Liposuction Recovery Timeline
Plastic surgeon Steven Wiener offers liposuction to target stubborn fat deposits, tone problem areas, and improve body contours. Because there are almost always pockets of fat that fail to respond to diet and exercise efforts, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.
Liposuction is performed using local anesthetic, and it is an outpatient procedure. Liposuction is minimally invasive, and recovery is not as intensive as that of some other surgical procedures. Still, it is important that patients know what to expect following treatment. Here, our Scottsdale, AZ, patients can learn about the typical liposuction recovery timeline.
The Day of Treatment
As with any plastic surgery procedure, the first day of liposuction recovery is likely to be difficult. As local anesthetic wears off, patients will experience some degree of pain or discomfort. Incisions will be bandaged and the treatment site will likely be wrapped with compression garments.
Patients should expect to feel worn down for the first 24 hours of recovery, and their movements will probably be limited. Realistically, patients should expect to do nothing more than rest their first 24 hours following liposuction. We advise that patients arrange to have a friend or family member around to assist during this initial window of recovery.
First Week of Recovery
The first week of liposuction recovery will continue to be difficult. Our Scottsdale patients should expect continued discomfort, though they should be able to manage it with prescription or over-the-counter pain pills.
Liposuction side effects will also be most evident during the first week of recovery. Patients can expect to develop significant bruising and inflammation around the treatment site. Compression garments will help control swelling and promote healing. Ice packs can also be helpful in relieving inflammation and controlling discomfort.
During the early stages of recovery, it is important that patients follow all post-surgical care instructions. The primary goal at this point is to care for incision sites and prevent infection. Though movements will continue to be limited, we encourage patients to get some type of regular activity as they start to recover from treatment. Short, frequent walks around the house should be enough to promote blood flow and healing.
Two to Four Weeks after Liposuction
During the second week of liposuction recovery, side effects should begin to dissipate. As inflammation goes down, the results of treatment will become more apparent. It can be very encouraging for patients to start to see their new body contours. During this timeframe, comfort should significantly improve, and most of our Scottsdale patients start to feel well enough to return to work. With the exception of strenuous exercise, people should be able to resume all routine activities by four weeks post-treatment.
Six Weeks and Beyond
By six weeks after liposuction treatment, patients should be considered completely healed from their procedure. Side effects will no longer be apparent and all physical limitations will be lifted. At this point, patients will notice a dramatic difference in their figure. However, it can still take some time for the body to settle into the final results of liposuction. Typically, patients can expect for swelling to completely dissipate, and for the full effects of treatment to be realized about three months after their liposuction procedure.
Contact Us
Liposuction can eliminate stubborn fat deposits to give you the toned figure you desire. If you have questions about the liposuction procedure and whether you are an ideal candidate for treatment, send us a message to learn more. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Wiener by calling (480) 596-6886.
