How Long Does Recovery from Liposuction Take?

Although every patient is different, it is common to
experience some discomfort for the first few weeks after liposuction but any
discomfort or soreness should be well controlled with pain medications
prescribed by your plastic surgeon.  There
will also be visible swelling for a few weeks up to a few months.  The swelling will continue to decrease over
time and your final result will be visible in 6 months to a year.  Most patients will also develop some bruising
that could last for a few weeks as well.  How long the bruising lasts depends on your body’s ability to heal.  By far the longest part of the recovery process
is wearing the compression garment that is placed immediately after
surgery.  I recommend my patients wear
their compression garment 24 hours a day for 6 weeks.  The compression garment helps the swelling
resolve more quickly and also helps the skin retract to reduce the risk of
sagging skin.  Unlike other surgeries
liposuction will not affect your lifestyle as long as a tummy tuck would for
example but you should be prepared to take it easy for a couple of weeks and
avoid any strenuous activities.  Do not
resume your normal physical activities without first being released to do so by
your plastic surgeon.  Be sure to only
research board certified plastic surgeons in your area then schedule a
consultation for a thorough physical exam to confirm you are a candidate for
liposuction.Be well and good luck!@norrisplastic

You will see the results immediately. However, your shape and figure will continue to improve as your swelling decreases over the next several months.You will be placed in a post-surgical compression wrap or garment. If a wrap was placed, you will be changed into a compression garment for around one week. It is important to wear this compression garment as much as possible for the first four to six weeks to reduce swelling and obtain a smooth contour. Depending on the treated area, most patients return to normal activities and work within several days and to full physical activity in about two to three weeks.

Great question. This recovery really depends on how many areas you have treated and how sore you feel. Most patients feel good enough to go to work about a week after the liposuction, as long as it does not involve heavy lifting or exercise. I recommend waiting a few weeks before strenuous activity and otherwise wearing compression garments around the clock for 6 weeks. these can be worn under clothing.
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group