✅ Do
-
Continue with lymphatic or pressure therapies if swelling or nodularity persists.
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Some clinics introduce adjunctive treatments (e.g., ultrasound cavitation, gentle RF skin tightening) from week 3 onwards to support contouring — but this is optional.
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Maintain healthy diet and activity; results depend partly on lifestyle.
❌ Avoid
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Expecting final results too early — visible improvement is usually noted after 4–6 weeks, sometimes after the second session.
General Do’s & Don’ts
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Multiple sessions (usually 2–4, spaced 4–7 weeks apart) are often required.
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Temporary side effects are normal: swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising, itching, nodules.
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Report immediately if you notice: severe pain, spreading redness, blistering, skin breakdown, or signs of infection.
Abdominal Lymphatic Self Massage
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