While our bodies deserve to be celebrated, it is fair to say that liposuction provides a great confidence booster. It can be life-changing for many people and help them move on from their insecurities. But it is important to not overlook the full scope of the liposuction experience.
During the liposuction recovery process, patients will need to take time out of their usual routines to heal. Feeling bored, helpless or even useless is quite common, especially during the initial stages of recovery. Understandably, many patients want to speed up the recovery process to get back to their normal lives and even show off their new figures.
Although some downtime after liposuction is inevitable, the good news is that there are ways to safely speed up recovery. More than that, with non-invasive liposuction treatments, there is little to no downtime involved. This revolutionary treatment provides an effective way of achieving your dream body without needing to put your life on hold. If you are looking for a completely safe and pain-free solution, VIP Italiaβs treatments could help you get rid of unwanted and stubborn fat.
The Liposuction Recovery Timeline: What To Expect
The recovery time after liposuction can vary from person to person as every personβs body is different. How long it takes for your body to recover from liposuction will vary depending on your age, general health and the type of liposuction that was performed. But generally, it takes between four to six weeks before patients can return to work. In rare cases, it can take up to three months for patients to fully recover.
The Recovery Stages
Naturally, patients like to have milestones that they can work towards following any surgery. These milestones provide benchmarks that allow you to measure the success of the procedure. Here is what the process of recovery looks like for a person who has undergone liposuction surgery.
- A few days after the surgery - Around 48 - 72 hours after the surgery, most patients will experience some pain and discomfort. As such, the surgeon will provide pain medication to alleviate discomfort and patients will need to wear compression garments to put pressure on the treated areas. The surgeon will also advise patients to rest and limit their physical activity
- A couple of weeks after liposuction - Patients may be able to return to work provided they avoid any strenuous activities. During this period, the patient may still experience some pain and discomfort and they will need to continue wearing their compression garments
- About a month after the surgery - At this point that pain should have fully subsided and the patient should start to notice the results. Generally, patients will start to notice a big difference as all incisions should have healed. Not to mention, most patients can now engage in moderate exercise
- Around 6 weeks after liposuction - In most cases, any signs of swelling and bruising will have disappeared and the patient can engage in high-impact exercises. The results of the procedure will also be clearer, allowing the patient to enjoy their new figure and continue with normal life
9 Tips To Speed Up Recovery
Although it does not take too long to fully recover from liposuction, it is important to make sure you are taking the steps to stay on track and not slow down the healing process. So, what is the fastest way to recover from liposuction?
1. Eat Well
Getting a nutritionally-complete diet is key for optimal recovery. Following surgery, inflammation can put a lot of strain on the body. To reduce swelling and inflammation, you will need to consume foods that are rich in protein, essential fatty acids, iron, fibre, omega-3, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This will help your body regain its strength and allow for proper healing.
2. Stay Hydrated
Equally, it is crucial to ensure that you are getting enough fluids as the immune system is weaker after surgery. Water does more than just keep your tissue hydrated so it can heal. It also helps to reduce the risk of infection and gets rid of the toxins from anaesthesia.
3. Ask Your Surgeon About Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage plays an important role in relieving swelling as it helps to stimulate the flow of fluid in the lymphatic system. This in turn helps to remove waste products from the body. So, it is no surprise that many surgeons recommend lymphatic drainage during the recovery phase after liposuction. But this technique does more than just aid recovery. It is also beneficial for pre-operative care as it helps to prepare the tissues and prevent fluid buildup.
Linfogei technology provides a gentle solution that can be applied to tissues before and after interventions. This helps to stimulate and encourage lymphatic and blood circulation, resulting in faster and better healing. Not to mention, this allows for the correct resorption of any edema (swelling that occurs as a result of excess fluid getting trapped in the body's tissues) after the surgery.
"We know that swelling, edema, and inflammation are usually anticipated after a liposuction procedure. So, I use Linfogei lymphatic drainage almost daily during the first week, every other day of the second week, and once every three days during the third week after the surgery. It is my protocol for surgical interventions such as liposculpture when working on the legs and abdomen".
Explains Dr Raoul Novelli.
4. Wear Comfortable Clothing
The clothes you wear can have a significant effect on the recovery process. You should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes as they can irritate the skin and ultimately cause further discomfort and slow down recovery.
5. Do Not Push Yourself
Once your surgeon gives you the green light to engage in light exercise, it is important to stay active. However, it is important to avoid intensive exercise during the first few weeks. Remember, you cannot rush the recovery process. You need to give your body time to heal properly. During the first few days after your surgery, it is recommended to get some help around the house with activities, such as cleaning, cooking and childcare.
6. Manage Your Pain
Of course, a degree of discomfort or soreness can be expected following any procedure. However, if you are in extreme pain, it may be a good idea to speak to your doctor about pain medication. That way, you can effectively manage your pain and get back on your feet.
7. Keep Your Incisions Clean
It is important to keep your incisions dry and clean to reduce the risk of infection after liposuction. Similarly, it is also important to regularly change your dressings and bandages. Plus, this will make scarring less visible.
If your incisions become swollen or start to open, it is important to visit your surgeon at the earliest opportunity.
8. Keep An Eye Out For Complications
While complications are rare, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of an infection. After all, complications can be serious and turn into sepsis or blood clots. Here are the warning signs of a possible complication:
- Chest pain
- Excessive swelling
- Fever
- Leg pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling or redness in the legs
- Worsening pain
9. Avoid Smoking And Alcohol
To achieve the best results, it is important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It is recommended that you stay smoke-free for at least four weeks after your procedure as nicotine can reduce the rate and quality of recovery. This will reduce the risk of complications and improve blood flow.
Similarly, alcohol can dry out the skin and make it difficult for the surgeon to stitch up any incisions. As your skin loses its elasticity, this will make it less flexible and result in larger scars. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol and smoking to aid the process of recovery.
How Much Time Do I Need To Take Off Work After Liposuction?
How long you should take off will vary depending on your job, your age, your general health and the scope of the liposuction procedure. It is advisable to take at least a week off work after getting liposuction to let swelling and bruising subside.
It is worth noting that there is no recovery time required for non-invasive liposuction. As such, this may be a better option for people with demanding schedules or those who cannot afford to take time off work.
How Long Will The Pain Last?
While any residual pain and discomfort should disappear within a few days, it is not uncommon for patients to experience slight soreness a month after the procedure. In such cases, patients can take mild painkillers to help them manage their pain.
Non-invasive liposuction treatments, on the other hand, are pain-free and involve minimal downtime. The reason for this is that the body does not have to work to fight off infections and repair incisions. This means that you will not be in bed for days or even weeks on end.
The Bottom Line
If you want to achieve optimal results from liposuction, it is important to follow your surgeonβs instructions and do everything you can to not push your body over the edge. While we understand that the liposuction recovery process can be challenging, patience is paramount. Every personβs body is different and will heal at a different rate. But if you have any concerns about the healing process, it is wise to speak to your surgeon.
Choosing to go under the knife is not a decision to take lightly. But the good news is that you no longer have to have surgery to get the body you have always wanted. Non-invasive treatments have revolutionised the aesthetics industry and made it easier than ever to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat without surgery.
Whether you are looking to learn more about linfogei, lipoline, microgei, or isogei technology, our specialists can help. Simply contact our team of specialists today. For more expert advice on non-invasive beauty treatments, visit our blog where you can find useful information on electrotherapy, ultrasound cultivation, and non-surgical BBLs.
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FAQ
The recovery time can vary depending on several factors, including the individual, the extent of the procedure and the technique used. For some it takes between 4 to 6 weeks for a full recovery; however, for others, it can take around 3 months.
Within your first week of recovery, you will reach the peak of any soreness and bruises. Around 3 to 5 days after your treatment, these side effects will start to reduce. You are still advised to wear your provided compression garments.
You can get up and walk around straight after liposuction. More vigorous forms of exercise, however, should be avoided to allow your body to heal. Some patients can return to these forms of exercise around 6 weeks after the procedure.