Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat deposits to improve skin tone and shape. It’s not a substitute for weight loss, but it can be an effective way to reduce bulges, even in places where exercise and dieting haven’t helped. If you are considering liposuction, it is important to also understand what to expect during recovery. Read on to learn more about the recovery process.
When can you go home after liposuction?
When you can return home is dependent on the scope of your procedure as well as your anesthetic. Most people can return home the same day as their procedure, but some need to spend the night in a hospital or surgical center overnight. If you’ve had general anesthesia or other medications that make you tired, arrange for someone else to take you home on the day of your surgery.
What should I do during the first week?
After liposuction, most people are groggy when they wake up and much more tired than usual for several days afterward. Don’t try to do too much at once if this is you! Your body needs rest while it recovers.
You should be able to resume your normal daily activities within a few days of liposuction. However, you may need to take up to a week off from work, depending on your job and the extent of your surgery.
How will you feel during recovery?
It generally takes about one month for swelling to subside and six months for incision lines to fade. Your liposuction results will become more apparent as you recover. You’ll need to wear compression garments for at least three weeks after surgery to minimize swelling and help your skin fit better to its new contours.
How will the treatment area look during recovery?
Your skin may appear loose or saggy in the target area following surgery. The tightness of your skin after liposuction depends on several things, including your age, the amount of fat removed, and how well your skin stretches. Fortunately, these side effects are temporary and will resolve as swelling subsides.
The incisions used in liposuction are tiny and are hidden in natural creases or folds in the body. After healing is complete, they’re barely visible. If scars remain visible, they can be improved with laser treatments or other procedures performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
How will I know how to properly recover?
Your surgeon will give instructions to follow to after surgery. This may include things like how much rest you need, what type of diet you should follow, and when to return to work or physical activity. If something isn’t clear, or if you have a question about something, it’s essential to ask your surgeon before surgery, so there are no misunderstandings or confusion later. Also, you may need help getting around for several days or weeks after surgery, so it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to take care of you during this time.
When can I resume normal activities?
In general, most people are back to their regular routines about two weeks after their liposuction procedure. It’s best to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least three weeks after surgery, though some doctors may recommend waiting longer than that before beginning an exercise routine.
Contact Us
Are you interested in liposuction to help contour your body? If so, you can set up a consultation with one of the best, Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg, at Plastic Surgery Center in Lutherville, Ellicott City, or Crofton, Maryland. After your liposuction procedure, he will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and information about what to expect in the weeks following your surgery.
