The recovery time after liposculpture depends on a number of different things. The doctor that performed the procedure and the type of liposculpture, along with your body’s ability to heal all affect the recovery time and process. Although some people may be a little leery to have a liposculpture procedure done in the first place, it is, for the most part, a relatively simple procedure. Most people can resume their normal activities within a week, and they are completely healed within a few months. However, the first couple of weeks after having liposculpture done are the most important to the recovery process.

The First Days of Liposculpture Recovery

Going Home Post-Surgery

One of the most common questions that people have before undergoing liposculpture is when they can go home. If the procedure was done using just local anesthesia, the patient can usually leave shortly after. The waiting time before leaving for home is usually no more than thirty minutes.

After a liposculpture procedure is performed using general anesthesia, the waiting period before leaving home is just a little longer. The patient is placed in a recovery room and vital signs are monitored. It is important to monitor the blood pressure in particular to ensure that it is not too low. Also, since general anesthesia can cause a variety of side effects on some people, the patient is monitored for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Leaving the Hospital

It is recommended that the patient has someone with them for at least twelve to twenty four hours after a liposculpture procedure. This person should be there to help with moving around, medications, and any other needs that the patient may have. Some grogginess can last for the remainder of the day, but should dissipate by the next morning.

Pain associated with a liposculpture procedure can range from mild to severe. This is usually quite mild, though. In many cases though, the pain is more of a discomfort after a couple of days. For many, pain medication is only taken for the first couple of days to a week, and some patients may not even need it at all.

There will be some leakage of fluid from incisions for about two to three days if they were not stitched closed. This is normal. The fluid is a mixture of lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic, and epinephrine, which shrinks capillaries. It may be tinged with blood and betadine, and it can stain most fabrics. Although, most of this fluid is extracted during the procedure, some will remain trapped under the skin. The doctor that performs the liposculpture will leave small incisions in the area open to let any remaining fluid drain. This helps to minimize swelling and bruising.

It is important to drink an adequate amount of fluids the first few days after a liposculpture procedure. This will keep your body hydrated and speed the healing process.  The day of the procedure, a patient can almost always get up and move around. Rest is recommended for the first couple of days, but they are not confined to bed. If they feel comfortable enough to get up and move around, then they are recommended to do so. This encourages circulation, and helps to prevent any clotting of the blood.

First Few Weeks of Liposculpture Recovery Time

Resuming Normal Activities

Most patients find themselves up and around within a couple days to a week after a liposculpture procedure. Many are able to return to work within a few days. Although normal physical activity can resume within a week, patients should wait until at least a month after the procedure to partake in vigorous activity. Showers are fine just after a liposculpture procedure, but baths, jacuzzis, swimming pools, and any other activity that involves soaking your body should be avoided for at least a week or more.

Swelling, Bruising, and Numbness

The majority of the swelling that occurs after liposculpture usually goes away within the first few weeks. The rest is almost always gone within a month or two, or within three months at the latest. Wearing compression garments, taking an anti-inflammatory medication, and massage can help reduce the swelling. Unlike many surgical procedures, it is not recommended to apply heat or ice packs to the area.

There is almost always some bruising after a liposculpture procedure. Depending on the patient and procedure, the amount and severity can vary greatly. It can range from mild to severe, but it usually goes away within the first couple of weeks.

Numbness is very common after a liposculpture procedure, and it should be expected. This can take several weeks to go away. The majority of the time, all numbness is gone after a few months.

Compression Garments

Doctors will advise their patients to wear a compression garment after liposculpture. This is important for a number of reasons. This garment not only covers the liposculpture areas, but they also help to minimize any swelling, improve blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. A compression garment will give support to the surgical areas and allow the patient to return to daily routines sooner.

The length of time that a compression garment must be worn depends on the type of procedure and the doctor’s aftercare instructions. If an open drainage technique is used where the incisions are not closed, the garment is typically worn for no more than a week or two. If the incisions are stitches closed, the garment should be worn for a longer period of time since the fluid is trapped under the skin.

Potential Problems After Liposculpture

Although liposculpture is a relatively safe procedure, there are some things that every patient should be aware of. These complications are relatively rare, but it is always best to err on the side of caution. Choosing a surgeon carefully will reduce risks during a liposculpture procedure. In this case, the cheapest is not always the best.

Perforation

Since the doctor is unable to see the tool use to siphon fat from the body, there is some risk that major organs can be perforated. Symptoms of this may not be very apparent during the procedure, which makes it very dangerous. Tumescent liposculpture carries a smaller risk of perforation since it is a gentler procedure, and the tools used are smaller.

Shock

A small number of patients can experience shock during a liposculpture procedure. This is usually a result of internal bleeding or an excessive loss of fluids.

Blood Clots

A blood clot can form in the lungs, pelvis, legs, or other areas after a surgery. These are usually caused by prolonged immobility. Moving around as soon as possible after a liposculpture procedure is important. This stimulates circulation and lowers the risk of a blood clot forming.

*Always make sure that you talk to your liposculpture surgeon if you have any problems with your surgery or questions about recovery.

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