What to Expect After Liposuction

 

Infographic: What to Expect After Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction surgery is used to remove stubborn deposits of fat from various areas of the body. Recovery from the procedure is unique for each patient, with varying levels of pain tolerance and different healing responses playing a role in individual comfort.

During your time in our care, Dr. Panchal will carefully cover pre and postoperative instructions to help prepare you for the safest and most comfortable recovery experience. Following these instructions will help reduce your risks of complications and can improve the final results.

After Liposuction

Expect some pain, swelling, and bruising in the days immediately following liposuction. During this time, dressing applied to the treatment area will help prevent infection, reduce swelling, and compress the skin into its proper place. 

We can provide you with medications to address pain as needed. Swelling should subside on its own. However, a drainage tube may be needed to prevent fluid from building up during the first few days of recovery.

Although the risk of infection after surgery is low, antibiotics may be needed to keep the affected area clean, especially if you have a prior history of infection.

Expect numbness in the treatment area for two to eight weeks. The decreased sensation rarely lasts longer, though there may be abnormal sensations for a year or so. The treatment area will also go through a firm, hard stage which may last a month or more. During this period, tingling and shooting sensations may be felt as well as tightness, itching, and drawing sensations.

Can I Exercise?

Frequent walks are important after liposuction. These increase blood flow, assist with swelling and discomfort, and can even help jumpstart a more active lifestyle. More demanding forms of exercise may need to be avoided for up to six weeks, depending on the treatment area and your natural healing response.

During your follow-up visits with our board-certified Oklahoma plastic surgeon, we can help you determine when it is safe to resume all normal activities.

Liposuction Results

Full results can take several months to realize. You can assist in these by following all postoperative instructions and by taking good care of yourself.

After fat removal with liposuction, your remaining body fat will take some time to settle into place, making the treatment area appear uneven or lumpy. Your skin may also be loose, baggy, and vulnerable to tearing during this time. These issues typically self-resolve within six months, though some areas may remain lumpy or loose, particularly in older patients. Laser-assisted liposuction, such as SmartLipo, can help reduce this risk.

To learn more about liposuction recovery in Oklahoma City, call Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa at 405-340-9949 or 405-310-6767 and schedule a consultation today.

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