Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from your abdomen, thighs, hips, or other problem areas. The following liposuction recovery timeline will help give you a general idea of what to expect when it comes to healing if you’re considering the procedure.

The First Three Days

In the first three days after having liposuction, it’s highly recommended that you rest as much as possible. It’s common to feel sore and experience discomfort in the treated areas. It is also wise to expect swelling or bruising in the treatment areas. In most cases, any experienced discomfort can be effectively managed with the pain medication your provider prescribes. To help reduce swelling and promote healing, patients must also wear compression garments or a girdle around the treatment area at all times.

1-2 Weeks After

We recommend our patients plan to take at least one week off from work after having liposuction. The first 1-2 weeks of recovery after the procedure is when you will experience the most discomfort and swelling. Swelling will likely get worse throughout the first week, so take it easy and listen to what your body needs. Rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous activities. Every patient is different, so you may feel ready to return to work after just a few days, depending on what your job entails. Patients can often resume relatively sedentary jobs like desk jobs or any job you can do from home sooner.

3-5 Weeks After

After a month of healing, most patients can resume normal daily activities. Resuming exercise and other physical activities are encouraged after four to six weeks to keep your body moving. At this point in the recovery process, you may also start to see very noticeable results, as any remaining swelling has typically diminished. While liposuction produces immediate results, it can be challenging to see them until the swelling has subsided fully.

6 Weeks After

The six-week mark is the point at which the majority of the bruising and swelling from the liposuction procedure has subsided; however, some lingering swelling may last a bit longer. Compression garments should be worn up until this point.

Three Months After

By the three-month milestone, you should be able to see your complete, final results from liposuction. At this point, all swelling and bruising should dissipate and disappear from the body.

Recovery Tips

Recovering from liposuction takes time, and you can’t rush results. However, there are certain things you can do to help your body’s natural healing process, and these recovery tips work well for many patients.

Eat Well 

Proper healing requires excellent nutrition. Preparing healthy meals ahead of your surgery is an excellent tip for ensuring you’re eating well and regularly without a lot of effort. Fill your diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to help boost recovery and limit inflammation.

Keep Your Body Hydrated

Drink plenty of water post-operation. Hydration is a crucial component in a successful recovery. If plain water is difficult for you to drink, try infusing your water with fresh fruits like lemon, strawberries, or cucumber.

Rest and Relax

In the first few weeks following your surgery, the best way to help your body heal is by getting plenty of sleep and resting.

Keep Moving

While exercise is not recommended until after 4-6 weeks, light movement will promote healing within the body. Take short walks around your neighborhood, but listen to your body. Don’t push yourself to the point of discomfort and feeling worn down.

Maintaining Your Results For Years To Come

Liposuction results can be permanent because the fat removed is gone for good. As part of your liposuction recovery and in the months and years to come, there will be necessary efforts to maintain those results. One of the essential things is sticking to a healthy diet. Another thing is to exercise regularly after your doctor clears you. Exercise not only helps you maintain your weight, but it also keeps the remaining fat cells from enlarging after liposuction, in addition to compensatory fat gain.

To learn more about liposuction and what you can expect after treatment, contact Hinsdale Vein & Laser today.