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What to expect from your liposuction recovery

Oct 10, 2019 | Body, Liposuction

Liposuction is an excellent way of removing stubborn areas of fat, but do you know what the recovery process involves?

Liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures currently performed. In fact, over 250 000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2018 in the United States alone. The surgery can offer a new, improved shape for people who would like to get rid of fat deposits and enhance the contours of their body. While the procedure is highly effective and safe, it is important to remember that it is a surgical process that requires a proper recovery period. Here’s what you can expect after liposuction…

What to expect in the days following surgery

Once your surgery is complete, it is quite normal to experience some pain and Mr David Morgan will recommend the appropriate medications to ease any discomfort. You will also be given a surgical compression garment to wear around your areas of treatment in order to reduce swelling and aid recovery following your liposuction procedure.

In some cases, small surgical drains are placed at the site of incision in order to prevent fluid build-up. If you require these drains, Mr David Morgan will explain how to best take care of them.

In the first few days following surgery, it is best to rest as much as possible. Avoid strenuous exercise, as well as any unnecessary movements that could affect your surgical incisions.

A week or two later

After around a week or two following surgery, you will begin to notice some relief from your initial discomfort. Although we recommend that you keep wearing your compression garment at this time, you will likely feel well enough to return to work, provided your job is not too physically demanding.

Weeks three to five

Between three and five weeks following the liposuction procedure, you should feel your pain subsiding completely. It is completely normal to still experience some swelling at this time, although you should begin to see the results of your procedure. After around a month following surgery, liposuction patients are usually ready to start exercising lightly again. Mr David Morgan will advise you on the best form of activity for you based on your particular case.

Six weeks after surgery

By this stage, most post-operative bruising and swelling should have resolved, and Mr David Morgan may let you know that your compression garment is no longer necessary. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities and exercise regimes by this point. You should be able to see the full results of your procedure, as long as your swelling has fully subsided.

How to aid recovery

It is important to remember that, as with all surgical procedures, recovery from liposuction takes time. There are a few things you can do, however, to aid recovery after surgery, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking plenty of water every day.

Rest is a key element in the recovery process, so try and get enough sleep while your body heals. It is also helpful to engage in some light activity like walking as soon as you feel well enough.

If you are interested in undergoing liposuction or would like to find out more about what the procedure involves, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also read about the surgery here.

Mr David Morgan is a fully qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and has completed the training program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the peak body for surgical training in Australia. He has experience in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including skin cancer management, hand surgery, reconstructive microsurgery and cosmetic surgery. No matter your needs, we highly recommend that you begin the process with a personal consultation with Mr David Morgan.