5 Tips for Liposuction Recovery

damon thomas

When counting calories and logging the hours at the gym are not enough, liposuction is a way to eliminate those stubborn fat deposits and create a smoother body contour. With multiple improvements to liposuction techniques in recent years, plastic surgeons like Dr Damon Thomas can tailor your treatment to your needs and aesthetic goals. 

However, no matter how good the technique or the skill of the surgeon, nothing replaces a safe and healthy recovery process for ensuring the best possible outcome from your procedure. We offer the following tips for patients in or planning for liposuction recovery.

MANAGING DISCOMFORT

While discomfort after liposuction can be less than the pain experienced after other surgical procedures, the ability to address any residual soreness is a vital factor in a comfortable recovery process. Managing pain effectively means you will be able to rest easier after your procedure, giving your body greater opportunity to recuperate. It will also help you to get up and moving faster, which promotes healing and lowers your risk for complications like blood clots.

INCISION CARE

Incisions for liposuction are small, as they just need to allow for the insertion of a narrow tube that is used to remove the unwanted fat cells. Smaller incisions mean less discomfort, swelling and scarring after the procedure. However, proper care of your incisions after liposuction will ensure a better cosmetic outcome while lowering your risk for infection after your treatment. Keeping the areas clean and following directions on how long to leave dressings over the incisions will help to promote a safe healing process and the most aesthetically pleasing scarring possible.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPRESSION

Compression garments are worn after liposuction for a couple of important reasons. First, they encourage healthy blood flow in the treatment area to aid the healing process. Second, they assist the skin in conforming to the new body contour, which secures a smoother result overall. Dr Thomas will advise you on how long you will need to wear your compression garments to maximise your results. In most cases, 24-hour wear will be necessary for the first few days or week. After that time, you will likely be able to remove the garment to shower as you keep using it for another week or two.

FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

After your liposuction, Dr Thomas will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, wear your compression garments and limit your activity as your body heals. When you follow these instructions carefully, you are more likely to avoid complications and enjoy a safe and comfortable recovery process. While most patients can return to many of their activities within a matter of days, the recovery time will vary somewhat based on how much fat was removed and how many areas of the body were treated. Dr Thomas will tailor your recovery instructions to your precise needs so you can enjoy a positive outcome from your procedure.

ENJOYING YOUR RESULTS

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in part because results can be seen shortly after treatment. The areas where fat was removed will be slimmer and smoother almost immediately. However, swelling is common after this procedure, which can affect the full outcome for the first days or even weeks. Patience is essential during that time until the full effects of your slimmer, smoother contour become evident.

If you want to make the most of your liposuction treatment, proper preparation for the recovery process after the procedure is a must. To find out more about your options in body contouring, contact Dr Thomas’s office today on 03 9034 7738.

 


MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

Our website is intended to provide general information about liposuction and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if liposuction is the right procedure for you. The following considerations should be part of your decision-making process.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risk. The potential risks and complications associated with liposuction include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, contour irregularities, fluid accumulation, internal puncture and fat embolism. It is important to understand the risks involved and weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of surgery before undergoing liposuction.

Recovery

Recovery time after liposuction may vary depending on the individual, the extent of the procedure, and the technique used. In general, patients should be prepared to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. Patients must also be prepared to take time off work and other activities (including exercise) and follow post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Results

Individual results may vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s natural body shape, the amount of fat removed, and the surgical technique employed. It is critical to have realistic expectations about the outcome of liposuction and understand that each patient’s outcome will be unique. It is also important to know that liposuction is not intended to be a substitute for weight loss or replace a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine.

If you have any questions or concerns about liposuction, please do not hesitate to contact us.