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How was your recovery from Liposuction?

By ReMaon 28 Aug 2009

i am a 37yo woman who has liposuction on flanks...now looking for tips on recovery by others who've already had liposuction. What was yours like? Lots of swelling, even 2 weeks later? Pain?

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EmilyOsmond 16 May 2013
Thank you all for sharing your experience.. I also wanted to know about this.
Tipjo 16 May 2013
Glad I could give you some insight to it
Tipjo 5 May 2013
It's been one week post op. had my upper and lower abs done and scar revision. I'm in much discomfort. I'm more swollen on the lower abs. Does anyone know if that's because of gravity
krodamer 14 May 2013
I'm going on 6 weeks post op and I was always swollen more lower abs, I had more fat there so there was more trauma. Bromine is great for swelling. I am taking Jusuru for the collogen to help my skin go back and it is sooo great! I even look younger. I joined and was going to cancel after 3 months but I think I will take it forever, I also have not gotten sick while everyone around me has colds or flu. Bromine you can get cheap on Swanson Vitamins site and Jurusu is at: Jurusu.com/rodamer. Good luck the pain is only a couple of weeks and gets better everyday.
Tipjo 14 May 2013
Thank you so much for your reply. It really makes me feel better knowing that. I starting taking Bromalain yesterday. I did pretty well today and not as swollen . I even went to get my haircut. Thxs again
Andrea8645 25 Apr 2013
I am 34 and had lipo on my flanks, lower abdomen, inner and outer thighs in March. I am 5 weeks post op and the pain has gone but I am sore in some areas especially my flanks. If I am very active in a day, I have a lot of swelling at night and am stiff and sore. The mornings are great though when there is no swelling and I can see the improvements. The first week was extremely difficult and I broke down in tears. I was not able to move around with ease until two weeks. I can finally wear jeans and sit without discomfort. I cannot wait to get back to running and yoga. I go in for my 5 week check up today and will see what the doctor says. So far I am happy with the visible results but unhappy with the swelling, soreness and length of recovery. I just want my body to feel normal and healthy again. I know it will be worth it and I just have to hang in there for a few more months. Here are some tips for recovery: ICE for 20 minutes, sleep with your legs propped up to avoid swelling, use Arnica Montana and Gel (really helped with pain and bruising), take Bromelain (really helped with swelling), drink LOTS of water, eat high protein low carb and low sodium, Pineapple juice is good for swelling, rest as much as possible. Good Luck!
Kate8802 25 Apr 2013
Bromelain can be taken longer than a few weeks, potassium is great for water retention and "Water Ease" by Designs for Health is magnificent at reducing water weight naturally.
SchneeWhite 30 Apr 2013
Hi Andrea, I'm glad to come across your post. I will getting lipo on May 18th and I'm quite nervous. I'll be going abroad to my family's surgeon. Like a couple posts I've seen earlier, not many support my desire to get lipo. Now your recommendations, what should I be equipped with that my surgeon wont recommend?
Andrea8645 30 Apr 2013
HI! Definitely start taking the Arnica Montana and Bromelain 5 days before the procedure and continue for a few weeks after. Make sure you have clothes to wear for doctor's visits and your first trips outside. Maxi dresses are the best until you can wear your regular clothes. Ice packs are a MUST. They helps with the pain and the swelling. Make sure to ALWAYS have a pillow or two under your knees when you are resting/sleeping on your back. Going to the bathroom is difficult at first. You can't sit on the toilet. You have to squat over it until you can sit. I found it easier to squat anyway. You might want to get one of those squishy donuts to put on the toilet seat. Be careful getting up and down from bed. The lower the bed the better. It is hard to get 'up' into things. Much easier to lower yourself down. Basically, try to drink lots of fluids, take Arnica and bromeliad, get off pain meds as soon as you can, eat high protein low sodium, rest as much as possible, and remember it will get better. Good luck!!! What areas are you having the lipo? That makes a big difference.
ihaveawaistnow 9 May 2013
SchneeWhite, I had it 3 days ago along with labiaplasty and a breast lift. By far, the lipo has been the most uncomfortable as far as recovery although I am healing and dealing very well. I would say to you that having realistic expectations about the time of healing is the most important. Don't obsess about your swelling. Just embrace the healing process and know that in a few months it'll be a memory and your body will be smokin'. Although I like reading these forums I do realize that the majority of posters are ones who have had bad experiences. The ones that sail through surgery don't have any exciting stories to tell so probably don't post as much. At least that's what my ps said. LOL Do be prepared for numbness though. I have a ton of numbness. And wear that compression garment ALL THE TIME! Make it your best friend. It's soooo sooo important in sculpting and smoothing your body and it will help greatly with swelling. It's been more painful than I had expected but not unmanageable. The hardest part for me is this binder. It feels like it's suffocating sometimes, but I will do EVERYTHING i must to get the best results. Good luck with your surgery.
Tipjo 9 May 2013
Thank you for your reply! It's now going to be 2 weeks tomorrow and I can't believe how uncomfortable I was when I first posted. My swelling is slowly going down, I kept taking Arnica which really helped ( hardly any bruising) . I'm off pain meds now and the last 2 nights took Melatonin to get a good nights sleep. The past 2 days Im starting to feel like myself. Mistake was I think that a few days after my procedure I washed clothes and some lite chores ( must of been crazy) then I realized I should take it easy, smartest thing I did. This was tougher than when I did my back, breasts and arms last year. I think we don't realize how much we use our stomach muscles. By the way that lipo was a success. After I did do 6 Accent treatments on my arms . It really tightens and smooths the skin too. I've done Accent on my face ( this was before Ultherapy came out) and its great. I didn't really need it but looked at it as a preventative . Good luck also and Im sure your body will look great. Our bodies change over time and lipo gives back that youthful form again!!!
SchneeWhite 10 May 2013
Andrea, I'll be getting liposculpture- I mainly want my butt and thighs to be higher, and my c-section/post baby bump to ameliorate! Thanks to your post I bought Bromelain and Arnica Montana, before seeing your response, the store rep advised me to take them a week before surgery and that's what I'm doing! :) I'm going to have a nurse the first few days with me, and I plan to get massages for the next couple weeks after surgery. I'm nervous about the pain. In addition to lipo-I'll be getting my implants replaced, but this second breast surgery is supposed to be MUCH better than the last. My parents aren't speaking to me because they think I'm vain and crazy for risking my life. But..I can not wait until I see the results. Maxi dresses are a wonderful idea, I've been packing the stretchy Victoria Secret Yoga pants...so Maxi's will be much more attractive (plus it'll be easier to just lift up the dress and pee than bring down my pants).
SchneeWhite 10 May 2013
Ihaveawaist, I have in my head that I'll be 'ok' in 3 months. However I will take everyone's advice regarding what supplements to take, what foods to eat or avoid, and what practices post surgery. I have been chubby ever since I was 5 and although I look fine, the truth is, I have never worn a bathing suit and enjoyed it. The moment I look in the mirror and see the smokin' body, I'll probably cry!! Question: were you advised to get massages in addition to the compression garment? Thank you for the good luck wishes-it means a lot :)
Andrea8645 11 May 2013
Maxi dresses were definitely the most comfortable. I was sensitive to waistbands even on yoga pants for the first week or so. To be honest the pain was pretty bad the first three days but then I got used to how I needed to move in order to avoid any painful jolts. I stopped my pain mess after day 3 and started to feel much better when I did. I'm curious to see how your breast implants go. I have them from about 11 years ago and I will be replacing them eventually. I'm sorry to hear your parents are not onboard. I did not tell anyone about my lipo because I didn't want people to get the wrong idea. Ultimately I did this for me, how I feel in my own skin, how I feel when I try on clothes, how my self esteem is when I see a skinny girl. This is something I did for myself. Not for anyone else. I did not want to give anyone the opportunity to judge because at the end of the day it is my body and my happiness. I am 7 weeks post op now and starting to really feel good. I can't wait for the 6 month mark to see the final results. Good luck to you!!!!
Andrea8645 11 May 2013
My doctor said the massages are good to help you feel better but not necessary for lymphatic drainage if you are able to do the self massages. If you are unable to do the Elf massage then he said to get them by a professional.
Tipjo 11 May 2013
Thanks Andrea for your information. Waistline is coming along nicely I noticed though by the end of my day the lowere portion I had lipo on gets swollen I have been doing light massage. I guess because of gravity that why the lower abs are more swollen. I hope your doing well with yours. Thanks Again. JoAnn
Cibele11 14 May 2013
Hi my name is Cibele I'm 27 , I will be doin a lipo on the 28th I will be doin in 3 parts ( abdomen lower and up and the flanks ) and I'm sooooo scared :(((( I'm even thinking to cancel :( any tips ? I bought arnicar yesterday will start taking in 4 days as the doctor said will be good if i start before my lipo.... how do you do to have shower? how long after the lipo could u have one ? Thanks u and I hope u get well soon .
Tipjo 14 May 2013
Hi there, don't be scared. Last summer I had lipo on my breasts, upper arms and back.mi was awake the whole time and didn't feel a thing. I had to wear the garment. Some bruising but was able to get around pretty well As you see by my post I just had upper and lower abs, again don,t be scared. My doc gave me a Valium when I go there, you get very relaxed. Isherwood started me on Arnica and antibiotics a few days before. When I got into the room she marked the aress, next were a few injection to numb areas, then very small incisions where she puts in saline and lidocaine so you won't feel the lipo being done. Went very well. You,ll get up and a garment goes on, I had no stitches. They put on bandages and gauze with pads before the garment. You will drain a bit which is what should be happening from the saline and lidocaine Next day I was back to my Doc, she removed bandages, she put on band aids and told me I might still drain a bit. I really didn't though. Garment goes back on. ( The MstImportant Thing Is Wear The Garment ). I cannot stress how important this part is. Helps to reshape you as you heal You can shower on the third day but, you should ask your Doc. My swelling is going down more and more. I was concerned about it but it,s getting less and less. Another thing don't over due it.i did way to much the first week at home and that didn't help with swelling . Right now when I wake up my stoch is getting flatter and flatter but end of day get's swelled but less and less What a difference , my waist is smaller , upper abs flat but the lower is getting there. Takes a bit longer there due to swelling because of gravity. Going onto this site is where others told me to take Bromalain and boy does that help with the swelling. I hope this helps. Your skin will snap back and you will look great Let me know how you do.
Cibele11 15 May 2013
Thank u so much :) I will rest as much as I can :) so I will be able to see the results :) do u fallow any kind of diet now? How was your appetite after the surgery ? Any kind of food that u would recommend ? Thank u :) x
Tipjo 15 May 2013
Hi there, glad I could give you info. I wasn't to hungry after but I feel like I can't eat as much. It's probably the garment because its tight and let's you feel quickly if its tight Its funny because its a good reminder that I had enough. I stay away from salt and anything with high sodium in it because it will build fluid then you will have more swelling. I try to have little carbs and more protein also. I fell really good today and lower ab swelling is going down. This is now going into week 3 and I see Doc tomorrow. I think on week 3 is when things started to really get back towards normal. You are going to do great. Your skin will snap back and have a little waist with a flat tummy How great is technology. Please let me know your progress :-)
Cibele11 15 May 2013
Thank u so much :) I will keep your tips safe :) would you recommend any kind of pills or medicine for pain ? Did u had any massage ? Do you have any photos? Thanks :)
Kate8802 24 Apr 2013
I think my recovery, in full, took 3-4 months. Even now when I exercise 1 year and 5 months later I still swell up and occasionally have tender spots. I also have gained a few pounds in the areas where I was suctioned, although it's not super obvious. The jury is out about whether or not these results are permanent, especially for menopausal women on hormones!
Andrea8645 25 Apr 2013
When were you able to exercise again? I am a runner and avid yogi. I am dying to get back to both. I am 5 weeks post op and use the elliptical and light weights at the moment. I have a half marathon coming up on June 23 and I really need to get back to running.
Kate8802 25 Apr 2013
I ran a 5k at 3 months after surgery, but I swelled up so much that I decided to avoid aerobic exercise unless necessary and focus on yoga, pilates etc. It's very odd, IMHO, my MD said 6 months on the swelling. But I'm at 18 months post surgery and still get alot of swelling in areas where the lipo was (which in my case is alot of area, arms, legs, flanks, belly, outer and inner thighs)
Kate8802 25 Apr 2013
But I am 52 years old, so it could be a variety of things going on with me hormoneally that cause increased swelling...and/or that I don't do aerobic exercise all that often.

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