Liposuction: Q&A

Ask a Question

How Long Does Recovery from Liposuction Take?

hips, thighs, back of kneas, waist/lovehandles, and stomach area i weigh 150, and am 5'4" tall and am 23 yrs old

Tags:

age 18-24 hips knees stomach thighs waist love handles 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in 150-169 lbs recovery

Comment on this

9 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon567

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (2)

Recovery From Liposuction

I'm amazed at how naive some plastic surgeons are when they talk about liposuction. The reality is that liposuction is the most painful cosmetic procedure performed. I wish it wasn't but that's the truth. The reason is that the cannulas are passed along the muscle fascia and through the fat layers many, many times. And although this causes a neuropraxia or makes the sensory nerve to the skin go to sleep and be numb it still is a painful procedure... more

Time to Recover from Liposuction

Here is the information I give my patients regarding the recovery process after liposuction. In general however young adults like yourself tend to recover faster than most. As with all operations, pain and discomfort varies greatly from patient to patient. Generally, one should expect that pain medication will be required for the first few days. Continuing discomfort can last varying amounts of time. Much of the swelling and bruising will be improved within two weeks; however, some... more

Liposuction on multiple areas

Recovery can take different time for different people depending on the amount of surgery. It may be safer to have separate surgeries and do liposuction on one or two areas than to try to get all done the same time for convenience. Multiple surgeries adds to the length of the procedure and may add to the risks of the procedure.

You might also like...

Real Stories

Abdomen and Flanks Lipo - Sao Paulo, BR

Hi girls! I will be posting about my liposuction experience. Surgery is set up for june 20,...

Before + After Photos

View 2517 Liposuction photos

Time off for recovery after liposuction

This alot of liposuction to be performed and in all honesty you would be better off getting closer to your ideal body weight of 125 lbs prior to liposuction. However, I would generally advise at least 2 weeks off.

Liposuction results

Liposuction results take several months. You have to give some time for the swelling to dissipate. This often takes 4 months or longer.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction

Full and complete recovery can take several weeks; however, one can usually resume work, though may have pain and/or discomfort, within a few days, or sooner.

Recovery from liposuction is pretty quick.

Hi. You should be able to go back to work in one week at the most. But you will be bruised for three weeks. see video

A couple of days is usually all you need off for most liposuction

Liposuction is remarkably well tolerated. There will be some swelling for a few weeks and a little bruising a few days, but for the most part you should be back to 90 percent of your regular life within a couple of days. There is a little mild soreness that persists. Perhaps the most inconvenience you will feel is wearing the compressive garment. - one of our patients affectionately called it a "fun suit". You may come to love it, or hate it,... more

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (2)

danielle7
10 months ago

Having just had lipo 10 days ago ( abd, flanks, thighs, bra line, neck), I can vouch that it is VERY painful. I had BBL and abdominal skin excision as well and neither of those procedures hurt 1/8th of the lipo. I have seen/read/even heard firsthand of patients being advised that they can return to work in 3-4 days. I don't see how this is possible unless it is only one area and they have a sedentary job. The swelling can last for months. I can tell you also that I am 10 pounds OVER what I was. The lymph channels are pretty shot by lipo and the edema is pretty noticeable. That being said, I am extremely pleased with my results thus far. Despite the pain, downtime and recovery, I have no regrets thus far. I can't wear anything pre op but I have a waist for the first time in 15 yrs. Just know that it is not some small, insignifigant procedure. And don't buy into anyone telling you otherwise. Yes, if you have JUST your chin or JUST your knees or one area, recovery may be easier. BUT your body goes through TRAUMA with liposuction, especially of multiple areas. I used to work as a First Assistant Scrub Tech for a PS in Ft. Worth who did tumescent lipo and even seeing it done as many times as I did, I was so ill prepared for the recovery. Good luck, I am not trying to discourage you. I am beyond happy with my results. Just really sore : )

donewithpearshape
17 days ago

Thank you for this honest answer, Danielle. I am day 2 post op and I had my hips, thighs, flanks, abdomen and knees done and I'm very sore. I am also 7 pounds heavier than pre-op but I too believe it was worth it. I think more patients who have actually gone through it should answer this question!

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.