Liposuction recovery

Recovery from Liposuction happens in phases.

The first phase is the immediate post-surgery where you need pain control and are limited in activity. With liposuction that is generally about 1-2days. After that, you can typically drive and do your daily activities.

Next step is for the majority of your swelling and bruising to resolve. For liposuction, that is about 2-3 weeks. That is when you can start light exercise as approved by your surgeon. At 6 weeks, you can return to all activities. It will take about 6 months for the skin to shrink and for all the swelling to resolve, but that is not going to be noticeable as much as what happens in the first few weeks.

So at 4 months, you should be very close to your final results. If there are lumpy areas or areas that you are still worried about, I would suggest going back to your surgeon to discuss your options.

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There are a variety of explanations for what you are observing and I will discuss some of these options.

I have seen patients who were better candidates for tummy tucks but underwent liposuction instead leaving them with loose skin that appears to be lumpy. If this is the case you may be better treated with a tummy tuck.

Alternatively, any injury can result in healing which produces scar tissue for 6 weeks (proliferative phase) followed by resolution of the scar tissue (maturation phase) which can take anywhere from an additional 6 weeks (total of 12 weeks after surgery) up to 2 years! \

Sometimes this is aggravated by localized swelling which prolongs the firmness. Techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage (also known as the Vodder technique) have been excellent in reducing nodularity. Other mechanical options such as Endermologie are uselful. Another option is the use of technology that claims to reduce Cellulite: these include the Accent device, Velasmooth, or Thermage systems.

I have also found that areas of swelling can be aggravated by certain garments cause such as a tight waistband. Think of a tight sock that causes swelling above the level of the tight portion. In this event wearing a gentle compression garment such as a Spanx is useful for the healing period.

I strongly advise that you perform massage of the areas as much as possible during the healing period to promote softness of the firm areas.

Always stay in close contact with your physician. I am confident that they would want you to be satisfied with the outcome. It is possible that a touch up or further surgery is necessary but I would discuss this with your physician.  

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Recovery from any surgery is different from patient to patient, there are many factors that go into play technique, number of treated areas, your health, your age etc… however for the most part an average patient with average areas treated can expect to feel well enough to return to guarded work activities five to seven days after surgery. At four to six week you should be able to return to all activities with no restrictions. Full recovery can take up to a year where you will not feel that occasional pinching, itching, or stretching sensation.

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It normally takes 4-6 months for the final results of surgery, especially liposuction, to be seen. Lumpiness or bumps are not unusual within the first 2-3 months. When you break up the fat with liposuction, not all of it is removed with the canula. A significant amount of fat has to be absorbed and destroyed by the body. This creates inflammation and firmness. That is what causes the lumps. By 4 months the lumps should be resolving. If the lumps are soft, you may need some touch up surgery to smooth the areas. No decision to touch up should be made before 6 months. Often doctors will use post op massage or endodermologie to assist with the smoothing. But in reality, time is the best cure for an area that isn't smooth. If the lumps do not resolve, discuss this with your physician to help you understand your options.

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