Liposuction is a procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits from targeted areas of the body. This can give the patient a more contoured look in those places. For people who undergo the procedure, there are important points to remember about the aftercare that’s necessary once the procedure is done.
One of the most important points is that the results won’t be evident right away. It can take weeks or months of healing before the final result of the procedure is seen. This means that the timing of the procedure should be taken into account. It’s not something that can be done right before it’s time to go on a cruise or just before a big event in the hope of looking contoured.
What’s the immediate post-op period like?
Immediately after the liposuction procedure, patients can expect discomfort, bruising, and swelling in the surgical area. This is part of the natural healing process that comes as the body adjusts to the changes that were made during the surgical procedure. Plastic surgeons, including Dr. Joel Aronowitz, provide post-op instructions to help patients maximize the effectiveness of the procedure.
Some of the things you can expect after liposuction include:
- Compression garments: These tight garments can help to reduce swelling, support the affected tissues, and promote proper contouring. They’re usually worn for several weeks after the procedure.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help to keep pain under control in the days following the surgery. Patients should stay on top of pain relief because it’s often harder to get the desired relief once the pain gets too bad.
- Rest and limited activity: It will take time to get back to normal activities. The amount of time a person needs to rest and limit their activity depends on the location of the surgery and the amount of fatty deposits that were removed. Typically, patients are encouraged to start walking soon after the procedure to promote circulation and minimize the risk of blood clots.
During the long-term healing period, patients will be allowed to slowly get back to normal activity, including exercise. This may take four to six weeks after the procedure. It’s critical to wait until the surgeon approves exercise. Dr. Joel Aronowitz and other surgeons typically take a cautious approach to exercise so their patients don’t try to do things too quickly after surgery.
Patients also need to follow a healthy eating plan. While liposuction removes stubborn fatty deposits, it doesn’t prevent future weight gain in the area. Maintaining a consistent weight maximizes the likelihood of the liposuction procedure’s results remaining over time.
