Liposuction Recovery: Tips and General Timeline
Like any surgery, rates of recovery after liposuction can vary between individuals. However, if the patient is a healthy, nonsmoking adult, he or she should have little trouble recovering from the procedure. In this blog post, Dr. Alexander Ereso sheds a little light on what to expect in the weeks following liposuction surgery.
Expectation Versus Reality
Before you schedule your surgery, you will sit down with your doctor during a formal consultation and discuss whether you are a good candidate for liposuction. Depending on the type of liposuction being performed, the surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia, and is normally an outpatient procedure. However, even the fittest folks shouldn’t expect to exit the operating room looking and feeling 10 years younger. It’s important to allow your body time to properly heal before jumping back into your normal routine.
What Is the General Timeline for Recovery?
Your body will ultimately decide when you’re ready to head back to work or hit the gym, but here is how you can expect the general timeline to go:
- The first two to three days after surgery are usually the toughest. Depending on the amount of fat removed and the area of removal, you will likely have localized swelling that can leave you feeling sore.
- Most patients are able to return to work within a week of the operation. Compression garments will still need to be worn to help minimize swelling, but they are easily hidden under clothing.
- Depending on your health, your doctor may give you the green light to slowly ease back into your exercise routine after two to three weeks.
- While you’ll be feeling great and looking better within a matter of weeks, it’s important to realize it may take a few months for the treated tissues to heal and for your body to settle into its new shape.
Don’t Overdo It
Patience and realistic expectations are keys to a good recovery from liposuction surgery. Relax and make sure to truly allow your body time to heal before jumping back into a high-impact gym routine. Good communication with your doctor is another important factor to reestablishing good health. Call your doctor right away to discuss any new pain or questions you may have.
Liposuction is a great way to shed stubborn pockets of fat. Call Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics today at (650) 964-6600 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander Ereso.
