What You Can Expect During the Liposuction Recovery Period
With body sculpting liposuction, Dr. Alan Greenberg at North Texas Cosmetic Surgery can help you achieve the figure you want, but the care taken afterward is just as critical to keeping your new silhouette.
Liposuction and abdominal liposuction procedures may take between one and five hours, depending on the area and the amount of fat removed. Both procedures can be performed in office with tumescent anesthesia, which allows for less risk and a shorter recovery time. In fact in most cases, patients can return to work within 48 hours.
Treating Soreness and Swelling
Patients who choose in-office liposuction are able to leave the North Texas Cosmetic Surgery shortly after the procedure; however, it is best to arrange for a ride home. Expect to spend several days resting before you are able to gradually return to your normal activity level.
The treated area may feel sore for a few days or even bruise. Dr. Greenberg will prescribe a pain medication to help keep you comfortable during recovery. The area may also be swollen for the first couple of weeks during recovery. To help reduce swelling:
- Stay hydrated, especially during the recovery period
- Maintain a proper, low-sodium diet
- Get adequate rest
- Take your time returning to a normal activity level
- Gently massage the area to encourage circulation
- Avoid medications that may interfere with fluid balance, and be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking
Wearing Compression Garments to Support and Protect After Liposuction
Dr. Greenberg suggests that you wear a compression support garment to protect the affected area. A compression garment is usually worn over the treated area for several weeks. This garment provides support for the treated tissues, helping the skin to adjust to the reduction in fat and reducing the risk of complications such as skin looseness as the body adjusts to the contours created through liposuction. Compression garments also help to decrease swelling, so that you can enjoy the results of your liposuction procedure faster.
Exercise and Activity After Liposuction
While liposuction and abdominal liposuction permanently removes fat to sculpt and refine the figure, the procedures will not prevent you from gaining weight. It’s important to maintain healthy eating habits and exercise.
Before returning to your exercise routine, consult with Dr. Greenberg for individual guidelines for liposuction recovery. In most cases, Dr. Greenberg suggests starting off slow with a gentle walking routine within three to four days of liposuction. Mild exercise after liposuction is a critical defense against the formation of blood clots in the legs and other complications. Patients can usually begin to increase their levels of activity within two weeks of liposuction, however strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least the first month to give the body time to heal.
Be sure to follow Dr. Greenberg’s instructions regarding medications, compression garments and exercise. If you use these as instructed, the liposuction recovery time will become shorter, and the chances of a successful procedure become higher.
Contact Dr. Greenberg’s office for questions about your liposuction or abdominal liposuction cosmetic procedures.
