The Not-So-Shocking Truth About Liposuction Recovery

Liposuctions are a safe and effective way of removing excess fat and getting that figure you’ve always dreamed of. But many people in Orange County avoid liposuction, fearing that it comes with a long recovery.

How much time will it really take to recover from liposuction? Very little, in most cases.

Here, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about the liposuction recovery process.

How long will it take me to recover from liposuction?

When patients walk into the office, this is often one of the first questions they ask. And the answer? Recovery time will vary, depending on how much fat you want removed, your age, and your health. But in most cases, you’ll be back to normal in just a few weeks.

Another big factor in recovery time? The skill of your surgeon. An experienced plastic surgeon performs the procedure in a way that minimizes the strain on your body, so you recover quickly.

Recovery time for most cases

Although recovery time will vary between patients, must people will feel like themselves in a few weeks.

And you won’t have to lying in bed for weeks on end, either. That means you can stay active, even as you are still recovering.

Here at our office in Orange County Liposuction is also an outpatient procedure. That means you won’t have to spend the night in a hospital bed, and can start your recovery in the comfort of your own home.

What about pain management after a liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so you will experience some pain and discomfort. The good news? Most of the pain subsides a few days after the operation.

You will want to be careful taking some common pain medications, such as Advil, as these can actually increase the risk of bruising. But after a few weeks, when most bruising is gone, feel free to use these medications.

You’ll also want to keep the use of heating and cooling pads to a minimum. That’s because you will have less sensation in these areas. If you use a heating or cooling pad, you could change the temperature of the skin more than you are realizing.

The best way to manage pain after a liposuction? Get plenty of rest and don’t overexert yourself. It can be tempting to try to rush your recovery along. But that’s the best way to end up prolonging the recovery process.

If you have a very physically active job, try to take some time off for the first few weeks, or spend as much time at a desk as possible instead of lifting. And try to get someone to help out with chores around the house the first few weeks after the procedure.

Standard liposuction recovery timeline

You may wonder what exactly the recovery timeline is for a liposuction. Here’s a pretty typical recovery process:

• 1 Week: Pain levels should be significantly lower than they were the first few days after the procedure. Swelling and bruising may still be present. You should not have much drainage from the surgical site. You can consider returning to work, and starting a light exercise routine- just no weight lifting
• 2 Weeks: Bruising will be gone in most patients. Light exercise and activities are recommended, and you should be able to resume your normal work schedule
• 3 Weeks: Continue to increase exercise levels. Bruising should be gone, and you won’t have to wear compression garments
• 1 Month: Swelling should be minimal. You should be able to fully return to your normal exercise routine. You’ll have a better idea at this point what your results look like
• 6 Months: Your skin’s elasticity will be like what it was before the procedure. You should be able to see the results of the procedure

As you can see, the recovery process is fairly smooth in most cases. You’ll be back to normal activities in just a few weeks.

What kind of complications should you look out for?

Most liposuction recoveries go smoothly, with few complications. But, as with any surgery, you should keep an eye out for complications, such as:

• Large red areas with swelling and pus discharge
• Trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness
• Severe pain more than a few days after the procedure
• High volume of bleeding

If you spot any of these symptoms, you should reach out to your surgeon right away.

A surgeon you can trust

Remember, your surgeon should be there for you after the operation as well. A great plastic surgeon is there for you should you have any questions during the recovery process.

Dr. Klicker is a board-certified Orange County plastic surgeon with years of experience performing liposuction. And he’s available every step your recovery, should you have any questions about the process.