Your Recovery from Liposuction

Your liposuction recovery will entail several phases. For the first few days, your treated areas will probably be swollen and you may have some soreness, which can be controlled by the pain medication we prescribe for you. We use the tumescent technique of placing fluid with local anesthetic into the areas we treat, and most people tell us they have little if any discomfort following the procedure.

Usually you can shower in two days. You should start walking as soon as possible. There is no "bedrest" following this procedure - we want you to move around, though always with caution and with assistance at first. Because we place fluid under your skin during liposuction, you will leak a bit for about one day. This should not concern you. We will give you large absorbent pads to keep your car, bed, and chairs clean during this first day.

You should wear elastic garments to cover the areas we treated. At first you should wear these most of the time, and we will advise you about cutting back and stopping these garments during your follow-up.

It may take you a few days to feel like your old self again. If you start out in reasonable physical condition recovery from liposuction will be faster. You may have some bruising for a few days. This will go away without any need for treatment. You can start doing normal light activities around the house immediately, and normal light activities out of the house the day or two after the procedure. Some people return to work in just a day or two, while others take a bit longer to rest and recuperate.

Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably. This is usually about one or two weeks following the procedure.

Your scars from liposuction will be extremely small, but they may actually appear to worsen during the first few weeks as they heal. This is normal as they heal. Expect it to take a few months before your scars flatten out and lighten in color.

For more information about Liposuction in Southern California, please contact this Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon at 310-550-6300 or email us.

Content courtesy of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons