Recovery After Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction is an aesthetic surgical procedure in which localised fat deposits are removed by suction through thin cannulas. The recovery time varies according to the number and size of the treated areas, the amount of fat removed and the person's general health.
The information below is a general outline; your personal instructions are given by your doctor after the operation and take priority.
The First Days
After procedures performed on small areas under local anaesthesia, most people go home the same day; after procedures under general anaesthesia or involving several areas, an overnight hospital stay may be needed.
In the first days, pain, tightness, swelling and bruising in the treated area are expected. Pain is controlled with medicines recommended by the doctor. Fluid may leak from the incisions for a while. Bruising generally lessens within one to two weeks.
Wearing a Compression Garment
After the operation, a compression garment is worn to reduce swelling and help the tissues adapt to their new shape. The doctor decides how long and for how many hours a day it should be worn; this is generally a few weeks.
The Following Weeks
- Taking short walks from the first days, on the doctor's advice, is recommended; walking supports circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the leg veins.
- A return to desk work is generally possible within a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the procedure.
- Intense exercise and heavy lifting are avoided until the doctor gives approval.
- The doctor decides when you can bathe and how to care for the incision sites.
When Does the Result Appear?
Most of the swelling subsides within a few weeks; however, it may take a few months for it to go completely and for the result to become clear. For this reason, the result should not be judged too early. The incision scars are small, fade over time and are usually not noticeable.
Recommendations That Support Recovery
- Wear the compression garment regularly for as long as the doctor recommends.
- Take the medicines your doctor recommends regularly; do not stop any medicine you use, or start a new medicine or herbal supplement, without consulting your doctor.
- Stop smoking a few weeks before the operation and do not smoke throughout recovery; ask your doctor when you can drink alcohol again.
- Drink enough fluids and eat a balanced diet.
- If your doctor recommends supportive measures such as lymphatic drainage massage or cold application, use them only as advised.
- Attend your follow-up appointments regularly.
Maintaining the Result
Fat cells removed by liposuction do not come back; however, if weight is gained, the remaining fat cells can enlarge. Frequent weight gain and loss also impairs skin elasticity. Keeping weight stable, a balanced diet and regular exercise once recovery is complete are important for maintaining the result.
Skin rippling or contour irregularities are among the known risks of liposuction. If skin elasticity is insufficient, the skin may sag after fat removal; in this case the doctor may recommend a lifting procedure.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
Contact your doctor without delay in the following situations:
- Fever, increasing redness, discharge or a bad smell at the incision sites,
- Pain or swelling that keeps increasing,
- Sudden swelling or pain in a leg,
- Shortness of breath or chest pain.
For general information about liposuction, you can read our article Why Is Liposuction Important in Body Contouring?, and for detailed information, you can visit our liposuction page.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın