Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD - The Aesthetic Institute
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Tips to Speed Up Your Liposuction Recovery

5 Minute Read: 

A red apple and a meter.

Men and women who wish to shape and trim their bodies choose liposuction to eliminate undesirable fatty deposits. After a liposuction procedure, you will be eager to flaunt your trim shape straight away. Unfortunately, your freedom and safety to do so are limited due to the necessary recuperation time. The body will need time to rest and recover, much like after any other procedure. While there is no way to avoid downtime following this cosmetic surgery, there are strategies to manage it carefully. We have gathered the best tips to speed up your liposuction recovery.

Liposuction Recovery – The Key to Excellent Results

There are various methods to approach the removal of excess adipose tissue. Modern liposuction provides minimal tissue destruction, but we cannot avoid it altogether. As you pump the fat out, the surrounding tissue suffers damage, which triggers the body’s reaction. Swelling and bruising during the recovery period are expected. However, since liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, recovery will be quick, but it mainly depends on you.

A surgeon in a scrub doing liposuction on a woman.

Liposuction is a standard procedure now, but it demands a bit of recovery time afterward.

Recovery after liposuction is the time it takes for the body to get rid of swelling, bruises, and other consequences of the procedure, as well as for your body to get into its final shape. The correction results appear in their true form in three to six months at the earliest, and the exact time will depend on several factors.

How Does Recovery After Liposuction Go?

The First 1-7 Days – When Swelling and Bruising Occur 

Swelling occurs a few hours after the intervention but reaches its peak in a few days. In some cases, discomfort and pain at the site of the intervention are possible. The swelling on the abdomen, thighs, and back is especially pronounced due to removing a large number of fat cells.

About 8 to 14 Days After Liposuction  

Postoperative discomfort begins to disappear gradually. 

It is difficult to determine when exactly this period will occur since the regeneration rate is very individual and determined by several body characteristics. In addition, how quickly the swelling will go down depends on the region where the liposuction was performed. For example, swelling on the legs lasts the longest, so it is imperative to respect prescriptions and recommendations in this case.

Over the Next 15 to 20 Days 

The body structure can change in the area of intervention 

The skin becomes uneven, but don’t worry – this is a normal occurrence and passes quickly. The bumps smooth out over time, and everything falls into place.

How to Speed Up Recovery After Liposuction?

We’ve already discussed how crucial the postoperative time is for every treatment, including liposuction. As a result, it is essential to familiarize yourself with what awaits you following this intervention and advice that will make your healing quicker and easier.

Plan Your Rest Time

Even if you leave the clinic the next day, you should set aside at least a few days for rest and recovery. Specialists recommend returning to work a few days after the procedure, at the earliest. Also, here are some things to consider related to the case:

  • Ask your surgeon how much time you need to rest. 
  • The recovery period depends on the size of the region operated on. So, if you have done liposuction on a more substantial part of your body, you will need more time to rest.
  • Prepare the house and bedroom before the procedure. A pleasant atmosphere together with a comfortable mattress will make your recovery easier. 
A woman in bed, representing ways to speed up your liposuction recovery.

Lying in bed and resting is the best thing to speed up your recovery.

Don’t Forget to Wear Compression Underwear

After liposuction, the patient must wear special compression clothing. The even pressure of this special garment will prevent fluid retention in the subcutaneous area, stimulate the disappearance of swelling and promote fast healing.

You should usually wear bandages for two weeks, while compression underwear takes a little longer. In addition, we recommend you wear light and cotton clothes.

Start Moving as Soon as Possible

Try to get on your feet as soon as possible and start walking. It is important to begin moving slowly because walking will promote healing. However, despite the need to move, you can return to exercise and more demanding physical activity only after 6-8 weeks.

A woman in a yoga pose with her arms raised

Ease into being active again.

If you have a demanding task coming up, such as moving, it’s essential to your recovery to avoid lifting any heavy items. Experts from JB Movers recommend that heavy-lifting should always be left to professionals.

Avoid Salty and Spicy Foods to Speed Up Your Liposuction Recovery

Salt and spices are known to cause fluid retention in the body, which slows recovery. That’s why you stay away from salty and spicy foods for at least two weeks. Patients are usually given a liquid diet for a day or two after liposuction. Following that, eating cleaner and healthier by adding vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients can assist the body in recovering swiftly and without complications. The best thing to do is continue on a clean, healthy diet until you feel well recovered. 

A vegetable salad on a plate.

A lot of your recovery relies on your diet. So, eat healthily to speed up your liposuction recovery.

What Should We Not Do When It Comes to Recovery After Liposuction?

In addition to recommendations on what to do, recovery after liposuction includes specific prohibitions, but they are only temporary.

We have already mentioned avoiding starting with more intense physical efforts too soon after the intervention. In addition, you will have to postpone going to the sauna and the pool for a while.

It is also advisable to give up bad habits such as alcohol and cigarettes. It is necessary to get rid of them at least temporarily, and ideally – forever.

Since the skin in the operated areas should be carefully protected, it is not allowed to go to the tanning beds or the beach. Ultraviolet rays negatively affect the formation of scar tissue and lead to hyperpigmentation.

Final Thoughts

Opting for plastic surgery means having to go through all the stages before you reach a final, desired result. And liposuction is no exception. You should always make sure you are ready for a procedure before you make the final call. And, once you do, our tips to speed up your liposuction recovery will hopefully help you along. Good luck!

Dr. Wald Looks forward to
helping you reach your
cosmetic goals.
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Robert Wald, MD
100 E. Valencia Mesa Drive, Suite 300
Fullerton, CA 92835


Phone: 714-312-3549
Fax: 714-738-1862

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