The fear of pain during healing after liposuction can deter some patients from seeking surgery. However, most find that the benefits of the procedure outweigh the discomfort they experience afterward. Although you can expect some discomfort after any surgery, after liposuction, it is short-lived.
Is The Surgery Itself Painful?
Although some prospective patients worry about experiencing pain during the liposuction surgery itself, there is no cause for concern. Surgeons perform the procedure with the patient under a local anesthetic. Therefore, they feel no discomfort at all during surgery. In fact, they can go home the same day.
Will I Have Any Downtime?
No matter what type of liposuction surgery you undergo, you can expect some downtime. You should take a couple of days to rest and recover after your procedure. If you have a more extensive procedure, you will require more downtime. For example, if you have chin liposuction, you’ll only need a short rest period. However, if you have full-leg liposuction, you’ll need several days of rest.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take to Recover From Liposuction?
What Kind Of Pain Will I Experience?
Immediately after your surgery, you will still benefit from the residual local anesthetic. Hopefully, you shouldn’t experience any significant pain. For a couple of days after your procedure, you’ll experience some bruising and swelling. This inflammation will cause you some pain. There’s no need to worry, though, as it shouldn’t be too intense. Most patients find over-the-counter painkillers are sufficient to relieve their discomfort. However, your surgeon can prescribe stronger painkillers if you are suffering and find it necessary.
How Long Will I Be In Pain?
When the local anesthetic wears off after your lipo procedure, there will be some discomfort for a few days. You will find that the pain you experience is usually at its worst between two and four days post-surgery. You might experience a little discomfort for a few weeks due to the inflammation. The discomfort will reduce steadily, and it shouldn’t be too much for you to cope with.
How Can I Minimize The Pain?
There are several things that you can do to minimize the pain and discomfort you may experience after liposuction.
Firstly, you should wear your compression garments according to your surgeon’s instructions. Your surgeon will give you properly fitting compression garments to wear after your procedure. You must wear these all the time, day and night, at first. The compression garments help to promote healing and reduce pain and discomfort. They also help to maximize the outcome of your surgery for the best possible result.
Of course, you can take painkillers after your surgery too. Standard over-the-counter medications are suitable for use in most cases and help to minimize pain. Your surgeon may offer to prescribe you something stronger if you really need it.
You should rest for a couple of days immediately after your surgery to recuperate. After that, you should start to take gentle exercise to boost your blood circulation. That will help to promote healing and minimize your discomfort. You should avoid doing any strenuous exercise until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead. Staying well hydrated is also essential, so drink lots of water during your recovery.
Most importantly, you should always choose a skilled and experienced surgeon to ensure you enjoy the best healing after liposuction. Dr. Su at ArtLipo is an excellent choice as he is a liposuction specialist, so get in touch now.
Dr. Thomas Su, is the owner and cosmetic surgeon of Artistic Lipo. He has led our full-time clinic specializing in awake-only liposuction since 2007. Dr. Su began his medical career in internal medicine, practicing that until 2005, when he began to provide a full spectrum of non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
