Liposuction Recovery Tips

The liposuction recovery time is a gradual process and no overnight results should be expected. A patient must have realistic expectations before the surgery. The recovery process can be affected by infection and unfavorable drug reactions. Swelling can come and go and this can be very frustrating for patients. With new techniques of surgery, liposuction recovery time nowadays is quicker and less painful. Although recovery rates vary from patient to patient, generally patients are able to return to most normal activities within two to three weeks. Today, in most cases, liposuction does not involve general anesthesia which is often considered the most unpleasant part of liposuction recovery.

Under most circumstances, liposuction is an outpatient procedure and patients are usually sent home after a few hours once the surgery is over. Specific instructions regarding liposuction recovery, medications, prescriptions for pain reduction, and compression garments are given to every patient.

Here are a few tips for speedier recovery from Liposuction

• Abstain from alcohol.

• Walking around to reduce swelling and to prevent blood clot in your legs.

• Reduce your risk of fainting at home by: standing up slowly after urinating, remove compression garments slowly, have assistance for your first shower, sit down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

• Drink more water to prevent dehydration.

• Do NOT apply ice-packs or a heating pad indiscriminately to skin overlying the liposuctioned areas.

• Do NOT apply hydrogen peroxide or plastic Band-Aids to incision sites

• Schedule regular check ups to monitor healing.

• Avoid strenuous and vigorous activities for a month till the surgical incision heals. That means no weight lifting, aerobic exercises, swimming, contact sports, tennis, or golf for several weeks after the surgery.

• Wear compression garments for as long as your doctor orders you.

• Avoid soaking in public baths, jacuzzis, swimming pools, or the ocean for at least 7 days after surgery in order to minimize the risk of infection.

Many people think that liposuction removes fat cells forever and it's impossible to regain weight in the treated areas. This is only partially true because and liposuction removes only some of these fatty tissues permanently. However, the remaining fat cells can grow bigger, especially if you do not exercise and maintain a healthy diet. This means problem spots can return. The extra weight gained after liposuction will be redistributed to other parts of your body.