Liposuction is one of the simplest cosmetic surgeries available today, yet it is also one of the most impactful. This procedure can dramatically boost your confidence levels by helping you refine your shape and contour your curves. Possibly the best thing about liposuction is that it can take care of that stubborn body fat that feels resistant to diet and exercise.
If you’ve tried everything to remove those last few pounds of fat from your lower abdomen, hips, upper arms, or elsewhere, liposuction may be exactly what you need.
One of the most common questions we receive at Sieber Plastic Surgery about liposuction is in regards to the recovery experience.
Patients want to know what they can expect from liposuction recovery. They want to know when they can get back to their normal everyday activities, back to work, and back to their regular exercise routine. Let’s take a closer look at liposuction recovery.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY
In general, most liposuction patients are able to go home on the same day as their surgery. Overall, the recovery is fairly quick. Within approximately a week, most patients can go back to work or school. This is especially true for office workers and those who don’t have physically demanding jobs.
As with any invasive cosmetic procedure, there will be some discomfort after you return home and during the initial period of your recovery. Dr. Sieber will provide you with pain management options to help increase your comfort.
Bruising and swelling are two major symptoms you’ll experience during recovery from liposuction. For most patients, bruising and swelling is moderate, but for some patients, it may be more significant. This does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. Swelling and bruising are normal after surgery, and it can actually take up to several months for swelling, in particular, to completely diminish.
Over time, you’ll continue to notice decreased discomfort, swelling, and bruising, and your overall results will slowly become more apparent. Most patients can see their full results within three to six months. CoolSculpting patients, on the other hand, (and those who are receiving revision liposuction) may not see their full liposuction results for six to 12 months. Of course, it’s worth noting that results will vary from individual to individual in this regard.
As you recover from this procedure, there are some specific recovery tools, conditions, and treatments you should expect. These include:
Foam Vest and Compression Garment Suit
You will be put into a foam vest and compression garments suit directly after your procedure. This will need to be worn 24 hours a day for the first month of your liposuction recovery. This is an important element of your recovery as it will help maintain consistent and smooth contours as your body recovers from the procedure.
Once this initial month is over, you’ll continue to wear a different garment — a tighter compression garment – for about 12 hours a day. This will need to be worn for an additional two months, after which recovery garments will no longer be necessary.
Drainage Tubes
In addition to your foam vest and compression suit, two drains will be placed in your incisions. You will have one drainage tube in the back and one drainage tube in the front. These will help reduce the accumulation of fluid and reduce swelling. Approximately seven to 10 days after your procedure, these drainage tubes can be removed.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Immediately after your procedure, you should start receiving regular lymphatic drainage massages. For the first month, we recommend that patients receive two to three massages every week. This will help reduce fluid accumulation and swelling as well.
Movement Requirements
While your recovery period is certainly a time to take it slow and easy, we also want you to be up and around as quickly as possible — walking carefully around your house for at least a few minutes every few hours, for example. You don’t want to overexert yourself by any means, and you should avoid lifting anything heavy or overstretching. However, it’s better to ease back into regular movements and your normal routine.
FAQ: LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY
What are the 1 month liposuction results?
Soreness and bruising are typically almost gone by 1 month post-op, and swelling will be dramatically reduced—your new, leaner body contours are taking shape, and while 1 month liposuction results won’t be final for a couple more months, they’re pretty close!
Will there be visible scars after liposuction recovery?
As with any invasive procedure that requires incisions, there will be some minimal scarring after liposuction. However, the wonderful thing about liposuction is that the incisions are generally tiny.
Only thin, small instruments are used to agitate and remove the fat, so they don’t have to be big. Most liposuction incisions are smaller than one cm and heal up very nicely. They are placed in discreet areas and are barely noticeable after several months.
What not to do after liposuction recovery?
Avoid staying stationary during your recovery from liposuction surgery. Slow walks around your house are a good way to get moving.
Also avoid taking blood thinners, as this may increase bleeding and lead to complications during your recovery. This means avoiding substances like ibuprofen.
Finally, avoid vigorous physical activities and lifting heavy objects, and do not immerse yourself in water. For example, do not go swimming or soak in a bath or hot tub.
What can I do to recover from liposuction faster?
There is no fast solution to recovering from liposuction surgery . The best way to have an efficient recovery is to follow the aftercare instructions provided to you by Dr. Sieber. Rest and stay hydrated. Start moving around and walking slowly as soon as possible (don’t overexert yourself). And of course, eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
What to expect day by day liposuction recovery?
The area will be bruised and swollen for at least 10 to 14 days. As soon as you feel comfortable you can return to light exercise. This may take several days to a few weeks. Majority of people can return to light work within a few days.
What happens after 5 days of liposuction?
After 5 days of liposuction surgery, the patient can expect to have swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. It is normal for the skin to be numb and for the patient to feel tired and sore. The patient may also experience some fluid drainage from the incisions, which can be managed with bandages. The patient should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least a week and should wear a compression garments as directed by the surgeon to help reduce swelling and support the healing process.
How long does it take to walk normal after liposuction?
Most people are able to walk normally within a few days after liposuction surgery, although some residual swelling and discomfort may persist. The length of time it takes to return to light exercise, including walking, can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s overall health.
Most patients are able to resume light activity, such as walking, within a few days, but more strenuous activities may need to be avoided for several weeks.
What not to do after liposuction?
After liposuction procedure , it is important to avoid certain activities to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Some things to avoid include: excessive sun exposure, strenuous physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, consuming blood thinners, wearing tight clothing, hot showers and saunas, and excessive salt and sugar.
It is also important to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, such as wearing compression garments and attending follow-up appointments. It is crucial to be patient with the healing process and allow sufficient time for the swelling to subside and the incisions to fully heal.
How many sizes do you drop after liposuction?
The number of sizes you may drop after liposuction procedure can vary depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the amount of fat cells removed, your starting weight and body shape, and the specific area(s) of your body that underwent liposuction.
In general, liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and is designed to remove stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Most patients can expect to drop one or two clothing sizes after liposuction, but the final result will depend on your individual body and the amount of fat cells removed.
It’s important to have realistic expectations and to discuss your goals with your surgeon prior to the procedure.
IS LIPOSUCTION RIGHT FOR YOU? SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH DR. SIEBER
If you are in overall good physical health, within a healthy body weight range, and do not have any other serious medical conditions or ongoing treatments, you are likely a good candidate for liposuction. This simple procedure is quick and effective at getting rid of unwanted fat.
To learn more the popular cosmetic surgery treatment contact our office today and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.
References
Liposuction Recovery: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-expect-after-liposuction
