Are you thinking about recovering from lipo and wonder what to expect? Read this article to learn what to expect with liposuction recovery.

More than 300,000 people undergo liposuction each year. It's one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in America.

During the liposuction procedure, a small percentage of fat is removed from the desired treatment area. Even after dieting and exercising, this "stubborn fat" can persist. When nothing else seems to work, lipo is a common choice.

Before undergoing any procedure, it's best to do your research, so you understand what to expect. So, what can you expect from liposuction recovery? Continue reading to find out everything you need to know.

What Results Can You Expect Directly After Surgery?

Many people find themselves disappointed directly following liposuction surgery. Instead of immediately looking or feeling thinner, they tend to feel the opposite. The good news is this is entirely normal.

Directly following your liposuction surgery, you'll experience localized swelling in the treated area. This is normal and will begin to go down after about a week. As the swelling goes down, you'll start to see the results of your liposuction surgery.

Depending on how quickly your body recovers, full results should be seen between four and eight weeks after your procedure. Every person heals differently. People from all over the Big Apple who approach clinics for an expert facial liposuction service in New York usually start seeing positive results after about six weeks. Patients and following doctors' orders are the perfect recipe for a quicker healing process.

You may also find you have loose skin around the targeted area as the swelling decreases. This is normal. Many people have success in tightening their skin naturally over time.

Excessive amounts of loose skin may require surgical correction. Tightening the loose skin also becomes more difficult as you get older, or if there are any underlying health issues. If you have concerns, talk to your surgeon about them.

Is Liposuction Recovery Painful?

Like any surgery, recovery after liposuction can be mildly uncomfortable. You may experience bruising, redness, and swelling in the treated area.

Mild to moderate pain is typical for a few days following your procedure. Your doctor will most likely prescribe medications to help ease any discomfort. If pain is severe and debilitating or doesn't begin to reduce after a few days, you should contact your surgeon.

What Can Help Decrease Swelling?

The swelling after liposuction is generally one of the most uncomfortable aspects of the healing process. Your doctor may recommend you wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling. These special garments can also help facilitate faster recovery.

Although swelling should begin to decrease after the first week, you should continue wearing your compression garment for about a month unless advised differently by your doctor. Sometimes, medications can be used to help reduce swelling or inflammation.

What Steps Should Be Taken to Promote Healing?

If your surgeon gives you any special instructions, they should be followed precisely. Besides special post-op instructions, ensure you're drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Once your doctor has cleared you to do so, you can also begin exercising. Remember to start your routine slowly, even if you were at a higher fitness level before your surgery. Exercising not only helps facilitate faster healing (if cleared to do so), but it also helps you maintain your ideal figure.

Will There Be Scarring?

Liposuction incisions are made in inconspicuous areas whenever possible, so scars aren't noticeable. As with most surgical procedures, however, you'll likely have minimal scarring.

Your doctor can advise you on how to help your incision heal properly. Proper healing is one of the essential steps in minimizing scarring. Over time, the scar will fade to become much less noticeable then directly after your incision heals.

When Can You Return to Work?

The exact time you can return to work will need to be discussed with the surgeon who does your procedure. If you have no other health risks and your incision heals without complications, you should be able to return to work between three days and a week after your procedure.

When Can You Go Home After the Procedure?

Liposuction is generally done under general anesthesia and carries few risks in otherwise healthy individuals. Most people may return home a few hours after they come out of anesthesia.

Due to the anesthesia, you likely won't be able to drive yourself home. Arrange a ride home ahead of time.

Are There Any Possible Complications?

Most people recover from liposuction without any severe complications. As mentioned earlier, it's normal to experience discomfort, swelling, bruising, and redness around the incision and treated area.

A few of the rare but possible complications you may experience during liposuction recovery (not the procedure itself) include:

• Infection at the incision site
• Allergic reaction to the medication prescribed by your doctor
• Delayed wound healing
• Prolonged swelling

These complications are rare. If you experience any, contact your doctor. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, head to the nearest emergency room, or call 9-1-1. One of the best ways to avoid complications is to choose professional, high-quality liposuction services.

How Can You Maintain Your Results?

Liposuction results aren't necessarily permanent. The procedure removes some fat cells from the treatment area, but not all. If you live an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle after your procedure, you can quickly put the weight back on.

Making positive lifestyle changes is the best way to maintain your liposuction results. This includes eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking enough water. Exercising at least three days a week is also essential.

Do You Have More Questions About Liposuction Recovery?

Liposuction recovery usually lasts between one and six weeks. Swelling is the primary complaint, although many people feel mild to moderate discomfort.

Do you have more questions about liposuction recovery?

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