Liposuction Recovery: What to Expect While Healing at Home

Liposuction Recovery: What to Expect While Healing at Home

There are many different cosmetic surgeries that can be used to change virtually any aspect of your appearance. Liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States and is one of the only truly effective ways of removing excess, stubborn fat from the body. Also known as body sculpting, the procedure is able to dramatically change and improve the contours of the patient’s body to create a smoother, more streamlined, and youthful appearance.

Liposuction is a fairly straightforward procedure in which incisions are made into the target area, which is usually an area where deposits of fat tend to collect, such as the buttocks, hips, or abdomen. The excess fat is then removed using a long, thin tube attached to a suction device. This is worked back and forth inside the body to break down the fatty deposits so that they can be sucked out. Your surgeon will work to create esthetically-pleasing contours before closing the incisions with a couple of sutures.

Most people will need to stay in hospital for one night following their procedure so that they can be monitored during the earliest stages of their recovery. However, it can be helpful to know what to expect once you return home after the liposuction procedure. Here’s what you need to know about the recovery process.

You’ll be Prescribed Medication to Take

Your surgeon will send you home with prescription medication that must be taken exactly as directed to ensure that it works effectively. This will usually include painkillers to help keep you comfortable, as well as antibiotics which will help to reduce the risk of infection at the wound sites. If you are unsure about any of the medication you have been prescribed, you should consult with your surgical team.

You May be Given Compression Garments to Wear

Compression garments may not be very sexy, but they are a valuable support in the days and weeks following liposuction. Their main purpose is to reduce swelling so that you are more comfortable and there are lower risks of complications occurring. These are usually fitted over the treatment area right after surgery, and only removed for showering and wound care. Your surgeon will be able to advise you how long you should wear your compression garments for.

It’ll Take a While to See Your Results

The results of your liposuction won’t be visible right away. In fact, you will almost certainly suffer from bruising, swelling, and tenderness for a number of weeks. It won’t be until these ease that your results will become clear. Most patients find that their optimal results appear 4-6 months after liposuction surgery.

Know When to Seek Help

Provided that your liposuction was performed by a trained and experienced professional and that you look after yourself properly once you return home, the risk of complications is quite rare. Nevertheless, it’s important to know the signs of a problem so that you know when to contact your surgical team for support. If you notice any of the following, you should give them a call:

• Excessive pain or swelling
   

• A high temperature
   

• Redness in the treatment area
   

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
   

• Pus around the wounds
   

• Wounds that smell bad

Your surgeon will be able to assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate action.

If you would like more information about liposuction, or about what to expect from liposuction recovery, please contact our experienced cosmetic surgery team at Scott Harris, MD in Plano, Texas at (972) 736-9600 today.