Liposuction How Long Is Recovery
It’s common knowledge that liposuction for fat removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. What many people don’t realize, however, is how long it takes to recover after full body liposuction. Depending on a number of factors, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before you can be back up and running at your usual pace.
Liposuction is not a quick fix, but most people who go through with treatment at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery realize it’s worth the wait. Full body liposuction actually has a number of benefits that can improve your life for years to come – not just in how you look, but in how you feel and function as well. Learn all about liposuction recovery in Jacksonville, FL by reading below or calling for a consultation. In this guide, we review the aspects of Liposuction How Long Is Recovery, liposuction swelling timeline, how to recover from liposuction faster, and what to expect 3 weeks after liposuction.
Where can I get a liposuction procedure?
Small but stubborn areas of fat can prevent you from feeling confident when working out or wearing your favorite clothes. Common areas where men and women get liposuction include the neck, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, chest, and stomach. The best part is that you can get several areas done simultaneously for an even more dramatic transformation. Our team will make sure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery before making this recommendation.
How long does it take to recover from full body liposuction?
Because of the number of procedures being performed at once, full body liposuction recovery will take a bit longer than just having one area done. The most important thing is that you allow yourself time to heal after fat removal, so try to focus on your health rather than your new appearance. We suggest getting help from a responsible friend or family member to help with household chores, errands, and preparing meals. Expect to spend a full week off your feet, depending on the extent of your surgery.
When can I get back to daily activities during liposuction recovery?
One week after your liposuction procedure, you should be able to return to some light activities as approved by our clinic. Before this point, you won’t be up for much physical activity, so avoid workouts and strenuous exercise. Patients are asked to return for follow-up appointments so we can monitor their progress and make changes to their recovery plans if needed. You’ll likely go back to the gym about a month after surgery, but we recommend exercising at your own pace for a few months before pushing yourself too far.
Liposuction How Long Is Recovery
The total liposuction recovery time to be completed will depend upon the site of treatment and the amount of fat that needs to be removed. Generally, most people will be able to go home the same day after the completion of the procedure, however, if the treated area and amount of fat removed is extensive, you might have to stay at the hospital overnight for observation.
You will need someone responsible to transport you home as the effects of the anaesthesia or pain medication may make it dangerous for you to drive a vehicle.
A – First three days after Surgery
During the initial three days after surgery, you may experience moderate pain and swelling. Pain medication to manage this situation will be prescribed to you. Small drains may be placed at the surgical sites to prevent the accumulation of fluid around the incisions, to help your rehabilitation. You will be given a compression garment to be wrapped around the treated areas. These garments help reduce swelling and give your body its new shape. Try to limit your activity to a minimum during this time and get plenty of rest. Take very gentlc, small walks around the room to prevent blood clotting. It’s recommended that you enlist someone to help you around the house for these initial few days.
B – One to two weeks later
There may be a significant reduction in discomfort and soreness in a week or two following the liposuction procedure. Most people will be able to return to work after a fortnight, but if your job is physically demanding, you may want to take a few more weeks off. You will have to wear compression garments during this time. You may be able to take showers instead of baths.
C – Three to five weeks later
A month after the liposuction procedure, generally, you should feel minimal to no pain or soreness. However, some swelling may persist, which is normal and can take a few months to be completely gone. During the liposuction recovery time, the results of the procedure will start to be visible. The result will improve as the swelling and bruising continue to wane. Most people will be able to perform light exercise after the fourth week, but continue to avoid any heavy or strenuous activity.
D – Six weeks and beyond
After the sixth week, the majority of bruising and swelling should be gone, but swelling in a minimal amount may last a bit longer for some individuals. The compression garments can be usually taken off from this period onward, and you may be cleared to perform physical activities of higher levels unless otherwise ordered by Dr Turner. You’ll also be able to appreciate the results of the procedure.
Best Tips for Better Recovery after Liposuction surgery
1. Get plenty of rest for speedy recovery after liposuction
Though there won’t be any big incisions in liposuction, it is still an invasive surgery, and procedures like this take time to heal. Depending on the nature of your work, you should take a week or two off of work or more and limit your daily activities early on.
2. Have someone assist you for the initial few days
Your body will be sore following the completion of the procedure, and you will need the assistance of someone for the first two days with daily activities of your liposuction recovery time.
3. Perform gentle movements for faster recovery after liposuction
To promote circulation of blood, it is recommended that you try to stand and move a bit whenever possible, as this will help lessen swelling and aid in the healing process. Staying sedentary will increase the risk of the formation of blood clots which can be fatal if they are not treated.
4. Have Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage once a week on both the donor and reinjection site can help decrease recovery time while also minimizing discomfort . Doing so has also been shown to boost timmunity while also decreasing the risk of infection. Find a qualified lymphatic masseur.
5. Abstain from smoking or passive smoke
Smoking and any forms of nicotine should be completely avoided during the recovery period. The use of nicotine limits your blood flow, which in turn can slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection or necrosis.
6. Drink plenty of fluids
You may feel dehydrated following the completion of liposuction. You need to replenish your body with plenty of fluid to keep your tissues hydrated which will further aid in your recovery. Try to drink at least 8 to 12 cups of water or low-calorie beverages like herbal tea or diluted fruit juices. Avoid drinking alcohol and high-calorie sugar laden beverages.
7. Use the compression garment
This compression garment provides support and helps give your body its new shape. It reduces bruising and swelling and lowers the risk of seroma. It should be worn for at least six weeks or more for optimal results.
8. Eat a nutritious and healthy diet
Consuming a healthy and nutritious diet will further speed up your recovery. You should consume more lean protein, antioxidants, and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. You should limit the intake of salt because salt is known to cause the body to retain water that will make you appear bloated.
9. Keep the incisions dry and clean for better recovery after liposuction
There is a risk of infection at the incision site if the incisions aren’t kept dry and clean. Just by changing the bandages and dressing in a sterile environment, and keeping the incisions clean and dry, you can substantially lower the risk of infection. If you notice any smell, pus or oozing from your wounds – please check with the nurses ASAP.
10. Choose Loose-fitting clothes
Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes when you’re recovering and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
11. Avoid strenuous exercises
Strenuous exercises and vigorous movement will hamper your recovery and increases the risk for injury or infection.
You should wait for at least six weeks or until suggested by Dr Turner before resuming any strenuous physical activities.
liposuction swelling timeline
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from your abdomen, thighs, hips, or other problem areas. The following liposuction recovery timeline will help give you a general idea of what to expect when it comes to healing if you’re considering the procedure.
The First Three Days
In the first three days after having liposuction, it’s highly recommended that you rest as much as possible. It’s common to feel sore and experience discomfort in the treated areas. It is also wise to expect swelling or bruising in the treatment areas. In most cases, any experienced discomfort can be effectively managed with the pain medication your provider prescribes. To help reduce swelling and promote healing, patients must also wear compression garments or a girdle around the treatment area at all times.
1-2 Weeks After
We recommend our patients plan to take at least one week off from work after having liposuction. The first 1-2 weeks of recovery after the procedure is when you will experience the most discomfort and swelling. Swelling will likely get worse throughout the first week, so take it easy and listen to what your body needs. Rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous activities. Every patient is different, so you may feel ready to return to work after just a few days, depending on what your job entails. Patients can often resume relatively sedentary jobs like desk jobs or any job you can do from home sooner.
3-5 Weeks After
After a month of healing, most patients can resume normal daily activities. Resuming exercise and other physical activities are encouraged after four to six weeks to keep your body moving. At this point in the recovery process, you may also start to see very noticeable results, as any remaining swelling has typically diminished. While liposuction produces immediate results, it can be challenging to see them until the swelling has subsided fully.
6 Weeks After
The six-week mark is the point at which the majority of the bruising and swelling from the liposuction procedure has subsided; however, some lingering swelling may last a bit longer. Compression garments should be worn up until this point.
Three Months After
By the three-month milestone, you should be able to see your complete, final results from liposuction. At this point, all swelling and bruising should dissipate and disappear from the body.
Recovery Tips
Recovering from liposuction takes time, and you can’t rush results. However, there are certain things you can do to help your body’s natural healing process, and these recovery tips work well for many patients.
Proper healing requires excellent nutrition. Preparing healthy meals ahead of your surgery is an excellent tip for ensuring you’re eating well and regularly without a lot of effort. Fill your diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to help boost recovery and limit inflammation.
Drink plenty of water post-operation. Hydration is a crucial component in a successful recovery. If plain water is difficult for you to drink, try infusing your water with fresh fruits like lemon, strawberries, or cucumber.
In the first few weeks following your surgery, the best way to help your body heal is by getting plenty of sleep and resting.
While exercise is not recommended until after 4-6 weeks, light movement will promote healing within the body. Take short walks around your neighborhood, but listen to your body. Don’t push yourself to the point of discomfort and feeling worn down.
Maintaining Your Results For Years To Come
Liposuction results can be permanent because the fat removed is gone for good. As part of your liposuction recovery and in the months and years to come, there will be necessary efforts to maintain those results. One of the essential things is sticking to a healthy diet. Another thing is to exercise regularly after your doctor clears you. Exercise not only helps you maintain your weight, but it also keeps the remaining fat cells from enlarging after liposuction, in addition to compensatory fat gain.
how to recover from liposuction faster
Liposuction is the ideal procedure for patients who want to eliminate pockets of fat in stubborn areas. During liposuction, excess deposits of fat are removed from the targeted area to give the patient their desired figure while contouring the body. Ensure a speedy recovery after treatment by encouraging healing with these eight proven liposuction recovery tips.
Liposuction Recovery Timeline
Eat Well
Following an excellent diet plan will ensure quick and uninterrupted recovery after liposuction. Additionally, patients who maintain a proper diet will experience less swelling. By incorporating vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients by eating well will help your body regain its strength and heal properly. Before undergoing your procedure, it’s also recommended to prepare for liposuction by:
Keep Moving
Allow your body to rest and recover over the first 24 hours following liposuction. After the first 24 hours, light exercise, including short walks, can help to speed up the body’s healing process. Any intensive exercise should be avoided over the first few weeks. Your surgeon can instruct you on what is allowed and your timeline for reincorporating physical activities.
Stay Hydrated
Maintaining proper hydration is critical to prevent dehydration during recovery from liposuction. Typically, one should drink approximately eight glasses of water daily; however, after liposuction, your water intake should consist of 10-12 glasses daily. Other beverages that can take the place of water include tea, diluted fruit juice, low-calorie beverages, and skim milk. Avoid drinks that contain high amounts of sodium.
Know What To Wear
Knowing what to wear is equally essential to ensure a speedy recovery process. Clothes that fit too tightly can irritate your skin and slow down the recovery process. You must be comfortable during the recovery process, and many surgeons recommend that you wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
Avoid Soaking
Soaking in water can reduce the rate of healing and increase your risk of getting an infection. Avoid soaking in a bath, hot tub, or submerging your body in any water until you are healed. In the place of soaking in the bathtub, consider getting a gentle massage to relieve any built-up tension.
Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage (which focuses on releasing accumulated toxins from the lymph nodes) has been shown to decrease recovery time while minimizing discomfort and pain experienced by the patient. This type of massage, which should be done weekly, has also shown to boost the patient’s immunity, lowering the risk of infection.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Follow up appointments provide an opportunity for your surgeon to gauge your progress and monitor the healing and recovery process after liposuction. Make sure you attend all the post-op appointments as scheduled by your surgeon.
To learn more about if liposuction is the ideal treatment option for permanently removing your stubborn fat, contact Hinsdale Vein & Laser today to schedule a consultation appointment!
*Please note that there is a nonrefundable $100 deposit required for liposuction consultations. This will be applied to the procedure cost.
what to expect 3 weeks after liposuction
Are you wondering what to expect after liposuction? What is the liposuction recovery process like? Read our comprehensive guide here!
When you awake from your liposuction procedure, you will be numb from anesthetic, unable to feel the effects of the procedure. As we administer significant amounts of fluid to aid in the fat extraction process in liposuction, you will appear bloated for the first few days until the fluid begins to drain. As the anesthesia begins to wear off, you will begin to experience some level of pain and discomfort. You can ease this pain by taking Tylenol, or the pain medication prescribed by your NYBG Plastic Surgeon.
As your body continues to drain the fluids administered during your liposuction procedure, it will be necessary to have several towels available for you on which you may rest during these first few days of liposuction recovery. This will protect the bed or piece of furniture on which you’re reclining. The process of fluid draining from your body is painless and is a positive step in your initial recovery. The more fluid you drain from your body during these first days, the less that will be absorbed into your system and contribute to post-operative swelling.
Recovery from Liposuction Surgery
When you return home from your liposuction procedure, you will be wearing compression garments to help relieve post-operative swelling. Forty-eight hours following your procedure, you may temporarily remove these garments in order to bathe. Please note that you may experience a bit of light-headedness when you initially remove these undergarments. You may bathe with soap and water but be careful not to scrub your incisions. They are still delicate from your procedure and should be treated very gently. It is important to put your compression garment back on as soon as possible following bathing.
Week One to Week Three
The majority of your discomfort and swelling will occur during the first 1 to 3 weeks following liposuction surgery. Once the first week has passed, however, you will notice that you begin to feel a little bit better each day. Approximately 1 to 2 weeks following your procedure, the swelling will change to firmness that may persist for about 3 months following your procedure. This firmness indicates that the firmer areas are healing, and your new, slim physique is on its way.
Initially this firmness will soften, allowing swelling and fluid to be swept out of the body. As this happens, your new figure will begin to appear in the mirror. As your swelling will remain in your body for 1 to 3 months, the image you see in the mirror 90 days post-surgery is far from your final result. Patience is key during the healing process.
The Healing Process Requires Patience
It is not uncommon for patients to experience mild depression or anxiety when results are not immediately visible. Don’t despair. This is also a normal part of the healing process. Understanding that each body is different, and your body will respond at a different rate than any other patient’s body is important to keep your healing in perspective. While in the 2 to 3 month stage, you might have some lumps that concern you. This is normal, and these uneven areas will diminish as your body moves through the natural healing process.
Liposuction Results: It’s Worth the Wait.
Keeping in mind that we’re interested in long-term results, be prepared that there will be some residual swelling for up to six months. While you will see significant results immediately following liposuction, you won’t realize your final results for several months. You will continue to gradually see results finalize for up to one year following liposuction. It is possible that there will be some slight asymmetry (all of the most beautiful things in nature are slightly asymmetrical). Your final, smooth, slender results will definitely be worth the wait.
Results from Liposuction – Setting Realistic Expectations
Each patient who visits the office seeking liposuction in Long Island wants to know one thing: what will I look like following liposuction surgery? In all honesty, each body is different and will respond differently to the liposuction procedure. Having realistic expectations from your liposuction surgery will make you happier with the results. Remember: perfection is never the goal. What we’re all seeking is improvement in overall body shape, and the pleasure you experience living life inside your own skin. What we can promise is that we will remove a large number (volumes even) of fat cells from your body that will never return, resulting in a figure that is sleeker and more attractively contoured. Keeping all of this in mind, there are some limitations of liposuction, including:
Looseness of skin
While liposuction can remove large quantities of unwanted fat cells, it cannot remedy loose, sagging skin. If you have areas where skin has lost its elasticity before you have surgery, they will still be present when the procedure has been completed and your body is healed.
Cellulite
All bodies have cellulite: large, small, and everything in between. If you have cellulite present before liposuction, you will generally have a similar pattern of dimpling following the completion of the healing process. While many patients experience a decrease in overall cellulite, this is not guaranteed as a result.
The density of your fat cells
Patients who possess very dense fat cells usually see a bit more success when in liposuction surgery. People who have more dense fat cells tend to put on weight more quickly than those who do not and may experience more dramatic results.
The thickness of your skin
If your skin is very thin, you are more likely to see residual dimpling that results from fat cells and cellulite than your thicker-skinned peers. Furthermore, as we age our skin begins to lose volume as a part of the natural aging process.
Remember, the most important factor in determining the long-term success of your liposuction procedure is a diet and exercise plan that helps you maintain a healthy weight. Once the healing process is complete following your liposuction surgery, you can expect your results to last for many, many years if you manage your weight. If you enjoy your new body and treat it with love, it will love you in return.