One of the most frightening aspects of any cosmetic procedure is the inevitable recovery period. Liposuction is certainly no different. Before making the decision to do under the knife, potential patients need to know what to expect from the recovery period in order to make an informed decision.
Immediately After Surgery
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that usually takes anywhere from half an hour to four hours to complete. During the procedure, patients will be put under either general or local anesthesia. If a surgeon performs the procedure using local anesthesia, patients will be able to return home within 30 minutes. Patients that are put under general anesthesia will be able to leave the facility within one to three hours after waking.
Depending on where the liposuction was performed, patients may be sent home wearing a compression garment. This garment will help keep the area smooth and provide the best results. The garment must be worn until the patient is advised otherwise, which is usually for at least a few days after the procedure.
The first few days of recovery are generally the toughest. Patients may experience bruising, swelling, pain and nausea. Pain medication may be needed for three days to two weeks. Bruising will also heal within two weeks, while swelling may take around two full months to completely subside.
Within one to two days of surgery, patients will need to have their bandages changed. Some surgeons may want to change the bandages themselves, while others will advise patients on how to do so at home. If a patient was sent home with stitches and/or drains, they will need to return to have these removed within five to ten days after the procedure.
Long-Term Liposuction Recovery
After the procedure, patients are advised to refrain from exercising for at least two weeks. Some patients may need to wait four weeks depending on how fast they are recovering. Fortunately, most patients can return to work much sooner. Depending on a patient's level of pain and discomfort, they will usually be able to return to work after a few days of rest.
After undergoing liposuction, patients must maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan. If a patient indulges in unhealthy habits, they will regain the weight lost during the procedure.
As long as an individual gets adequate rest, they will see the final results of their procedure within a few months. Some patients fully recover within a month or two, while others may need as long as six months to realize the full effects of liposuction.
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