Liposuction cosmetic surgery involves a significant recovery process, including downtime of around one week. During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will explain various facets of the procedure, including the estimated recovery duration.
Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan provides liposuction body sculpting to patients in Dallas, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Initial Recovery Period
After liposuction, the recovery process may last for a few days. The duration of the recovery period will depend on the treated area and the type of liposuction technique used for the procedure.
Surgeons advise patients to wear compression garments for at least the first few weeks after liposuction for improved healing. After a few weeks, most patients will feel well enough to discontinue the use of their compression garments.
Some patients report pain after their liposuction surgery. This discomfort is typically mild, and pain drugs as well as gentle walks at home can help address it. Most patients can move and walk around normally within a week after their liposuction cosmetic surgery.
They can even resume work with negligible discomfort. In the initial few days after liposuction surgery, patients should take showers instead of baths. At this time, the swelling, bruising, and numbness will start to resolve.
In the first few days after tumescent liposuction, there will be drainage of anesthetic solution from the incisions. Such drainage is normal, and it improves the healing and reduces the recovery duration in liposuction patients. The surgeon may place drain tubes in the incision sites in the initial week to clear drainage.
Recovery in the Initial Few Weeks
The swelling will continue to resolve over several weeks after liposuction surgery. Once it settles, the results of the liposuction procedure become visible. If the treatment area is substantial, the recovery period will be more extended.
Apart from the swelling, the skin in the treated area may appear loose. However, it will become tighter after some time. The skin should return to normal in around six months. But this will depend on the level of skin elasticity, which is determined by age and genetics.
Liposuction patients should routinely examine their incision sites for indications of infection. They should schedule follow-up consultations with their plastic surgeon to evaluate the healing.
At times, excessive swelling can point to other risks or side-effects. This makes it vital for patients to engage with their surgeon to ensure that the healing is on-track and smooth.
Exercising after Liposuction
After liposuction surgery, patients should consult their surgeon for precise, individual guidelines on exercising before starting a workout regimen.
Many plastic surgeons ask patients to begin with a mild walking regimen within three to four days of their liposuction surgery. Gentle exercises prevent blood clot formation in the legs and other post-operative complications.
Patients can usually start to increase their level of activity within two weeks of their liposuction surgery. But they should not perform vigorous exercise for at least the first month after the procedure to allow the body to recover.
Results
The full results of liposuction will become visible many months after the surgery. Some outcomes will be instantly obvious after the procedure. This surgery can eliminate up to ten pounds of fat. This creates visibly appealing body contours. The surgery is designed to enhance the body shape, and it is not a procedure meant for weight-loss.
Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas for liposuction body contouring.
To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.
