What is the recovery time for laser liposuction?

Question

What is the recovery time for laser liposuction under both general and local anesthesia? I've had traditional lipo under general and took two weeks off from work. Is the recover from laser shorter? Thank you.

Mitchell Chasin, MD · Answer

Recovery time for laser liposuction varies from patient to patient but it is significantly quicker and easier than traditional liposuction. 
  
I perform Laser liposuction under local anesthesia, meaning you are awake but comfortable throughout your procedure. Being awake cuts down on your recovery time because your body does not have to detox from the general anesthesia. The local anesthesia medication also helps by restricting blood vessels throughout the surgery. Less blood flow means less inflammation, trauma, bruising, and swelling – i.e. less to recover from. The anesthetic I use also has antibacterial properties, helping to prevent any infections and make recovery fast and easy.
  
My laser liposuction patients are able to get up and walk right out of the building after their procedure. I advise them to take it easy for the next day or so, but you are able to resume normal activities as soon as the very next day and exercise as soon as 1-week post-op. 
  
You will begin to see results as soon as the next day, followed by mild swelling, and continued by the loss of inches to the area you treated. 
  
Traditional liposuction, done under general anesthesia requires more downtime. Typically, you will remain sore, swollen and bruised in the area that was treated for 1-2 weeks. Most patients are able to resume normal activities approximately 3-5 days post procedure and can return to exercising 2 weeks post treatment.

Andre Berger, MD · Answer

With laser liposuction, most individuals need two weeks of downtime to recover. The best way to determine how much downtime you will require is to meet with a certified surgeon to discuss your treatment. He may be able to create a customized treatment plan just for you, and discuss the exact amount of downtime expected. Best of luck!

Patrick Viscardi, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for this wonderful question! Typically with Laser assisted liposuction my patients are up and moving around that night and returning to regular vigorous activity within 2 weeks. It is common to feel sore, much like a deep bruise, following the procedure. At 2 weeks post-procedure my patients are encouraged to slowly ease back into their normal vigorous routine understanding that with increased activity increased swelling may be present. I encourage you to consult with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon as he/she may have a post-operative recovery plan tailored for you as I do for each of my patients. I do hope you have found this information helpful and I wish you luck!

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Generally speaking I recommend patients allow 2 weeks for recovery from laser liposuction.  Because the fat is melted to liquid form before it is removed  if done properly laser liposuction can be less traumatic.  For more information please read below:

What is the recovery time for laser liposuction?

Answers (4)

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