Your recovery time after having a liposuction procedure will depend on the type of procedure you had as well as other facts such as your age and overall health. Always talking to your surgeon to find out the specific details relating to your procedure as only your surgeon can base the facts on your body and health.
There are some natural time lines and recovery tips, however. Since there are no large incisions with a liposuction, your recovery should be relatively swift and easy. Most doctors recommend that you take four days off from strenuous work, and, depending on the site of your liposuction, you may not be able to drive for up to a week.
Fast-Paced Recovery from Liposuction
You can speed up your recovery from liposuction by following a few simple tips. Reduce your recovery time by following your doctor’s orders, knowing what to expect, starting to move soon, and getting support.
Follow the Directions Exactly
Before your procedure, the surgeon will give you plenty of advice and instructions. The surgeon will probably give you a couple of prescriptions as well, and you should fill these immediately to spare yourself the hassle later.
One of the prescriptions you will receive is an antibiotic. Many doctors will have you begin taking these before the procedure to ward off any possible infections. Be sure to take these for as long as your doctor instructs.
The Night of the Procedure
The night of your procedure should be pretty relaxing. Your doctor should provide pain medication if you need it. After you arrive home, you need to find a comfortable spot and position so that you can rest. If you aren’t nauseated from the anesthesia, you may want to go ahead and have a light meal. Many patients sleep very well that night due to a combination of the medicine and the relief of having the procedure completed at last.
The First Three Days
For the first three days you may experience some minor discomfort. Your incisions will be draining some solution. There may be a lot of drainage, but you shouldn’t be concerned unless it changes color. While the drainage may not be comfortable, the swelling will go down much more quickly.
Many surgeons will delay the suturing of your incisions for three days until the swelling has disappeared. The delay helps improve healing. During these first few days, you will need to replace your dressings frequently. After the swelling has improved, you will only need regular Band-Aids.
Start Moving Soon
While you may want to lie in bed for several days, you really need to get up and moving after the first three days. Once you arrive home, you will probably want to spend a lot of time resting, but if you don’t keep moving you could form life-threatening blood clots. Follow your doctor’s orders to the tee so that you reduce the chances of blood clots and other possible complications.
Get Support
Most surgeons encourage their patients to get compression garments in order to speed healing and reduce swelling. While very tight garments were used in the past, that is no longer the case. The compression garments should not be too tight, and most surgeons will suggest that you wear the garment for a couple of weeks at most.
Related Articles
Tumescent Liposuction For Fat Removal
By: Arindam Chattopadhyay | 27/08/2006 | Fitness
Tumescent liposuction is a newer, popular procedure for fat removal
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Liposuction Procedure for you
By: Julie Bricklin | 28/08/2007 | Health
Are you interested in liposuction but unsure about what type of lipsuction treatment to choose? Learn about what factors are important to consider when choosing a liposuction treatment so that you can effectively decide which treatment is best for you.
Liposuction : Remove Excess Fat
By: Donna Mcclinton | 25/09/2006 | Health
This article is about the cosmetic surgical procedure-liposuction. It gives information about this surgery, preoperative care and the kind of doctors that you must meet with. In the end, the article comes with a rider that, your first choice must always be the natural methods of losing weight. It must be said that liposuction is no substitute for natural procedures like dieting and exercise. It must only be used to remove those areas of fat in the body that are stubborn and cannot be removed by
Liposuction Costs - Surprising Facts
By: Korbin Newlyn | 14/08/2008 | Plastic Surgeries
Liposuction is an option that many people can choose to use. However, one of the first considerations is the cost. This article goes into some of these various expenses.
What to Expect Before and After Liposuction Procedures
By: Diane Goettel | 18/04/2007 | Health
So you've decided to get liposuction, now what? As with every kind of surgery, liposuction procedures are preceded by a thorough consultation with a surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to give you a very clear idea about what kind of liposuction (or “body contouring”) procedures are best for you and what kind of results you can expect to achieve through said procedures.
Weight Loss Options: The Liposuction Procedure
By: Lisa Ortega | 06/06/2008 | Medicine
Weight loss surgery has long been a part of the plastic surgery world, helping those who are facing weight challenges to find a healthier weight and way of life. There are many important considerations to make when seeking out surgical care and it is always important to ask plenty...
What To Consider Before Having Liposuction
By: Daniel Millions | 07/06/2008 | Health
Liposuction is a great way to lose weight fast but is it the healthiest?
Using Liposuction As The Gateway To Physical Perfection
By: James Guntham | 07/07/2006 | Advertising
Everyone wants a fantastic body. For some, it's just getting rid of extra fat. For a few it's complete perfection--no fat, lots of lean muscle and clear skin. If physical perfection is your goal, diet and exercise are a necessity and not an option.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
SMARTLIPO 5,000 dollars????????
By: MissEntreprenuer | 17-08-2008
Is 5,ooo dollars legitimatie for 3 different sections (thighs, buttocks, waist/ lovehandles (back)in performing SMARTLIPO?????
Dental reconstruction Dentist for Jaw Cancer
By: BatchGW | 15-08-2008
Need to find a Dentist that knows how to either put partials or implants in the area of my lower jaw area that had reconstruction do to cancer surgery?
Elastic compression garment for Liposuction
By: khaled | 03-08-2008
I can`t withstand wearing the elastic compression garment , it`s really very tight & i can feel lumping in all my belly & blood concentration , it`s even doesn`t help me to defecate as it`s pressing over my stomach , can i take it off ? or use normal bandage instead ?? I just made the Liposuction operation 3 days back
Lose Weight and Strengthen Body
By: zoneiac | 28-07-2008
Hi.
I need to lose some weight and get healthier. I also want to learn how to strengthen my upper and lower body.
How do accomplish both goals?
Thanks
I have about 1 and a half stone to loose and i am ...
By: becky | 24-07-2008
i have about 1 and a half stone to loose and i am seriously considering liposuction the weight is around my tummy and hip area ,would you recommend anything different
facial surgery
By: gayle43 | 20-07-2008
What can i do to reduce swelling after facial surgery
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
The Dreaded Back Pain
By: Mandy Chagger | 06/09/2008
The most dreaded back pain is lower back pain, which could be a symptom of various complications in the abdomen area.
Stress - Types, Causes and Cures (part Three)
By: Andrew Tomkinson | 06/09/2008
This article is part one of my article series 'Stress - types, causes and cures'. It is written in order to introduce you to the types and causes of stress and suggest possible cures.
What are Toxins and How Do I Get Rid of Them?
By: James Carden | 06/09/2008
Toxins are an integral part of our everyday lives. Pollution, pesticides, cigarettes, bad water and harmful cleaning products are only a few of the different sources of toxins that can cause our bodies to malfunction and that we come in contact with on a daily basis.
Sun Damage Prevention
By: John Russell | 06/09/2008
In our continuing efforts to maintain youthful skin, we cannot neglect what may be the one true beauty secret. Effective protection from the sun can prevent damage to the skin. Even without actual sunburn, exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause wrinkles, age spots, skin cancer, and other generally weathering effects.
What Makes Smoke Inhalation Dangerous
By: Rachel Yoshida | 06/09/2008
Most would agree that it is not natural, but what really happens when smoke is inhaled?
Dealing With Menstrual Flooding
By: Rachel Yoshida | 06/09/2008
It is not a popular subject,but there are many that needs this information if you are having trouble in this area.
Treatments And Medications for ADHD
By: Paul Hata | 06/09/2008
There are mainly two types of treatment which is generally used to cure the ADHD types of treatment for ADHD; pharmacological and non-pharmacological. It is been found out in various studies that 70% to 80% children are benefited by the stimulant drugs.
How to Prevent Stomach Ache and Abdominal Pain
By: Robert Sifer | 05/09/2008
For stomachache in children, parents should notice habits and symptoms of their children. For adults, they also should notice themselves which food that they consume always cause stomach pain to them and try not to eat those food.
More from Amber Smith
Advice on How to Mentally Prepare for Gastric Bypass Surgery
By: Amber Smith | 12/11/2007 | Health
Learn the details behind gastric bypass surgery. Find out how to mentally prepare yourself for this procedure.
The Ideal Candidate for Eyelid and Eye Surgery
By: Amber Smith | 18/06/2007 | Health
Eyelid and eye surgery are becoming an ever more popular solution to correct vision. Learn more to determine if you are an ideal candidate for eyelid and eye surgery.
What Makes an Ideal Candidate for Cheek Augmentation Procedures
By: Amber Smith | 18/06/2007 | Health
While cheek augmentations can be a great tool for corrective and cosmetic changes, like any other procedure, it’s not for everyone. You need to carefully weigh why you are considering the procedure and whether this is the right point in your life to make this change.
Typical Costs Associated With Cheek Augmentation Procedures
By: Amber Smith | 18/06/2007 | Health
Thousands of cheek augmentations are performed each year. Before you decide to get any kind of cosmetic treatment, there are a number of different factors you should consider such as the cost associated with cheek augmentation procedures.
The Basics of Cheek Augmentation Procedures
By: Amber Smith | 18/06/2007 | Health
If you are considering having a cheek augmentation procedure, this article can help as it contains the basics of cheek augmentation procedures. No matter what your reason for having the surgery, learn more about the types of cheek augmentation procedures available to you.
Risks and Limitation of Cheek Augmentation Procedures
By: Amber Smith | 18/06/2007 | Health
While cheek augmentation procedures are generally very safe, there are some risks and limitations that you should consider. This article details the risks and limitations associated with cheek augmentation procedures.
Rhinoplasty Costs and What Insurance May Cover
By: Amber Smith | 18/06/2007 | Health
Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a "nose job," is becoming more common but it is still a costly procedure - especially if it is being performed solely for cosmetic reasons. Learn more about rhinoplasty costs and what insurance may cover.
Recovery Tips After Breast Augmentation Surgery
By: Amber Smith | 18/06/2007 | Health
Breast augmentation surgery is helping women around the world to obtain the figure they desire. If are considering breast augmentation surgery, read more and learn specific recovery tips after the breast augmentation surgery.