Your Ultimate Liposuction Recovery Guide

Your Ultimate Liposuction Recovery Guide

Posted on January 29, 2025

Female resting on the bed

3 Min Read:

According to ASPS, liposuction continually ranks as the number one cosmetic surgery procedure nationwide, year after year. If you’re considering this popular procedure but are wondering about the recovery process, this blog is for you. Below, we will discuss key aspects of lipo recovery, including timelines for work and exercise, scars, and maximizing results.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that targets and removes stubborn fat pockets from almost anywhere on the body, including the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, arms, and chin. Your surgeon uses a cannula to gently break up and suction out fat while simultaneously sculpting ideal contours.

Liposuction Recovery Timeline

Each patient will endure a slightly different recovery timeline depending on their body’s healing process and the liposuction technique used. That said, there are general recovery milestones many patients tend to align with. An experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Fiala can provide you with more details about recovery during your consultation.

Week One: You will need plenty of rest as your body processes the anesthesia. This is the week patients usually feel the most sore. Wearing compression garments day and night will help reduce swelling and speed recovery.

Weeks Two and Three: Swelling, bruising, and discomfort should be significantly reduced. During this time, many patients return to work at a desk job.

Weeks Four and Five: You may be cleared to resume light exercise. Many patients see early results during this period.

Three Months:  Most swelling should be gone. While your results will continue to stabilize and improve over the next few months, your final results should be more or less apparent.

Three to Six Months:  Skin redraping over the new contours continues to improve.

How to Get the Best Results After Liposuction

While choosing an excellent surgeon is the best way to ensure a stunning outcome, there are several ways to maximize your liposuction results.

  • Follow post-op instructions: Everything from incision care and scar prevention to activity restrictions and follow-up appointments will be included in your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Follow these instructions carefully to avoid complications that could prolong your recovery or impair your results.
  • Wear compression garments: Swelling can obscure your results for weeks or even months. Compression garments help reduce swelling and encourage your tissues to heal evenly for smoother contours.
  • Book a lymphatic drainage massage: Manual lymphatic drainage is a massage technique with seemingly endless benefits for plastic surgery patients. Among them are reduced swelling, improved circulation, a faster recovery period, improved skin appearance, and decreased risk of scarring and fibrosis. Book a series of lymphatic drainage massages in advance of your procedure, so all you have to do is show up and relax.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: After you’ve recovered and are enjoying your slimmer figure, it’s essential to lead a healthy lifestyle. While liposuction permanently removes fat cells, you can still gain weight, and the remaining fat cells can still expand. Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise to preserve your silhouette for years to come.

Want to Learn More About Liposuction in Orlando, FL?

If you are interested in liposuction, it’s important to consult with a trusted and highly qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Thomas Fiala is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in advanced body contouring techniques and has years of experience helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. To learn about your options and get your questions answered, schedule a consultation by using our online contact form or call (407) 339-3222.

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Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Phone
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