Concerns about what is involved in recovery for liposuction can deter some people from seeking surgery. However, knowledge is power. Once you know what you’re likely to experience, you can prepare in advance for the recovery period after your surgery.
Of course, your recovery will vary depending on which kind of lipo you’re having. Treating only a small area, such as the chin, will result in a shorter recovery time. Meanwhile, treating a large area like the entire leg will come with a more extended recovery period. Nevertheless, our expert team will give you some helpful general post-lipo advice and tips.
What Can I Expect Immediately After Liposuction?
Whichever type of liposuction you’re having, you’ll receive a local anesthetic. Although you’ll be awake during the surgery, you’ll feel no pain. The great benefit of a local anesthetic is that you can return home the same day. You must, however, arrange for someone to take you home. You won’t be able to drive on the same day as your procedure. You must also rest and recuperate for a couple of days after surgery. You’ll experience some pain, bruising, and swelling, but you can take painkillers to stay comfortable. The pain should be manageable. If it isn’t, you need to contact your surgeon.
Also Read: Is Arm Liposuction Recovery Long and Difficult?
When Should I Return to Work?
When you can return to work will depend on which area you’ve had treated. After a minor procedure like chin lipo, you can return to work in a few days. After a more extensive procedure like whole leg lipo, you’ll need more rest. You’ll need to take at least a week and probably two off work to recuperate. If your job is very strenuous and physical, you may need a little longer period away from the workplace. Your surgeon can advise you about when the time is right to return to work.
How Long Will I Experience Swelling?
Swelling is the body’s natural response to trauma, and it occurs after every type of surgery, including liposuction. The amount of swelling you’ll experience may vary. Swelling peaks around three days after surgery and then begins slowly to subside. After a couple of weeks, the swelling will have gone down quite a lot. However, how quickly your swelling subsides will depend on your body’s natural healing response. Every patient is different. It may take as long as six months before the swelling is entirely gone. Once all the swelling is gone, the complete result of the surgery is visible.
When Can I Work Out Again?
Immediately after your surgery, you must take a couple of days to rest. After that, you should begin to exercise, but only gentle exercise like walking. Light exercise is essential to keep the blood circulating properly and to promote good healing. You should avoid strenuous exercise, though. Strenuous workouts can be resumed when the surgeon says so. That will usually be after about six weeks. You also cannot swim until the surgeon says so because of the risk of infection. You will probably get the green light to swim about six weeks after surgery.
Must I Wear Compression Garments All the Time?
After liposuction surgery, your surgeon will give you compression garments to wear. They will also tell you how and when to wear them and for how long. You must wear them as your surgeon prescribes to ensure optimal healing. Compression garments are essential to promote healing and help the skin to adapt to the new contours. At first, you’ll need to wear them night and day unless you are showering. Eventually, you can reduce the length of time you wear them until you no longer need them. Your surgeon will advise you when to reduce the length of time you wear your garments and when to stop.
How Can I Make My Recovery as Easy as Possible?
Every liposuction patient wants an easy recovery. Although everyone heals differently, there are some ways to improve your post-surgery experience. To achieve the best outcome from your procedure, you should:
- Follow the surgeon’s advice at all times
- Wear your compression garments as your surgeon prescribes
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Eat healthy, and avoid fatty, sugary, and processed foods
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Do gentle exercise but avoid strenuous workouts until your surgeon says it is ok
- Attend follow-up appointments as arranged to make sure you’re healing properly
- Choose a skilled surgeon with extensive experience in liposuction procedures
Dr. Su at ArtLipo in Tampa Bay, Florida, is a leading expert in liposuction. As a pioneer in the field, he has developed unique techniques to produce exceptional results for his patients. No matter which area of your body you wish to treat, Dr. Su can help you achieve your body-contouring goals. Contact Dr. Su and ArtLipo today to find out more about arranging a consultation. We can answer your questions and let you know more about what’s involved in recovery for liposuction.
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.
