Recovering After Liposuction: What Should You Know?

Liposuction is the second most popular cosmetic surgery in the US, with over 250,000 patients undergoing the procedure every year. It’s a well-practiced and safe procedure that is great for removing stubborn pockets of fat, but it is still a surgical procedure and, as such, you will need to take care afterward.

Below are some pointers to take you through the recovery process to reap the most of your liposuction surgery benefits, but you will need to bear in mind that prior health history, pre-existing health conditions, and age will affect the speed of your recovery. 

Therefore, you should always consult with an experienced surgeon who will guide you through your process on an individual basis.

First 3 Days

During the first few days, you will have pain and soreness, for which your surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Make sure you follow your medication schedule carefully. You will also need to keep your activity to a minimum.

You will have elastic bandages or a compression garment around the treatment areas. Make sure you continue to wear these — as they help reduce swelling and help your body attain its new shape.

You may also have small drains inserted around the treatment areas, which are there to remove fluids that might interfere with the healing process. Your surgeon will let you know how to take care of them and when they can be removed.

First 2 Weeks

The pain you experienced immediately after surgery should begin to ease off within the first couple of weeks. You will still need the compression garment or elastic bandages but, if your job is not too physically demanding, you should be able to return to work two weeks after your operation.

Weeks 3 to 5

After a month or so, you should no longer feel any pain. However, this varies depending on the individual, so it may be before or after this, depending on your age and health.

Although you may still have some swelling and bruising, you should start to see the benefits of your surgery within this period.

You should still avoid heavy or strenuous activity at this point but, after consulting your surgeon, you should be able to resume some light exercise, should you wish to.

Beyond Week 6

Some people have reported lingering swelling beyond the six-week point, but all bruising and swelling should have usually disappeared by this time, and you should be able to see the full results of your procedure.

You should also be able to resume any exercise that you previously engaged in — although you should consult with your doctor throughout to maximize your recovery.

Final Tips

Follow these pointers to help your body’s natural recovery process:

  • Rest – don’t push your body too much!
  • Eat well – make healthy choices and plan meals ahead of your surgery
  • Keep hydrated – drink plenty of water post-surgery
  • Take walks – light exercise can aid your recovery
  • Ask for help – you won’t be able to do everything for yourself immediately after your procedure!

Hopefully, this article has helped you make your decision about liposuction body contouring, which can be a real confidence-boosting procedure. 

Overall, don’t try to rush your recovery, and listen carefully to your surgeon’s advice throughout.