If considering a liposuction procedure, it’s important to know what to expect with the recovery progress so you can plan accordingly.
Here’s a typical timeline of recovery after liposuction:
- 0-72 hours after surgery – most patients experience a degree of pain and discomfort during the first few hours after having liposuction surgery. Your surgeon will provide pain medication to help you ease the pain and increase your level of comfort. During this time, a patient should wear the compression garment, get enough rest, and limit physical activities.
- 1-2 weeks after surgery – most patients are able to return to work so long as they avoid strenuous activities. Continue wearing the compression garment and watching the incisions.
- 2-5 weeks after surgery – during this period of time the pain should have fully subsided and the results of the procedure should start to become noticeable. Incisions should be fully healed at this time. The patient can start moderate exercise after weeks 3 or 4.
- 6+ weeks after surgery – the swelling and bruising have resolved by this time and the patients can see what the procedure achieved.
Now, let’s talk about the best tips to speed up your recovery after a liposuction
Eat Healthy Foods
A good diet is important to help ensure a quick and uninterrupted recovery after liposuction. Patients who maintain a good diet will experience less swelling and are less likely to experience unnecessary inflammation. Eating well means incorporating advised optimal hormones, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that will help your body regain its strengths.
Pro Tip: Proper healing requires good nutrition. You can prepare healthy meals before your surgery if you think that you won’t feel like cooking. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to help boost recovery and limit inflammation.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is important during recovery from liposuction. Typically, one should take about 8 glasses of water on a daily basis but it is best to increase to about 10-12 glasses after liposuction.
Wear the Right Compression Garment
Compression garments are worn following liposuction to help with skin elasticity, to minimize swelling, and to prevent fluid build-up. You should wear a compression garment to gain the best results possible. We make sure your garment is properly fitted to you. Compression garments that are too tight can inhibit circulation.
Keep Moving But Don’t Abuse Your Body
Increase circulation and the flow of your lymph fluid. It’s important to rest 24 hours after your surgery but don’t hang into it any longer, light movement can actually help to speed your body’s healing. If you feel up to it, taking short walks is a great way to get moving without straining your body. And, there you have it! Liposuction can be one of the best life-changing events for most patients. It can be a great way to boost an individual’s confidence and help them feel happier about their appearance but it is also important to know what happens after surgery to help an individual make a better decision to undergo liposuction and enjoy the journey to a slimmer, more contoured body.
