For your liposuction procedure, your surgeon administers an initial anesthetic, then makes small, inconspicuous incisions near the treatment area through which the excess fat is suctioned out with a small, hollow tube called a cannula. The time required to perform your procedure depends on the size and number of areas being treated and the volume of fat being removed.
Healing, Compression & When to Resume Activity
After your procedure, treated areas may be swollen, bruised, and sore. You may need to wear compression wraps for a few weeks to minimize swelling and optimize your new body contour. Most patients are ready to return to light activity, including work, within 3 to 5 days, but you will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least 3 weeks.
Caring for Your Incisions and Garment
Surgeons and staff of the New York Group for Plastic Surgery are here to support you after a liposuction procedure. The following instructions and guidelines will help your recovery process:
During surgery, you will be placed in a garment to provide support and compression. Underneath the garment you will notice clear adhesive tape with gauze applied to the incision areas to help absorb some of the drainage, along with additional gauze underneath the garment. You may experience mild to moderate drainage from the incision sites that may leak through the dressings. This is a combination of the liposuction solution and a small amount of blood, which is why it may look red in color. You may want to put some type of towel of absorbent pad underneath you so that no drainage soils your furniture. The drainage will slowly decrease and should completely reside within a few days.
Post-Op Hygiene and Compression Instructions
- You may shower the day after surgery. Prior to showering: Remove the garment, discard any loose gauze and leave the clear adhesive tape on. Shower, reapply gauze if necessary, and reapply the garment. It is OK if the clear adhesive tape falls off prior to your first post-op appointment.
- You may also remove the garment for laundering, as it may become soiled due to drainage. Other than laundering and showering, you must wear the garment at all times for several weeks after surgery.
- If you do not have gauze at home you may substitute it with a maxi-pad, which works nicely because the sticky side will stick to the garment.
- We want you to avoid straining or any aerobic activities. The doctor will give you clearance to increase your activity according to the progress of your recovery.
What Can I Do to Optimize My Results?
Avoid high salt foods and high fatty foods for the first month after surgery. If you can lose 1-3 lbs after liposuction, your results are optimal. Be compliant with your compression garments!!
Apply gentle massage to the area(s) of liposuction daily with any type of lotion and this will stimulate the lymphatics and help resolve swelling quicker.
When Can I Begin Exercising?
You may walk at any point, but strenuous exercise where you may raise your blood pressure should not be done for 1 week. After that period, you may begin to work up to your prior exercise routine without restrictions.
Post-Op FAQs
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Compression Garment?
We typically recommend wearing the garment you are placed in at the time of surgery for 2 weeks. Then you may switch into a SPANX type garment, to be worn for 4-6 weeks. The more compliant you are wearing the compression garment, the better your results will be.
Is It Normal to Have an Increase in Swelling After I Exercise?
Yes. Once you return to work (where you are on your feet more than you were immediately post-op) or return to exercise, you can experience an increase in swelling. Keep wearing your garment and the swelling will resolve with time. Normal swelling after liposuction usually takes 6-8 weeks to completely resolve.
The Areas I Had Liposuction Over Feel Numb or Hypersensitive, is This Normal?
Yes. Changes in sensation right after surgery are very common. You may experience numbness or tingling or may be extra sensitive. Either way, the areas will return to baseline sensation within 3-6 months. Gentle massage can help nerves regain normal sensation.
When Can I Begin Using Scar Treatment Remedies Like Mederma or Silicone Scar Sheeting?
We recommend that you begin this type of treatment once the scar has fully healed and this is typically around 2 weeks after surgery. You may purchase Mederma at any pharmacy and silicone scar sheeting is available for purchase at our office or online. Scar treatment remedies are best used for 6-8 weeks after surgery.
How Long Does It Take for Bruising to Resolve?
Bruising takes about 2 full weeks to completely resolve. After about 6-7 days, the bruising will turn from a purplish color to a more green/yellow; this will then fade by 2 weeks.
When Can I Drive?
You may drive when you are off pain medication and can safely and comfortably maneuver the car; this is typically 3-5 days after surgery.
When Can I Travel?
You may travel 2 weeks after surgery.
When Can I Get in a Pool, Submerge in a Bathtub or Go to the Beach?
You may be submerged in water at 2 weeks post-op as long as you don’t have any open wounds. It’s best to wait for 1 month before going in hot tubs because they typically harbor more bacteria than pools.
Why Choose Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs?
Request your consultation for liposuction and begin your journey to confidence. More than anything, you want a surgeon who connects with you on a personal and professional level, providing quality care to help you look and feel your very best. At the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, our patients are fortunate to enjoy the care of highly-qualified plastic surgeons with over 35 years of experience.
