General Tips for Fast Recovery After Liposuction
The healing process after liposuction will vary based on personal considerations. Planning well ahead for the post-operative period and following the plastic surgeon’s post-op care instructions is very important to recover smoothly:
- Have someone accompany you to and from surgery.
- Wear the support compression garment continuously for the first 12 weeks post the procedure OR as recommended by your surgeon.
- Stay hydrated and drink lot of water (8 -10 glasses of water a day).
- Eat well and rest well.
- Move/pump/elevate your legs frequently while lying down.
- Resume activities slowly. You may feel tired for the first few days.
- Finish all your grocery shopping before your surgery date
- Fill up all required prescriptions beforehand.
- Take only those medications approved or prescribed by your surgeon.
- Some discomfort or pain is to be expected after the procedure. Taking the pain medications as instructed by your surgeon is important.
- Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 48 hours after surgery.
- Keeping your incisions/ports dry and clean is critical to reduce the risk of infection.
- Make sure to set up all your post-operative massage appointments in advance.
- Get in touch with your post-operative specialist and ask questions to address your concerns.
- Avoid driving for first 24 hours after surgery or if you are taking pain medications.
- Light walking is recommended to prevent blood clots from developing.
- Do not participate in strenuous activities such as running or aerobics for six weeks. You can resume your activities slowly by starting with low intensity, lower body exercise.
- Avoid exposing the incisions to direct sunlight for at least a year. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or greater to decrease the visibility of the scar.
- Do not smoke for at least 6 weeks post-op as it can delay healing and can lead to infection.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids for the first week.
- Some bruising and swelling is normal.
- It usually takes between 3-6 months to see your final results.
- Sleep on your back for two weeks post-op. For good night sleep try sleeping in a recliner chair or have extra pillows in your bed for support.
- You would be asked to limit the use of your arms, lifting heavy items, apply pressure to the affected areas for two-four weeks after surgery
- Create a nest of pillows to prop up in a semi-upright position which will give you the extra support you need to get out of bed.
- Depending upon your work activity, you may return to work in one to six weeks (average time is three weeks)
- You will experience constipation if taking narcotic pain relievers. MiraLAX or other over-the-counter laxatives are recommended. Do not wait to take it until you are constipated.
- Inform your surgeon immediately if you notice any sign of infection.