Although every liposuction recovery timetable will be a bit different, there are some stages of healing to expect. Here are some things to think about.
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to remove fat. This is not a weight loss tool,
but rather a sculpting procedure designed to suction away those troubling bulges that haven’t responded to diet or exercise. Over time, lipo techniques have greatly improved in order to allow for less downtime and better results.
Tumescent lipo is one of the cutting edge technological advances that is especially well known for rapid healing. The term “tumescent” refers to the fluid, which is injected into the site. This fluid contains anesthetizers and medications to curtail excessive bleeding and pain. The region swells up and causes the fat to be more ready for removal. During the procedure, a slender medical tool called a cannula is placed through tiny incisions. The cannula is attached to a suctioning apparatus that vacuums away the problematic fatty deposits. This operation will take from one to four hours to perform, depending on the amount of removal that is accomplished. Here are some things to think about regarding recovery timetable:
No general anesthesia needed: Because general anesthesia isn’t often used, the patient will not have that aspect to recover from. Being put under a general takes a bit of healing time in and of itself.
Walking around post-op: Patients are advised to walk around before being released from the clinic or hospital. This aids in the healing process right from the start.
Driver required: A driver must be on hand to transport the person after his or her lipo. It’s a relief to have a friend or family member along for support anyway.
Naptime: Upon arrival at home, it’s wise to go to bed for a good sleep. Naps and slumber always amp up recovery response time.
Showers only: For a full week, no tub baths are allowed. Showering is permissible.
Expect drainage: A normal bodily reaction will include drainage. This liquid is comprised of tumescent fluids and the bodies’ natural production of drainage. This will occur for at least the first three days post-op.
Dressings and compression garments: Dressings and compression garments are designed to aid in supporting the realignment of the tissue. These must be changed as instructed by the doctor and worn for several weeks.
Swelling, bruising: For at least a week, patients should expect to see swelling and bruising in the region of their procedure. This is normal and will recede over time.
Back to work: The time for a person to go back to work will depend on several things. Major factors that determine healing time include, how much fat was removed, what type of job tasks the person is required to do, and each individual’s healing response. It’s wise to receive a doctor’s release before punching that time clock for the first time post-op.
Liposuction recovery will vary and there’s no guarantee or way of knowing exactly how it will unfold. Every patient and every procedure is different. Healthy diets, rest and self-care will aid in a rapid healing response.
