Liposuction Recovery

After liposuction, recovery time can last from days to months depending on the size of the treated area. In the majority of liposuction cases, recovery progresses to the point where the patient can continue with their normal life after one to two weeks, and a full recovery is made within a few months.

Typical Liposuction Recovery Time

In less than a week after liposuction, most patients are able to move normally and even return to work with minimal discomfort. After a few weeks, most feel comfortable enough to remove their compression garment and begin their new lives with more contoured, appealing figures. Liposuction recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most return to normal after two weeks and experience optimal liposuction results over the next several months.

The First Two Weeks after Liposuction Surgery

Doctors advise their patients to wear compression garments for at least the first several days after liposuction to speed recovery time. After liposuction, you will be able to move and walk easily. Patients should have someone else drive them home, however, and should rest as much as possible over the next few days. Some patients report pain the day after their liposuction surgery. Usually, this discomfort is minor and may be relieved with pain medication or by simply walking around. In the first several days after tumescent liposuction, the anesthetic solution from surgery drains from the incisions. This drainage is to be expected. It actually facilitates healing from liposuction and reduces recovery time. Patients should take showers instead of baths for about a week after liposuction. During this time, swelling, bruising, and numbness will begin to go away.

The First Several Months

Swelling will continue to go down over the months after liposuction, and the final result will be revealed. The skin surrounding the treated area may seem loose, but it will tighten with time. Depending on the skin’s elasticity, which is a function of age and genetics, skin should tighten in six months’ time. Liposuction patients will continue to monitor their incision sites in case of infection. The surgeon may schedule liposuction recovery check-up appointments to monitor healing. If a large area has been treated or a significant amount of fat has been removed, liposuction recovery time will be longer. Patients can maintain their slender figures with frequent exercise and a balanced diet after liposuction.

Find a Liposuction Surgeon in Your Area

For further information about how the liposuction treatment you are interested in will affect your body after the operation, you will need to speak with a liposuction surgeon. Find a doctor in your area using DocShop to learn more about recovery after liposuction.