An area of interest for patients with most plastic surgery procedures is the recovery process and all that is involved. And liposuction recovery is no different.
The following is guidance that I provide to all of my liposuction patients and a timeline for the average liposuction recovery. But first it is important to underscore that we are all different. As a result, recovery times vary from patient to patient based on a variety of factors. The amount of fat removed, the number of treated areas and other factors will all affect the recovery process. The information below takes these variables into account.
During Liposuction Recovery
Rest is important! Liposuction is stressful for your body. Give it time to recover, especially in the first week. Make arrangements for some help around the house and find a comfortable place to relax, rest and sleep. Trips to the kitchen for something to drink or eat is ok. You do need to move around a little bit in the first few days but nothing more than a careful walk.
Hydration is also very important. Drinking plenty of water will help you body through the healing process and plays a big part in the recovery process.
Avoid ibuprofen or other blood thinning supplements such as hawthorn berry extract. This will reduce the possibility of unnecessary swelling or possible bleeding.
You can accomplish a lot of healing with the foods you eat after liposuction. Diet is very important and trying to include the following in your diet is another way to speed your recovery: Avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, cashews, egg yolks, skinless potatoes, salmon, soy milk, spinach and swiss cheese are all rich in magnesium and vitamin D. Magnesium helps with swelling and inflammation and vitamin D helps fight infection. Dark greens like baby spinach, low salt nuts, fish and whole grains are packed with protein and are low fat. Proteins will help muscles and tissue recover. Also, pineapples and apples are high in bromelain and quercetin which can help reduce swelling.
After a week or two, light exercise is usually recommended. Short walks will help speed recovery.
Compression garments are key to producing smooth, contoured results. It may be uncomfortable , especially in the first couple of weeks but compression garments are a very necessary aspect of liposuction recovery and great results.
Be sure to come to all of your follow up appointments so I can monitor your recovery closely and be sure to follow your recovery instructions. They are all based on the results from hundreds of thousands of liposuction procedures and are the best way to assure great final results.
The Average Recovery Timeline
1 to 4 days after liposuction: In the first few days, the treated areas will be pretty tender. I provide patients with prescription pain medication to make them more comfortable during this time. If a small amount of fat was removed from a small area of your abdomen it is possible for you to start feeling more comfortable by the second or third day. Larger or multiple areas where more fat was removed will increase this initial recovery stage. As mentioned above, it will be important to wear compression garments starting the day after your procedure and for a number of weeks after liposuction. In the first few days it is best to just rest and help your body heal.
1 to 2 weeks after liposuction: By this time, most of my patients no longer have persistent pain and if they are uncomfortable, their discomfort can be effectively addressed with over the counter pain medication, (but not ibuprofen). It is still to early for strenuous activity but patients will likely be able to return to light work usually in the second week. Also, patients should still be wearing compression garments.
3 to 4 weeks after liposuction: Patients tend to be feeling back to normal but healing is still happening. Most of the bruising and swelling will have subsided but the treated area(s) may still be a little tender to the touch. Incisions will also be fully healed. Continuing to wear compression garments will further assure the best possible results. Light exercise is ok at this point but vigorous or high impact exercise should be avoided.
5 to 6 weeks after liposuction: By this time, bruising and swelling should be gone and patients should be able to see the results of their liposuction procedure. Normal activities including high impact exercise is ok and compression garments are not longer necessary. Full and final results will appear in 60 to 90 days.
Maintaining Your Results
From a physical or scientific point of view, liposuction removes fat cells from your body. This reduces the possibility of excess fat returning. However, liposuction does not remove all fat, and that remaining fat can grow if you go back to the same lifestyle. The best way to maintain your liposuction results is by maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and regular exercise. You’ll maintain your new appearance and the rest of your body will also benefit.
More Info
Realself.com: How much time is usually enough for liposuction recovery?
Visit the liposuction procedure detail page >>
By: David N. Csikai, M.D.
