Liposuction Surgery After Care
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess fat from specific areas of the body using a hollow stainless steel tube, or cannula, and a suction device. Aftercare is important because it helps to ensure that the treated area heals properly and that the best possible results are achieved.
Liposuction aftercare is important because it can reduce the risk of infection, minimize swelling, improve the final results, reduce the risks of complication.
WHAT TO DO
After a liposuction procedure, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure the best possible recovery.
Here are a few things you can do after liposuction to help with your recovery
Wear a compression garment
Your surgeon may recommend that you wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the treated area. It is important to wear the garment as directed.
Take pain medication as needed
You may experience some discomfort after the procedure, and your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage this. It is important to take the medication as directed.
Avoid strenuous activity
It is important to avoid strenuous activity for a period of time after the procedure to allow your body to heal. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on when it is safe to return to your normal activities.
Keep the incision sites clean and dry
It is important to keep the incision sites clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for caring for the incision sites.
Apply ice
Applying ice to the treated area can help to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help with swelling and discomfort after the procedure.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet can help with your recovery and ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs to heal.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care and to report any concerns to them.
Here are a few things to avoid after a liposuction procedure to help ensure the best possible recovery
Don’t sit for long periods of time
Sitting for long periods of time can cause swelling and discomfort in the treated area. If you need to sit for an extended period, try to stand up and stretch or walk around every 30 minutes to help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Don’t engage in strenuous activity
It is important to avoid strenuous activity for a period of time after the procedure to allow your body to heal. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on when it is safe to return to your normal activities.
Don’t soak the incision sites
It is important to keep the incision sites clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid soaking the incision sites in water, such as in a bath or pool, until your surgeon gives you the okay to do so.
Don’t expose the incision sites to the sun
It is important to protect the incision sites from the sun to reduce the risk of scarring. Wear protective clothing or use sunblock when spending time outdoors.
Don’t ignore any unusual symptoms
If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision sites, or if you have a fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is important to contact your surgeon immediately. These could be signs of a complication.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care and to report any concerns to them.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Weeks 1-6 and beyond
Weeks 1
In the first week after the procedure, you can expect to experience some swelling, discomfort, and bruising in the treated area. You will likely be prescribed pain medication to help manage any discomfort. You should also be wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the treated area. It is important to avoid sitting for long periods of time and to avoid strenuous activity.
Weeks 2 – 3
By the second week, the swelling and bruising should start to subside. You may still experience some discomfort, but it should be decreasing. You should continue to wear the compression garment as directed and avoid strenuous activity.
By the third week, the swelling and bruising should be almost completely resolved. And you should be feeling more comfortable. You may be able to start returning to your normal activities. Although it is still important to avoid strenuous activity and follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Week 4 and Beyond
As you continue to recover, you may notice that the shape of the treated area starts to change as the swelling subsides. It is important to be patient, as it can take several months for the final results of the liposuction procedure to become visible. It is also important to continue following your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care and to report any concerns.
Recovery tips
You should not try to rush your recovery, but there are certain things you can do to help your body’s natural healing process.