Are antibiotics required before and/or after lipo?

Question

Are antibiotics required before and/or after liposuction? Are there instances where you would not need antibiotics before or after liposuction?

Anya Costeloe, DO · Answer

The use of antibiotics after a liposuction procedure, including liposuction of the chin and neck, is typically at the discretion of the surgeon and may depend on the specifics of each individual case. Typically patients will receive a dose of antibiotics at the start of the procedure. Some surgeons may prescribe a short course of antibiotics as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of postoperative infection. However, others may not deem it necessary, especially if the procedure was performed under sterile conditions, and there were no complications.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

This is entirely up to the surgeon's discretion as well as which areas you are getting liposuction for.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Most plastic surgeons use prophylactic anabiotic’s. In regards to reducing a postoperative infections. The only evidence that supports the use of antibiotics as a single dose immediately before surgery.
This has shown to reduce postoperative infections, and most plastic surgeons will at a minimum not use a single dose at the beginning of the procedure.
Many plastic surgeons also prescribe anabiotic’s for a few days afterwards.
 Antibiotics are not required since they are prophylactic, but using them can reduce infection rates to some degree.
I suggest talking to plastic surgeons during consultations at which time you can discuss concerns about antibiotics if you wish.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Are antibiotics required before and/or after lipo?

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Are antibiotics required before and/or after lipo?

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Everything you need to know about Chin Liposuction

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