The recovery time from lipedema liposuction is around six to eight weeks. However, every patient is different. It may take longer than this to see the full outcome of the surgery. Surgeons advise patients to wait for six months to see their final result. Nevertheless, patients should start to see and feel improvement after a couple of weeks.
What to Expect Immediately After Lipedema Liposuction
Surgeons perform lipedema liposuction with the patient under local anesthetic. While the patient is awake and alert, they are comfortable and experience no pain. The surgeon makes small incisions in the areas they will treat. They pass a narrow cannula into the incisions and break up the lipedema fat. They then suction out the fat, permanently removing it.
The procedure causes traumas to the tissue, so swelling and bruising are normal afterward. As the patient has received a local anesthetic, they will experience minimal discomfort initially. They can return home on the same day as surgery. However, patients cannot drive themselves and must arrange for someone to take them home.
In the couple of days immediately after liposuction, patients should rest and recuperate. They should make sure to eat healthily and to stay well-hydrated. After a day or so, showering is possible; however, patients must avoid bathing or swimming.
Following the surgeon's advice is crucial, especially in this early period. Wearing compression garments, as advised, is particularly important. For the first couple of days, patients will feel sore, swollen, and bruised. They can take painkillers to alleviate this. The swelling usually reaches its peak around three days after surgery. Taking gentle exercise is imperative to help promote good blood circulation and aid healing.
Also Read - A Guide to Managing Your Condition After Lipedema Surgery
What is the Recovery Period After Lipedema Liposuction Like?
After the first few days, recovery from lipedema liposuction becomes easier. Patients can begin to take more exercise, such as going for walks. They must avoid any rigorous or strenuous exercise, though, until their surgeon gives the green light. They must still avoid swimming and bathing. Continuing to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully is still important. Patients must always attend the follow-up appointments arranged with their surgeon to check their progress after surgery. That gives the surgeon the chance to spot any potential issues at an early stage. Continuing to wear compression garments all day and night is imperative to ensure a good outcome from surgery.
The swelling will start to go down after a couple of weeks. Pain will decrease and the bruising will also reduce. Return to work is usually possible around two weeks post-surgery.
After around six weeks, doing more vigorous exercise is usually possible. Your surgeon will advise you when this time comes. They will also let you know when you can return to bathing and swimming. You may then be able to reduce the length of time you wear your compression garments.
When Will I See the Full Outcome of My Procedure?
Patients may see some improvement immediately after their procedures. After a couple of days, though, you may worry that the surgery has not worked. That is because swelling reaches its peak at this point. There's no cause for concern as it will eventually go down. Once the swelling subsides, you'll start to see that your limbs look slimmer. After a couple of months, you'll see significant improvement. You'll also enjoy better mobility and reduced pain. The final outcome is usually visible after six months, but it can take up to a year in some cases. Your surgeon should advise you about the result that they expect to achieve and when it should be visible.
What Kind of Changes Can Lipedema Liposuction Produce?
Lipedema liposuction offers a wealth of benefits for patients, no matter the stage of the disease they are at. Some patients may require multiple procedures. However, once all surgeries are complete, patients can expect:
- Improved mobility
- Less pain
- A more proportionate body appearance
- Better mental and emotional health
- Long-lasting relief from the severe symptoms of the condition
- Significantly delayed disease progression, often by many years
- Improved quality of life
To ensure the maximum benefits of lipedema surgery, it's imperative to choose the right surgeon. You must seek out a surgeon with exceptional expertise in both liposuction and in treating lipedema sufferers. Dr. Su at ArtLipo is a top choice in Tampa, Florida. As a leading liposuction surgeon, Dr. Su specializes in treating patients suffering from lipedema. His pioneering techniques ensure impressive results. He produces excellent outcomes for patients at all stages of the disease. You can see the results he achieves by viewing the ArtLipo before and after gallery.
To find out more about lipedema liposuction and to arrange a consultation, get in touch with ArtLipo today. Dr. Su will be able to advise you and help you find the solution to your suffering.