Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure performed to remove fat from the body, and it is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. Fat removal surgery can be performed on almost any body area, but it is most commonly used to treat areas such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and chin.
The liposuction recovery process after the surgery varies based on what areas you performed and how much fat was removed. Most patients can return home within 24 hours after surgery; however, some may require additional time before returning home due to complications.
If you consider having liposuction performed on an area of your body, you must understand what to expect during recovery before scheduling your procedure.
That guide will provide you with all the information you need regarding recovery after fat removal surgery to decide whether that procedure suits your needs.
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Procedure for Liposuction
Liposuction is performed under general anesthesia so that you will be asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The surgeon makes several incisions in the area to be treated and inserts a hollow tube called a cannula into these openings. The cannula is attached to suction technology that removes fat from your body.
The number of incisions depends on the size of the area being treated. For example, if lipo surgery is performed on your inner thigh lipo, you will likely have three or more incisions in each thigh. On the other hand, if liposuction is performed on your abdomen, you may have one incision in your belly button and one above each hipbone.
What happens after fat removal surgery?
After the liposuction procedure, the medical team will take you to a recovery area to rest for about an hour. You may have bruising and swelling in the treated areas, but that is normal. After 1-2 hours, you can go home and continue your everyday activities, depending on your doctor’s advice.
It would help to wrap the treated area in compression bandages or elastic stockings, which help blood circulation and reduce swelling. You will have to wear these for several weeks. You mustn’t lift heavy objects or exercise vigorously within the first three days after surgery, as that may cause bleeding or bruising to occur again.
You may also have drainage tubes inserted into each incision site. These are removed when no more fluid comes from them, usually after 2-3 weeks.
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Liposuction Recovery Stages
Liposuction recovery time depends on the amount of fat removed and treated areas. Fat removal surgery recovery can take several weeks or months, depending on how long it takes for swelling to go down and for your body to repair itself after surgery.
Liposuction recovery will be different because each person’s body heals differently. As a result, some people have little to no pain, while others experience significant pain. You may need pain medication the first few days after your procedure, and your healthcare provider will prescribe it if you need it.
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First stage: A Few Hours Post Liposuction
Immediately after your liposuction surgery, your surgeon will bandage the area and wrap gauze to prevent potential bleeding or swelling.
Your surgeon will also explain caring for your lipo incision site before leaving the facility. These instructions may include taking antibiotics or painkillers several days after the procedure.
If you experience excessive bleeding or swelling, contact your physician immediately because that could indicate an infection related to your procedure.
Second stage: First Three Days Post Lipo
The first few days after liposuction are essential for safely healing from surgery and preventing complications from developing afterward.
During that period, you should avoid strenuous activity and exercise so your body can rest and heal properly after the procedure.
It would help to avoid sun exposure on any parts of your body treated with lipo because that can cause blisters and fading discoloration in some cases.
Third Stage: Weeks 1-2 Post Lipo
Liposuction’s swelling, bruising, and soreness will subside during that period. However, your doctor may recommend using ice packs, ibuprofen, or Tylenol to ease discomfort.
You should also wear loose-fitting clothing, avoid strenuous exercise and be careful when bending over or lifting things.
Fourth Stage: Weeks 3-5 Post Lipo
By week five post-procedure, most of the swelling has subsided, and your body has started its natural healing process, including scar tissue formation and collagen production.
However, you may experience some numbness in the treated area as nerves reconnect to the skin surface during that period.
You should continue wearing loose clothing while exercising lightly but avoid strenuous workouts such as jogging or lifting weights until six weeks post-procedure.
Fifth Stage: Week 6 and Beyond Post Lipo
The swelling subsides, and you begin seeing the liposuction treatment results. However, you will continue to receive periodic check-ups with your board-certified surgeon until all swelling resolves, which usually takes 6-12 months.
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liposuction recovery timeline
2-3 hours
24 hours
Restricted activity after 2 weeks
1 week
Shower fully after 1-day keeping the area dry
6 - 8 Weeks
1 Day
Exercise Including Gym
30-40 days
Sleeping on back recommended for 2 weeks
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Possible side effects of liposuction
Lipo surgery is generally safe, but it can cause side effects. These usually go away on their own within a few days or weeks.
However, some side effects may last longer. Here are some of the possible side effects of liposuction:
1. Swelling
Swelling can occur as a result of fat removal surgery. The swelling goes away in a few weeks, but if it is severe, you may need to take medicines to reduce it. The most common side effects of liposuction are pain and bruising.
2. Bleeding
Bleeding after the surgery is rare, but it can happen if you have an allergy to one of the medications administered during surgery.
In addition, the doctor may give you blood transfusions to replace lost blood volume if bleeding occurs after surgery.
3. Infection
Infection is rare but can occur if bacteria enter the wound during surgery or the person gets an infection at home.
Call your doctor’s office immediately if you have a fever, chills, or foul-smelling drainage from the incision site.
4. Bruising and hematomas.
Bruises are common after liposuction because blood pools in the tissues after surgery. Bruises tend to heal within one to two weeks but may last longer in dark-skinned people because they bruise more easily than in fair-skinned people.
Rarely large bruises or hematomas form around blood clots that appear after surgery; these may require treatment with antibiotics and draining fluid from under the skin before they go away.
5. Irregular pigmentation
The skin may appear uneven after removing fat from one area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs. That usually resolves within six months of your treatment but may last up to two years.
6. Numbness or pain
You may experience numbness or tingling in the area where fat removal surgery was performed for several weeks following treatment. That is normal and will go away within two months of your procedure.
You may also experience mild discomfort in the area treated by liposuction for up to six months after your procedure, which should subside with time and proper care at home.
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Tips For Enhanced Liposuction Recovery
Fat removal surgery has been a popular way to remove these fats for several years. Still, recovering can take time, especially if you’re an active individual.
With that in mind, you will want to be prepared for the recovery process by keeping the following tips in mind:
1. Compression Garment
Many patients experience swelling after liposuction surgery, so wearing a compression garment is essential when recovering from fat removal surgery.
That garment helps keep your body in shape while it heals and reduces swelling by applying pressure to the areas treated with liposuction surgery.
2. Get Plenty of Rest
One of the most important things you can do during your recovery period is to get plenty of rest, so your body has time to heal properly after surgery.
You should also avoid strenuous activity or exercise during that time because it can cause further damage to your body.
If you have any questions about what activities are safe during that time frame, talk with your doctor before resuming heavy workouts or exercise routines involving heavy lifting or aerobics with fast movements such as running or jumping rope.
3. Take Your Medication
You will be given prescription pain medication after your surgery to help you manage any pain or discomfort you experience following your procedure.
It would help if you took all of the medication prescribed to you by your doctor, as that will help reduce swelling and keep your body from rejecting the fat cells removed during surgery.
4. Eat Well
Eating well before and after liposuction will help ensure proper healing and promote healthy weight loss results. Try to consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid high-sodium foods such as processed meats and fast food because these foods can cause water retention, resulting in swollen feet or ankles after surgery.
Also, avoid eating large meals before going home from the hospital or clinic, so you don’t feel nauseous while driving home from treatment.
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5. Keep Moving
After liposuction surgery, it’s essential that you start moving around as soon as possible, but don’t overdo it! Your surgeon will advise you on specific exercises during recovery time but try not to engage in strenuous activity for one week after surgery.
That includes heavy lifting and intense physical activity like running or cycling until your doctor gives you the all-clear (usually about four weeks).
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6. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water or other liquids during your recovery period. It would help if you drank enough fluids so that your urine remains clear and light yellow.
In addition, it will help if you avoid alcohol and caffeine while recovering from lipo surgery because these substances dehydrate the body.
Drinking water will help prevent dehydration while hydrating through your liposuction recovery process.
7. Know what to wear
Most people can get away with wearing their usual clothing during the day after liposuction; make sure it’s loose enough not to irritate your skin as it heals.
- You’ll want more layers at night to stay warm while sleeping in bed, though it may take up to two weeks before you feel comfortable sleeping on your back again due to swelling around the incision site(s).
- Wear loose-fitting clothing for at least one week after surgery.
- Choose pants with elastic waistbands so you don’t have to worry about adjusting them throughout the day.
- Try not to wear jeans for at least six weeks after surgery because they are too restrictive on your legs and can irritate your incisions.
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8. Avoid Soaking
After your liposuction procedure, you may feel like you need to soak in a hot bath or shower, which can cause swelling in the area where the fat was removed, making you feel uncomfortable for several days after your procedure.
Instead of Soaking, apply ice packs to your treated areas for 20 minutes every 4 hours for three days after your procedure. After fat removal surgery, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
9. Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Blood Thinners
It is essential to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before and after liposuction surgery, which helps prevent infection and bleeding complications during recovery.
In addition, you should avoid taking blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen before and after your surgery unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
These medications can interfere with healing by slowing down blood clotting, leading to excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
10. Attend Follow Up Appointments
After undergoing lipo surgery, you will need to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon every few weeks until all your stitches are removed.
During these visits, your surgeon will check on your progress and ensure no complications arise from the surgery. In addition, they may advise how best to care for yourself while recovering from liposuction.
11. Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage helps reduce swelling and bruising after fat removal surgery by stimulating lymph flow in the area where it has been performed.
Lymph massage involves gently rubbing a circular motion over the skin to stimulate lymph nodes around the surgery site.
The technique should be done gently but firmly for about five minutes every hour for three days after surgery.
Conclusion
Liposuction is a unique surgery since it’s one of the only ones where you see the results of your procedure daily. However, you should still be patient and follow your instructions because returning to your usual self will take time.
Remember, typically, liposuction is extremely safe when done by a competent professional. If you don’t rush your recovery, in most cases, you will be able to enjoy life as before, with no significant side effects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within a week or two. Full healing may take several months.
What Should I Expect After Surgery?
Expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Wearing a compression garment and following your doctor’s instructions can aid healing.
Can I Exercise During Recovery?
Light exercise may be resumed after a few weeks, but consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.
When Can I Return to Work?
Depending on the nature of your job and the extent of the procedure, you may return to work within a week.
Will There Be Scarring?
Scarring depends on the technique used and individual healing. Scars typically fade but may not disappear completely.
What Should I Eat During Recovery?
Focus on a balanced diet, rich in nutrients, to support healing.
How Can I Minimize Swelling?
Following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, wearing compression garments, and resting can help reduce swelling.
What If I Notice Anything Unusual?
Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any signs of infection or other unusual symptoms.
Can I Drive After the Procedure?
It’s best to have someone else drive you immediately after the procedure, but you may be able to drive again within a few days, depending on your comfort and the doctor’s advice.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Liposuction removes fat cells permanently, but weight gain can affect the results. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preserving the results.
This article was Medically reviewed by Dr. Duran Çekiç
