Duration of Liposuction Recovery

As with any surgical procedure, people usually want to know what to expect from the recovery period. How soon can I return to work? To school? What will I be able to do and when? When speaking of cosmetic surgeries specifically, most people want to know: how soon will I be able to see the aesthetic benefits of my surgery? They also want to know what to expect, and what activities may be restricted during this time. For a liposuction procedure as with any surgical procedure, the recovery time can vary from person to person and is dependent in large part on the type of procedure.

 

After recovering from anesthesia, patients are free to get up and move around. If only a local anesthesia was used for liposuction, people can be released in as little as thirty minutes. Of course procedures done under general anesthesia require a bit longer time in the anesthesia recovery area. Patients that have just been under general anesthesia are not permitted to drive and will not be discharged until a licensed driver is present to provide transportation. Having a loved one or trusted companion with you after surgery is always a good idea.

Bruising is quite common and can be expected after the liposuction procedure. Do not be alarmed as this is normal. While some people may not exhibit bruising at all, it is quite rare.  Since fat is supplied by tiny blood vessels, as the fat is liquefied during liposuction blood vessels are disrupted and blood collects under the skin. Bruises are essentially blood under the skin that has left the blood vessel. Bruises usually start to fade or change color soon after the procedure but may take up to two to three weeks to disappear completely.

Often, the incisions are not completely stitched up. This allows for the excess fluid to drain out of the body and prevent infectious agents like bacteria from growing under the skin. Permitting fluid to drain rather than relying on the body to absorb helps swelling to go down. This also allows for rapid healing of the wound area. Draining usually stops within three days of the procedure. Remember to frequently change any dressings that remain over the surgical wound. The swelling from liposuction may last for some time but decreases gradually over the first month.

While the patient will be able to resume daily routine activities, except for strenuous exercise or work, the actual results from liposuction may not be evident for even after several months. It will take some time for the skin to become tighter and the swelling to leave the area completely. As was mentioned, recovery times vary. You must be able to devote yourself to the procedure but also to the recovery. Discuss these issues with your surgeon before undergoing the liposuction procedure. You can get a sense of the recovery time by asking the doctor or others that have had the surgery the time that you should expect to fully recover and see results. This way you will be able to plan your life accordingly and are prepared for different phases of the process as they occur.