How to Recover From Liposuction

Liposuction is an effective way to remove fat from areas of the body and create a more pleasing, sculpted appearance. The procedures uses thin tubes called cannulas that are inserted into the body to loosen and vacuum out excess fat cells. Liposuction is a safe procedure that requires certain aftercare procedures to aid in rapid healing.

1. Wear Compression Garments–Depending on the type of liposuction procedure, your physician may want you to wear a compression garment that helps to reduce swelling and aid in fluid release from the affected tissues. These garments are used with super-absorbent pads to catch the fluid released from the body after the procedure. Generally, compression garments are worn from 3 to 6 days. They are removed daily for showering and washing the garment and then re-applied. It is important to continue to wear the garment for the recommended period to aid in proper healing.
2. Attend Your Post-Procedure Office Visits–After your liposuction procedure, the physician will require a number of office visits to help remove excess fluid that is common after liposuction procedures. The process uses lymphatic drainage massage and heat massage to reduce the amount of fluid in tissues and to aid in healing.
3. Get Up and Move Around–After liposuction, only a few hours of rest is needed post-procedure. Your physician is likely to advise you to get up and move around to aid good blood circulation and healing. However, some people may feel a little dizzy when changing from a sitting to a standing position. If this is a problem, take a few moments to allow your body to adjust when changing positions.
4. Resume Normal Activities–Most patients are able to resume normal activities the day after the procedure. However, people heal at different rates and each body is different. Patients should listen to their own body to determine whether activities may be too tiring immediately after the procedure.
5. Avoid Vigorous Physical Activities–Your physician will advise you to avoid vigorous sports activities for 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure to allow tissues to fully heal and to prevent injury to affected areas.

Minor Bleeding

The patient may notice some minor bleeding on the pads used to soak up the excess fluid from the incision. A small amount of bleeding is normal and should not be a cause for concern. However, if more profuse bleeding occurs, contact your doctor.

Excessive Leakage of Fluid

Fluid may leak from the incisions for a number of days. The patient should continue to change the absorbent pads to keep the area as dry as possible. Do not use Band-Aids that stick to the skin. The wounds heal more quickly without this type of bandaging.

Swelling and Pain

Proper use of drainage instruments and compression garments will help to minimize swelling. Do not use ice packs or other methods unless advised by your physician. Your doctor may recommend avoiding aspirin or other over-the-counter pain-relievers that may cause excessive bleeding of the incision. Follow your doctor’s instructions on the best type of pain relievers to use after the procedure.

Antibiotics

Your physician may provide an antibiotic medication to prevent infection and aid in healing. Take the medication as directed, completely finishing it to ensure the best results.

This post has been prepared with advice taken from articles and video interviews with Dr. Joseph Ajaka . If you would like to know more about Dr. Ajaka, you can check out his ZoomInfo page as well as his interview with Channel 7.