Liposuction Recovery Timeline
If you’ve considered liposuction, the popular treatment that gives you the sleek contour you’ve admired on others, then you probably want to know more about liposuction and recovery from liposuction.
As we all know, a trim and taut body requires diet and exercise, but unfortunately diet and exercise may not be the only thing needed for a toned contour. Despite your best efforts, fat can collect in pockets that create bulges that may require liposuction to successfully eliminate.
Dr. William C. Cohen, who is skilled in a variety of proven liposuction techniques, tailors his liposuction methods to patients’ needs. A board-certified surgeon with offices in Orange County, he carefully explains treatment procedures and the liposuction recovery timeline to ensure his patients understand the whole process.
Recovery from liposuction will vary for each patient, but the procedure is considered a minimally invasive procedure and typically has a quick recovery period. Your recovery will depend on the type of liposuction you receive, what part(s) of the body are treated, the size of the treatment area, and your own health. Below are some general timelines for liposuction recovery.
Day One
Liposuction is usually performed as an outpatient procedure so you will be able to go home the same day. However, you will likely feel tired and groggy so you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you during the first 24 hours. Rest is your priority on the first day. However, you should also try carefully walking around your home in the hours after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Week One
The first few days after liposuction will be the most uncomfortable, but you should expect to feel better every day. Most people experience mild to moderate discomfort, which can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. You will also notice bruising and swelling in the treatment areas. Bruising will likely disappear by the end of the first week of recovery, but swelling will last longer and still be apparent this first week.
Depending on your surgery, you may be advised to wear a compression garment, which will control swelling and promote blood circulation. Patients may also experience numbness, which may take several weeks to subside.
Rest will be important this first week, but after the first day you can begin light activities, increasing your activity level a bit each day. Short, frequent walks are ideal at this point. However, you do not want to engage in vigorous physical activity during the first week.
Weeks Two to Four
Most patients are able to return to work and other regular activities, though vigorous activity should be delayed. You may also be advised to continue wearing a compression garment, which will help your skin adhere to your new, slim contour. Swelling, though still present, continues to subside throughout the period.
Weeks Four to Six
Most patients heal completely during this period and can resume all physical activities. You may still see signs of swelling, which can take as long as four months to dissipate, but the results of your surgery should be apparent by now.
Your Questions
As noted above, liposuction recovery will vary depending on factors such as what area is treated and how much fat is removed. To get realistic answers for how recovery would look for you, we recommend scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Cohen.