Liposuction Recovery

Nowadays the liposuction recovery process is a lot easier now that less invasive techniques are in practice. What used to be a half-year recovery period is now down to a few days for the serious healing, a week till normal activity, and six weeks for full recovery.

Though every body has a different response to surgery and anesthetics, there are some general guidelines about recovery that everyone follows.

Right after the surgery, patients under local anesthetic can get up and walk around. Most likely you won't be able to drive anytime soon so someone will have to pick you up. The first day is primary one of rest. You'll probably be taking regular painkiller doses to remain stable and pain free. The majority of people have no trouble sleeping the first night, mainly because it's a huge weight off their minds (and in a literal sense, too).

The next day is usually the most uncomfortable. But once the patient moves around the discomfort goes away. Not everyone keeps up with the painkiller doses as it becomes increasingly unnecessary with each successive day. Showers are recommended while baths are forbidden for at least a week. You'll be wearing the compression garment but don't worry. Going to the bathroom isn't a problem because most garments have holes or zippers for hygiene.

There is always a bit of leakage from the incisions for the first three days. Anything that was left behind will slowly leak out of the wound. None of it should be blood, and most of it should just be the wetting solution. Some doctors don't suture the wounds in order to allow quick drainage of the fluid. You'll usually be provided with sterilized cloth to keep the incisions dry.

During the first few weeks you will experience swelling and bruising. This is nothing to be concerned about and the signs should subside by the third week. Using ice and good resting positions can help reduce swelling. Incidental swelling may occur as fluids drain in different directions of your body. Usually the regions immediately below the incisions can become gorged but this is temporary as fluid leaks out from the incision.

The third day is the milestone for most people to return to their daily activities. The wounds will be tender but not sore, and often people forget about them if they go about their own business.

By carefully monitoring your own progress, sticking with any antibiotic medications, and notifying your surgeon of any concerns you may have, healing after liposuction can be a hassle-free process.