What Is Liposuction Recovery Like?

Are you considering liposuction? If you’re close to your ideal body weight and want to remove stubborn fat from specific problem areas, liposuction can help you achieve a slimmer silhouette. Like most surgical procedures, liposuction requires a healing and recovery process. Knowing what to expect during liposuction recovery can help you determine if liposuction is right for you.

Can I Go Home After the Procedure?

Liposuction is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. You’ll rest in a recovery room as the anesthesia wears off. You can expect to go home about an hour after your procedure. You’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home after your appointment.

What Should I Expect During the Recovery Process?

It’s normal for you to feel some soreness and discomfort after liposuction. To help you minimize any discomfort, you’ll be prescribed pain relievers. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and supporting your body with plenty of cushions or pillows will help you feel more comfortable as you recover.

Your plastic surgeon will give you a compression garment or elastic bandage to wrap around the treatment area. These compression garments are designed to reduce swelling and will help shape the treatment area, contouring your body to its new shape, so it’s important to wear them diligently.

Can I Exercise During Recovery?

You should plan on limiting your activity as much as possible, especially during the first week of your recovery. This means not exercising, not going to work, or participating in most of your everyday activities. However, you shouldn’t feel like you’re confined to your bed. Light movement can help speed your body’s healing and improve circulation. Taking short walks around your house throughout the day is a great way to get moving without causing unnecessary strain on your body.

When Can I Resume My Normal Schedule?

Liposuction recovery is different for everyone. We typically advise our patients to take off from work for at least one week and gradually add other non-strenuous activities to their schedule over the next several weeks. Following your plastic surgeon’s instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery.

What Will the Treatment Area Look Like During Recovery?

Bruising and swelling in the treatment area are common after liposuction. Wearing your compression garment will minimize swelling and prevent fluid buildup. Swelling usually starts to go down by the end of your first week.

You might notice some results shortly after your procedure, but it can take time before you see dramatic results. Depending on how much fat was removed during your procedure, it can take between one to three months before your final results appear.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Dallas Homas and Dr. Lisa Brostrom at New Image Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX are dedicated to first-class service and treatment outcomes for all patients. To learn more about how you can achieve your desired body contour with liposuction, contact our San Antonio office today to schedule your consultation with our board-certified surgeons.