While many physicians try to tell patients it is all about the Smart Lipo, here is the secret: It's about the anesthetic that is used prior to doing the procedure. Tumescent liposuction, invented by a dermatologist, is the reason that dermatologists typically have patients up and about the day of... more
SmartLipo recovery - How long before I can return to work?
I am having smart lipo next week. My job requires me to lift up to 70 lbs and push and pull heavy items. How long will I be out of work? I am having my stomach done.
2 answers to “SmartLipo recovery - How long before...”
A: Wait 5 days after SmartLipo to be safe
Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding Smart Lipo. Recovery from Smart Lipo is much quicker compared to traditional liposuction because there is less trauma, bruising and bleeding. If heavy lifting is required generally 5 days of rest is recommended. Kao Plastic Surgery
Comments
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2 posts
15 Oct 2008
I had tumescent lipo followed by suction then smart lipo for skin tightening on my abs on Oct. 6 and on my flanks and inner thighs on Oct. 13. Although I was sore and stiff the day after for both of them, I was up and functioning the day of and day after both procedures. The drainage for all of my procedures lasted about 24 hours and kept me close to home. By the day after the procedures I was taking long walks and doing everything I needed to do at home, driving carpool, etc. By day 3 after my first procedure the only discomfort I had was tenderness. I am on day 3 for the second procedure now and I am a little more sore and stiff than I was after having my abs done but will go about my regular daily routine. I wouldn't try to lift anything really heavy just because it is a little uncomfortable to do a lot of bending and I'm not ready to hit the tennis courts yet but I find the more I keep moving (mostly walking) the better I feel. My doc reccomended lots of walking for the first couple of weeks. I also began massage on day 3 after my first procedure and will begin massage on thighs and flanks today. The first couple of days can be tough but it gets much better and more comfortable each day.
11 posts
9 Oct 2008
You have made a good choice in selecting SmartLipo as it has a much shorter recovery-period as compared with 'traditional' tumescent liposuction combined with its ability to provide skin-tightening for an enhanced aesthetic outcome. You should understand that as with all lipsoctions, you won't see your final/best result for a good couple of months. My standard post-treatment protocol is to have my patients start light activities and low-impact aerobic exercise the next day. You will most likely experience significant drainage on day one, so be prepared. After 1 week, there are usually no limitations on activities. Most of my patients with non-strenuous jobs can return to work the same day, although I recommend to wait for post-op day 2 due to the excessive draining and its subsequent inconvenience. In your case (a job with heavy-lifing and/or strenuous activity), I would recommend waiting the full week before going back to work. This may seem conservative to some, but I tend to err on the side of patient safety versus convenience. Good luck with your procedure! Dr. Bernstein
unregistered guest
10 Mar 2009
Hell no....I just had smart lipo one week ago And I am very sore sure I can walk around and drive You can push yourself but only if you need to I am pleased with my results but that next day mess No If you have that much to do at work your going to need some sick days And vacation days