What to Expect After Liposuction

Table of Contents

There are many factors you have to consider before undergoing liposuction. What clinic are you going to attend, which surgeon are you going to pick, and where on your body are you having liposuction? However, one of the big factors is the recovery period. Patients may often be apprehensive about undergoing liposuction due to the thought of the recovery period. Patients often think the recovery period will be painful, and they will have to take an extended period of time off work. Fortunately, the recovery period is often much easier than the patient imagines.

How will I feel after liposuction?

When having liposuction at Centre for Surgery, you will be able to return home the same day as your procedure. This means you won’t have to spend any time recovering in the hospital – you can recover in the comfort of your own home.

For the first 24 hours, you should not expect to experience too much physical pain thanks to the local anaesthetic. As time passes, this will begin to wear off, and you may start to experience more pain and discomfort. You may wish to take pain medication to help alleviate any symptoms.

During this period, you will also be draining the liquid injected during liposuction. This may last up to 48 hours. Do not worry if the fluid appears to be tinted red – this is completely normal. This area may also have bruising and swelling. Applying an ice pack will help to reduce any swelling. It’s important to keep the liposuction area dry during this period, so avoid having a shower or bath.

What happens in the liposuction recovery period?

After 24 to 48 hours, your surgeon may say it is ok to shower again. Make sure to remove any dressing and compression garments before showering to avoid infections. It is important to wear the compression garment at all times except when bathing. This will help to reduce swelling, avoid fluid build-up and ensure your body is in the best shape possible. Make sure you get enough rest during this period, as this will help your recovery. However, while you do need to rest, you will be encouraged to start light exercises, such as walking. This will help to stimulate blood flow. It is important to keep hydrated. You will be able to return to your usual diet right away.

The first week after liposuction

After the first few days, you can return to your job. If you have a physically intensive job, you may have to take a longer period off work. You may experience more physical pain throughout this period, as the effects of the local anaesthetic would have completely worn off. However, by the week’s end, you should feel less pain. You may still have bruising and swelling at this point, as this may take a few weeks to subside. Make sure you attend any follow-up appointments that were scheduled with your surgeon during this period. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to book an appointment with your surgeon or one of the medical team members, who can assess you.

The second week after liposuction

By the end of the second week, your usual day-to-day routine may start to return. After two weeks, you will be able to resume exercise. However, it is best to check with your surgeon who will be able to see your progress and ensure you are alright to partake in more strenuous physical activities. You may still need to avoid any high-impact exercises for another few weeks.

You will still be wearing a compression garment at this point. By the end of week two most swelling should have subsided. By the end of week two, you should be able to start taking baths again.

Six weeks following liposuction

The initial recovery period can sometimes be frustrating, as you are waiting to see the final results. By this point, swelling should have gone down and you can start to see how you look. You will no longer have to wear a compression garment. You will also be able to resume all physical activities.

How do you have the best liposuction recovery?

You can follow a few steps to ensure you experience the best recovery possible. This includes:

– Following your surgeon’s preoperative and postoperative instructions: there’s generally a good reason a surgeon will tell you to do something. Your surgeon will give you personalised post-operative instructions. It is important that you follow these to ensure you can achieve the best results possible, and avoid any complications.

– Wear your compression garment: it isn’t the most attractive thing, and it can be uncomfortable at times. However, your compression garment will help to reduce swelling, avoid liquid build-up and keep the area where you had liposuction in the best shape possible.

– Know what to avoid: during the recovery period, your surgeon will tell you to avoid certain things, such as blood-thinning medication, aspirin, and smoking. It would be best if you also avoided or limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol.

– Keep hydrated: Drinking water will help speed up the recovery period.

– Keep active: you will need to rest and avoid strenuous physical activities. However, you will be encouraged to undertake light physical activities such as walking. This helps to stimulate blood flow and avoid joint stiffness.

– Maintain a healthy diet: in the long term, it is best to have a healthy diet in order to maintain the results of the liposuction. So why not start a healthy diet right away? During the recovery period, you will be encouraged to limit your consumption of salt, saturated fats and sugar. Instead, eat foods that are high in antioxidants which will help the recovery process.

RELATED: Liposuction recovery top tips

Are you interested in liposuction? This is a procedure Centre for Surgery specialises in. Contact us today to find out more or to book a consultation.