Liposuction is a type of cosmetic procedure designed to remove unwanted or stubborn fat from specific areas of the body. The most commonly treated areas are the stomach, abdomen, and hips. A board-certified plastic surgeon will remove these excess fat deposits to help their patients achieve their ideal bodies and figures when diet and exercise do not seem to be working on their own.

Liposuction is the second-most popular cosmetic procedure behind breast augmentation surgery. This fat removal procedure is also safe and effective, especially when following recovery guidelines with care and attention. Keeping in mind these five recovery tips can also improve comfort during recovery and lead to your desired results afterward.

1. Plan Your Recovery

Planning your recovery can take away a lot of pre and post-operative stress. It can also help to make your recovery feel more manageable. You should start by planning out the first two weeks, which will have the most post-operative care instructions, and then plan out the following month. Making a plan will keep you on track with your recovery and after-care and can even make the recovery go by quicker. Some things to think about include:

• Meal prepping/planning
• Picking up prescriptions ahead of time
• Arranging rides to and from the surgery
• Planning for a family member to stay with you or help you out.
• Doing laundry and having clean sheets on your bed
• Plan for loose clothing around the treatment area

Planning your recovery is meant to reduce the amount of tasks and chores you will need to do in the days following surgery. The idea is that you will have as little to do as possible. You should also determine how you will wash yourself since you can’t shower for the first 48 hours after surgery. You will also not be able to take a bath for at least seven days after the procedure.

2. Know What to Do After Surgery

Your doctor will provide you with a comprehensive list of post-surgery instructions, including restrictions that you must abide by during your recovery. A liposuction procedure involves inserting a thin hollow tube, called a cannula, under the skin and into areas of fat. It will break down these fat deposits and suck them out through the tube. After the procedure, you may feel groggy and are able to rest for as long as you need in the recovery room. Most patients feel ready to head home an hour after the treatment. You will want to bring clean towels, loose clothing, and your prescribed medication to your appointment with you. You will change into your clean loose clothing before leaving, and the towel can be used in the car in the event of slight bleeding.

3. Minimize Pain

One of the best ways to make recovery easier is to minimize pain as much as possible with a pain management strategy. Whether you are planning to rest the whole day or resume mild daily activities, you will want to take the medication prescribed by your doctor to manage any discomfort. Stick to the plan that you and your doctor have come up with and make sure to only take the prescribed amount of medication at its intended intervals.

Some discomfort and pain are to be expected. However, you should not be suffering from constant, intense pain. If the pain medication doesn’t work or if your pain worsens, contact your surgeon. This could be a sign that something is wrong with your recovery.

4. Wear Appropriate Bandages & Clothing

Compression garments are required the first few days after surgery. They help prevent bruising and swelling to speed up recovery and promote the body healing in the ideal shape. You will also have bandages around the treatment site, which can become bothersome. However, it is important that you do not remove them unless directed to by your doctor. Don’t rush to remove your compression garments or look at the treatment site under the bandages. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance and wait for their directions.

5. Be Kind to Yourself

As always, you should be kind to yourself! Take your time to recover and don’t try to push yourself to bounce back right away. Liposuction is an intense surgical procedure, so you should allow your body and mind the grace to rest and heal during this time. Following the above tips will help you to navigate your recovery without feeling impatient or uncomfortable.

Schedule a Consultation

Liposuction can help you achieve the body that you have worked so hard for. Planning your recovery and following post-surgical instructions means a successful recovery with the desired results. Fill out the Falcon Plastic Surgery online contact form to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher R. Falcon. We offer the best body sculpting procedures to patients in the Natrona Heights, PA, area.