Liposuction Aftercare

Chevy Chase cosmetic surgery patients suffering from isolated areas of stubborn fat deposits in the abdomen, the thighs, the neck, the flanks, and the buttocks, among other areas, may benefit from liposuction. Though maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime can improve a person’s overall health and appearance, there are some areas of the body that stubbornly hold onto fat deposits. For male and female patients that are at or near their ideal weight, but are still struggling with isolated areas of fat deposits, liposuction can slim and reshape specific areas of the body.

What Is Liposuction?

If you are in good health, are at or near your ideal body weight, are suffering from stubborn, isolated areas of fat deposits, and desire more proportionate body contours you may benefit from liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed to improve the contours of specific areas of the body through the removal of pockets of excess fatty tissue. During the liposuction procedure, small incisions are made in the treatment areas. A thin tube-like device called a cannula is inserted and used to break up and gently suction out the excess fat deposits. This process is repeated until the desired amount of fat has been removed.

After Surgery

Every Chevy Chase liposuction patient should expect to be out of work for about a week. The type of liposuction, the areas treated, the amount of fat that is removed, as well as your unique needs will determine the length of recovery after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work a week after undergoing liposuction. Patients who have multiple treatment areas may find the early recovery period more difficult than those who only had one area treated with liposuction.

Typically, liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients should have someone to help care for them for at least the first 24 hours after their liposuction procedure. During the first few hours after surgery, it can be difficult to remember when to take your medications. You should try to take your medications (antibiotics and pain medication) on time. It may also be difficult to get up out of bed by yourself because of swelling and bruising. Patients who feel groggy after surgery should be especially careful when getting up and when walking around.

Though it is likely that you will be sore, tired, and may feel wobbly on your feet in the hours after having undergone liposuction, we encourage patients to carefully and slowly walk around their house. We encourage walking to help decrease the risk of developing blood clots in the legs after surgery. You will slowly be able to increase your level of physical activity during the first week after the liposuction surgery. Because your body needs time to heal, we discourage engaging in vigorous exercise for at least the first month after undergoing the liposuction procedure.

You will be required to continuously wear a compression garment for the first few days following the liposuction procedure. Compression garments help to mold the skin to your new trimmer contours. Depending on which liposuction technique was used, you may have to wear special compression garments for one to two months after your liposuction procedure.

Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort should be expected during the first week after undergoing liposuction surgery. Most bruising will disappear completely within seven to 10 days following the procedure. You may experience some amount of swelling for one to two months after the liposuction procedure.

Most patients find the liposuction recovery process to be relatively easy and pain free. Many patients are able to see results immediately following the liposuction procedure with full results being seen once the swelling has fully subsided.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about the liposuction procedure, the liposuction recovery process, or to schedule a personal consultation, please contact Millennium Medical today.