What Does Recovery Look Like After Liposuction?

It is normal for a person to have a certain amount of subcutaneous fat underneath the skin, but for those who have large developments of fat that are not responding to exercise, liposuction can be an option worth considering. Dieting and exercise are great for the body and can keep you healthy, but they may not target those stubborn fat deposits like you hope.

If you have grown tired of trying to eliminate these problem areas, liposuction can remove the fat manually via a wand that sucks out the fat cells. However, many people hesitate to pursue a more sculpted look using liposuction because they worry about the invasiveness of the procedure and the recovery afterward. The good news is that liposuction recovery is not as difficult as you may imagine.

Liposuction recovery and tips

Liposuction is a fast and simple way to remove underlying fat. The clinic's team will make a small incision in the skin, through which they insert a cannula, which is a thin, hollow tube. Using a strategic sweeping motion with the cannula, they dislodge fat cells and then create vacuum suction to remove the loosened fat from the body.

Once the incision is closed, the patient can go home when they feel ready. Liposuction recovery works best when the patient is prepared and knows what to do.

Immediately after liposuction

Since many cells were removed, the body will immediately begin trying to heal the area. It will send white blood cells to the site of the “injury,” using the circulatory system alongside the lymph nodes, many of which were impacted during the procedure and are now leaking. This can result in swelling due to fluid buildup. The team that performed the surgery may have installed small drains that enable this fluid to escape, so be gentle with them so they can do their job, and do not pull or pick at them.

Patients will also receive compression items like elastic bands or a unique tight garment. Wear this compression item according to the instructions, as it helps the body settle into its new contours and reduces inflammation. During this time, rest is essential. Avoid being active, and stay on top of pain medication for the first few days to prevent soreness and discomfort.

The first two weeks

Even after the pain has begun to decrease, patients must continue wearing the compression garments for the first few weeks. They may resume light activity during this time, though, and many patients can return to work. However, those with strenuous jobs should continue to take time off to heal. A certain amount of swelling may still be present, but it should not be significant or interfere with one’s quality of life or physical abilities.

Remember to stay hydrated throughout the recovery process. While fluid buildup can be annoying, drinking water enables the body to heal better. Eat nutritious foods, and be patient as the body slowly recovers.

One month later

Most patients will no longer feel pain or discomfort a month after their procedure. Swelling may still be present in minor amounts, but it should continue to decrease. A patient may feel discouraged at this point if their body does not seem to be significantly different, but they must remember that the swelling is still masking a large portion of the fat-removal results. Patients may gently exercise at this point, but they should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting, which can tug on the liposuction site. Walking is a low-impact way to incorporate movement.

Two months and onward

This is when most people see the full outcome of their liposuction, though some may continue to experience minor swelling for a few more weeks. Patients can return to their normal activities and stop wearing the compression garments unless their team tells them otherwise.

Liposuction can work for you

If you are self-conscious about your body fat, liposuction can be a simple way to remove stubborn areas and create the more sculpted body that you envision. Our Medspa team can help you explore the possibilities of liposuction and how it can work for you to eliminate targeted areas of fat. We take recovery seriously, so we will provide you with thorough post-procedure instructions to follow, and we will make sure that you understand them by answering any of your questions. Reach out today to schedule an appointment to discuss liposuction options.

Request an appointment here: https://floridacosmeticcenter.com or call Florida Cosmetic Center at (321) 415-9826 for an appointment in our Celebration office.

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