Your surgeon will explain how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After liposuction surgery, you will receive detailed instructions about your post-surgical care, including information about:
- Drains, if they have been placed
- The normal symptoms you will experience
- Any signs of possible complications
- Immediately after liposuction surgery:
- In some cases, the doctor may insert a drain tube to drain fluid from the wound.
A special compression garment should be worn for an average period of 6 to 8 weeks.
After the anesthesia ends, you may have some pain. You will also have some redness and swelling after surgery. In some cases, the inflammation will last for weeks or even months.
It is vitally important that you follow all patient care instructions that your surgeon will provide. This will include information on wearing compression garments, taking specific medications, and the level of activity that is safe. Your surgeon will also give you detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience and potential signs of complications. It is important to realize that the amount of time recovery takes varies greatly between individuals.
The first two weeks after Liposuction
The first few days after liposuction surgery, you should avoid excessive physical activity.
- Remember, you should not take aspirin.
- You will use a post-surgical garment; if it is too tight, notify your surgeon.
- The first 48 hours after surgery, you will experience varying degrees of inflammation and bruising. The swelling is a maximum 48 hours after surgery and most disappears in an average of four to six weeks, but there may be a slight residual inflammation of up to four months.
- Sutures, if placed, are generally removed seven to ten days after liposuction.
- Don’t smoke after your liposuction surgery. Do not drink alcohol for eight days after surgery or while taking pain medication.
- Avoid straining, bending, and lifting during the early postoperative period. In many cases, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities within 7 days or less.
- Postoperative discomfort is more referred to as discomfort than pain.
- Pain medications are prescribed to lessen any discomfort for the first few days.
- Patients typically return to work within a few days after a liposuction procedure.
It is important to wander (walk) as soon as possible after liposuction to speed up inflammation and prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. However, avoid vigorous exercise for four to six weeks, as it can lead to unnecessary fluid retention in the treated areas.
You must wait a minimum of six weeks before exposure to the sun and heat, including sunbathing, due to the possibility of swelling.
We also indicate post-operative rehabilitation therapy, which consists of therapeutic massage and the use of techniques such as ultrasound, aimed at lymphatic drainage of the treated areas, reduction of areas with fibrosis, this treatment usually starts one week after surgery; this in order to accelerate the disinflammation process and leave a better appearance of the skin.
Long-term recovery after Liposuction
Since the healing process is gradual, you should usually wait several months to get an accurate picture of the results of your surgery. The small incisions used to access the cannulas will fade for several months, usually becoming barely visible. For six to nine months, you may experience a fluctuating yield of ten to 15 percent bloating with exercise or excessive activity.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by taking care of the diet and exercising to prolong the results.
