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.
What Is Liposculpture?
We’ve all heard of liposuction, but now there is a new way to remove the excess fatty tissues and deposits from under your skin. Known as liposculpture, this procedure produces the same results as liposuction, but is less invasive. Liposculpture does not use large incisions to suck the fat out of your body, nor does it require general anesthesia, which is responsible for the majority of health complications. It should be known that it contours specific parts of the body instead of completely resculpting it. Liposculpture is relatively new, having been introduced in the 1970s. It’s been gaining popularity in the last few years, but most people have no idea what it is. Here is a quick overview of the entire process to help you better understand the procedure.
Tumescent Liposculpture Technique
Liposculpture mainly differs from traditional liposuction in that it uses a tumescent solution. This is a mixture of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a saline solution). It’s injected under the skin by the problem areas. This causes the fat to expand and loosen as it increases in liquid content. The softened fat is then suctioned out using a syringe or metal tube. The lidocaine numbs the treated area, while the epinephrine minimizes blood loss as it shrinks the capillaries.
General Liposculpture Procedure
Before surgery, the doctor identifies which areas will be treated. Tiny incisions are then made (an 1/8 inch long) where the tumescent solution will be injected. After this is done, the fat is suctioned out with a tool called a microcannula, using a to-and-fro motion. The process only takes about an hour, depending on what’s treated. The incisions though are not closed when everything’s done in order to allow the body’s natural healing process to begin. Instead they are tape sealed with a compression garment. After a few days, the tape is removed, but the garment can be kept on for as much as six weeks – this helps sculpt the areas further.
Body Areas Commonly Treated with Liposculpture
These include the neckline, backs of arms, male breasts, abdomen, mid and lower back, waist, love handles, hips, buttocks and knees. Unlike liposuction, liposculpture can also tighten or firm areas of loose skin. There are many areas that can be treated with this technique, but it is important to realize that there are some areas that are better suited for other techniques, ask your surgeon what would be best if you have any questions about body areas to treat.
The Days Following Surgery
The majority of people are up and about the next day, resuming normal activities. Clearance to return to work is given after three days. It normally takes a few days after this to start performing limited exercise. You should consult with your doctor about this. Liposculpture recovery is not easy for everyone, but for the most part, people make a pretty quick recovery and are able to partake in normal activities very quickly after their surgery.
Liposculpture Results Vary from Person to Person
There is a limit to the amount of fat that can be safely removed in one operation. Usually five liters of fat is considered the upper limit. Heavier-set people can remove more, although it needs to be done over several sessions. Liposculpture reduces the chances of developing scarring or bumpy, uneven skin texture, caused by removing too little or too much fat. If it does happen, no matter – a lesser operation can remedy this. Results do vary, but some report noticing differences as early as six weeks after the procedure. Full results can take up to six months. Weight loss may occur, but surprisingly fat is actually light, so you won’t notice much of a difference on the scale. Usually it’s the change in shape that most patients look for.
Liposculpture Side Effects
Patients may experience mild discomfort after the procedure. In the days immediately following, there might be soreness or discomfort. Depending on the amount of work done and your personal pain tolerance, you could feel a slight twinge for a few weeks afterwards. Bruising and other skin discoloration lasts up to three weeks. There could also be temporary swelling of the treated areas, particularly in thighs and knees. Also, if you feel numbness, it will disappear after a few months. Doctors advise patients walk to increase circulation.
Possible Complications
Although rare, you should beware of the following complications which could occur as a result to this type of surgery:
-Infection
-Allergic reactions to medications – If you develop an itch or a rash, notify your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of anaphylaxis, a common reaction to medication, but one that can be deadly if not addressed.
-Blood collections or watery fluid in the treated areas
-Deep vein thrombosis – This is an infrequent complication of any surgery. But if you develop deep clots, they can travel to your lungs and be fatal.
-Fluid imbalance
-Shock
The Ideal Liposculpture Candidate
Liposculpting is seen as a last resort for when fat deposits will not go away, even with diet and exercise. Genetics also plays a role as these tissues only respond to cosmetic surgery. Doctors look for patients with the following qualifications:
-aged 16-80
-being in good health
-within ten or twenty pounds of their goal weight
-having realistic expectations before and after treatment
Convenience of Liposculpture Surgery
The main appeal of liposculpture is that it’s an outpatient procedure. It can be performed within an hour in most cases (thus earning it the nickname “lunch time lipo”). More importantly, patients can drive themselves home afterwards because there are no pain-killing drugs administered by the doctor except the tumescent solution. Since it is a less invasive alternative to liposuction, many people choose it to restore their proportions. Then, they can “start over” with a healthier lifestyle.
What to Keep in Mind Regarding Liposculture
Bear in mind that the purpose of this kind of procedure is improvement, not perfection. Doctors cannot guarantee results because they vary based on the fat composition of each individual. Those with a genetic predisposition to highly fibrous fat might not see much of a reduction. Also, older patients and those with low collagen levels could experience skin sagging over treated areas since skin can reform over contours. It’s also important to maintain the results through diet and exercise.
Before undergoing liposculpture or any similar procedure, it’s essential to do your research, both on the process as well as the physician who will be performing the surgery. Take note that liposculpture is not considered plastic surgery. Therefore, if a doctor offers it, he may or may not be licensed in cosmetic procedures. To see if liposculpture is right for you, consult a professional to learn more.