Liposuction: Tips to Recover Faster Than Usual

If you have had liposuction, you are probably eager to see the results, as well as go out to show them off. Of course, there is a recovery period that usually lasts a few weeks, though you should start to see some gradual improvement. If you want to speed up the recovery process a bit, you should listen carefully to the instructions given by your doctor. You should also consider a few tips you may not be told in the surgeon's office. 

One of the best ways to recover quickly is to wear the compression garments you are given. The type of garment you are supplied will vary depending on where you got the fat removed from, so you may be wearing compression shorts, stockings, or a vest. In most cases, you should wear these garments for two weeks, leaving them on the whole time. You can then switch to only wearing them part of the time for another week, depending on how well you are healing. Your surgeon should check you out and let you know when you can reduce the amount of time that you wear the garment. 

Another way to recover quickly has to do with your diet. You are advised to drink as much water as you can while you heal. You may be particularly thirsty after taking anesthesia, painkillers, and any other medications since these tend to cause dry mouth. Plus, drinking fluids can help your body recover from nearly anything, which is why you are told to drink water when you are sick, not just recovering from liposuction. On the other hand, you should start eating again slowly, as eating fast can cause nausea, especially when paired with medications. You may not have much of an appetite after the surgery since you will not feel well in general, but you should at least eat soup or toast so you can keep up your strength. Once your appetite fully returns, you can start eating whatever you are in the mood for. 

You will probably be given prescription painkillers by your surgeon. You may not be in much pain directly after liposuction because you will still feel the effects of the anesthesia and any painkillers given during the procedure. However, you should start taking the pain medication soon after you wake up from the surgery, rather than waiting until you are actually in pain. This is because it is much easier to keep the pain away than to let it come back and then try to get rid of it. Of course, pay attention to the directions on the prescription bottle to avoid an overdose. If, after a few days, you do not notice much discomfort, you can likely substitute the painkillers for over the counter medicine, like acetaminophen. 

Most doctors send patients home with instructions to follow during recovery after liposuction. However, you are advised to call your surgeon if the papers you have are confusing, or if you have any questions. Following these directions, and taking it easy in general, can help you recover as quickly as possible.