Liposuction Recovery Instructions


Liposuction is a complex surgical procedure, which is why you should give your body enough time to recover, normally ten to fourteen days.

Previously, liposuction recovery took months, accompanied with a lot of pain, but newer techniques and technologies have allowed this cosmetic procedure to be performed more safely, with less pain and side effects, shortening the recovery period.

Post-operation instructions can vary from one California liposuction specialist to another, but in general, these include:

Limiting physical activities. Complete rest is advised right after the procedure, especially since this will be when you will feel the negative effects of the anesthesia. You can resume with light activities after a day, perform more vigorous ones after 4 or 5 days, and if all goes well, return to work in about ten days.

Drainage. Blood-tinged leaks or drainage from incisions are normal, and help to minimize swelling and bruising, though you should call your doctor if the leaking does not stop after half a day.

Wound care. All liposuction procedures require an incision, and like all others, this incision can be subject to infection, which is why you should clean it everyday, changing the absorbent pad with a new one after each cleaning or whenever necessary. Applying band-aids or topical anesthetics is not recommended.

Wearing compression garments. These are especially required with tumescent liposuctions, allowing more blood to drain out for less swelling and providing added comfort.

Bathing. Like with all other surgical procedures, you should not soak in a bath during the first few days after the procedure, but rather take a shower daily.

Medication. Antibiotics will be prescribed after your liposuction, which you should take with food. You can ask your doctor for some pain medication but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are not recommended.

Bruising. Bruising is one of the most common side effects of liposuction, but in this case, should not be treated by ice packs. Rather, it will eventually subside on its own.

In addition, here are some tips to make your liposuction recovery faster and smoother:

1. Get a skilled surgeon. The more skilled your surgeon is, the smaller chance you have that complications will arise, which means you should be back on your feet sooner.

To get in touch with a qualified California liposuction surgeon, you can fill up our online form here.

2. Have someone with you. You won’t just need someone to drive you home after the procedure. You also need someone to be with you during the first few days when the pain, bruising and swelling are at their worst and you don’t have the energy to do household chores.

3. Drink plenty of water. This will replace all the fluids you’ve lost and prevent dehydration during your liposuction recovery period.

4. Ask your surgeon about a lympathic drainage massage. Some doctors recommend this to ease the swelling and itching after liposuction.

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