5 weeks post op. I have a desk job. When can I sit normally?

Thank you for your question! For my patients having liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and  mons, I recommend they wear the compression garment that we provide for the first 3 weeks, 24/7, then an additional 3 weeks at night only. I also recommend taking 10-14 days off of work, 3 weeks off of cardio at the gym, and  6 weeks off of weight training and yoga. At 5 weeks post op, it is ok to sit normally at your desk. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Thank you very much for your question. For a safe recovery and optimal results,  it will be extremely important to carefully follow all of your operating surgeon’s post-op instructions, including wearing a compression garment. The compression garment will help to minimize swelling, reduce fluid buildup, and promote proper healing. Every surgeon will have their own compression garment protocol, depending on the procedure and the specific patient. If you are ready to return to your desk job full-time, but are uncomfortable wearing the compression garment, I suggest reaching out to your operating surgeon for his/her advice.

Swelling post-lipo can persist for months, so it's important to be on the right after care protocols. I recommend following up with your physician about their suggested after care protocol. I too have my patients wear compression for 3 to 6 weeks straight then overnight for 3-6 months after their procedure. I suggest adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding Vanquish for further fat removal; truSculpt iD, Exilis, Forma, and Venus Legacy for additional skin tightening; and Cellutone / ZWave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance.It will take 6 to 12 months to see the final outcome. As for sitting normally at your desk, I'm not sure why you wouldn't be to do. I would follow up with your physician if this is an issue.Ultimately, if you are unhappy with your results, please speak to your physician and ensure that he/she was a full body VASER Hi-Definition liposuction physician with extensive experience in contouring and body shaping -- and not just traditional fat reduction. You can always get a revision procedure by an expert if needed. Best, Dr. Emer

Dear Andisaw1,
compression garments are used to reduce swelling and promote healing. Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello!I would recommend you follow your surgeon's instructions. I typically recommend massage and compression for a while after lipo to help smooth contours and reduce swelling. Sitting at a desk might result in creasing of the abdomen so be mindful about this with adjustment of compression or waistlines.Best of luck!

Andisaw1 You are almost there! Each surgeon has their own particular protocol for a postoperative recovery for cosmetic procedures. Six weeks is a fairly common recommendation to wear a garment after liposuction to speed recovery, decrease swelling and speed skin contraction. At this stage you can probably start weaning yourself off of the elastic garment or progress to some sort of Spanks garment for the next week or two. You should also be able to sit normally at your desk at this stage. I would confirm my advice with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

The compression garment is recommended by most plastic surgeons for a period of 4 to 6 weeks after  liposuction. I always advocate following your PS's advice for he/she is responsible for your optimum recovery.  I have no idea why you are unable to sit normally.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your questions. Compression garments are used after liposuction for several reasons. They aid in reducing swelling, they offer support to the affected area, and they help stabilize the area while healing and adhesion are taking place. Wearing compression for the first six weeks after a procedure is recommended to help maximize your results. If you have limited range of motion or problems sitting at your desk, you should contact your plastic surgeon to follow up on your procedure and ask for advice.

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
I suggest my patients to use a full body compression garment, 24/7 for the first 3 months, and after that, for 12 hours a day for 3 more months, to get the best results.
By week 5 you should be able to sit normally. Please, follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

You should follow your surgeons instructions.  Compression as much as possible for the first 2mo is important.  Also getting massage after about 2 weeks can help smooth out the result.  Be sure to refer questions to your surgeon.