What is the approximate recovery time after liposuction to the inner and outer thighs?

Liposuction is generally not a very painful procedure after the first 48 hours. Recovery will vary based upon the amount of liposuctioned fat.  The result will depend upon that amount as well as the skill with which it is removed to maintain a smooth contour.
Some patients are back to work after 1 week, while some patients have pain for 2 weeks or so. Swelling and bruising normally resolves within two weeks, but swelling can last as long as six months.  Every patient is different, and every surgery is different. The goal of liposuction is to remove fat in those areas which accumulate despite diet and exercise, thus recalibrating the fat stores in a more favorable fashion.  There are several ways to address cellulite depending upon depth of cellulite, location, elasticity of overall skin envelope, and subcutaneous fat layer.  Liposuction can be coupled with InMode RFAL for skin tightening. Cellulite can be improved, but will not be removed.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that aspirates fatty deposits in different areas of the body. The outer and inner thighs are definitely areas that can be shaped for a slimmer and better contour. The recovery time really depends on how much liposuction is done. However, most patients can return to work in a few days. You will need to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks depending on the areas aspirated. Your brusing may go away after a week (or two) but residual swelling can persist for months (so be patient). Liposuction is not effective for cellulite because it treats deeper layers of fat and cellulite is more superficial. I suggest you see a plastic surgeon so you and her can decide on a plan that works for you given your goals and exam. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Dr. Suzette Miranda

Recovery is faster and bruising much less when you get lipo under tum. local. At a month post op you should see a big improvement.

hello Rose_1  Most swelling and bruising will heal in the first 2 weeks, but can persist for up to 6-8 weeks.#cellulite #liposuction

Hi Rose,Thank you for your question. Typically, depending on the technique used by the surgeon, there is mild to moderate bruising. Especially is the tumescent technique is used. Bruising is usually gone within 3 weeks and the initial swelling is down. With that said, it usually takes anywhere from 6-12 months for final results to be seen. Usually within 3-4 weeks patients are healed enough to be comfortable to wear a bathing suit. Please be sure you consult with a board-certified doctor when selecting your surgeon.

With my technique, patients return to the gym after 2-3 weeks of healing. Thigh bruising typically resolves 2-4 weeks depending on the extent of bruising. Final results usually take approximately 3 months, sometimes longer. You should be fine for Cancun in July if you have the procedure soon. Keep in mind that cellulite is not typically treated with liposuction, in fact, it can worsen the appearance in some situations. 

Bruising can be variable after these types of procedure, but you may also have swelling, which can last 3-6 months. I recommend following up with your Doctor about their recommendations and downtime after your procedure. With VASER, patients often return to work within a week and exercise within 3-4 weeks. Keep in mind for cellulite, a combination approach is needed to get the most improvement. The best treatment for cellulite is Cellfina. I recommend Cellfina in combination with Sculptra or renuva, and body treatments like Exilis Ultra/Venus Legacy, Cellutone/z wave. A VASER HI DEF procedure can be done for more contouring. See an expert for a formal evaluation. There is no cure but you can get good improvement. Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question.  Depending upon the amount of treatment done this can vary.  Most patients are able to return to sedentary activity in 24 hours and unrestricted exercise in three weeks.  I expect patients to wear compression garment for control of swelling and bruising for six weeks.  by two months one should look great and feel great.  Good luck.

Dear Rose_1,recovery time after liposuction of the thighs should be a few weeks. One week after the surgery you might be able to go back to work. The most of swelling will probably resolve within 2-3 weeks, and you can expect to see the final results few months later. There shouldn't be no major bruising 2 months after the liposuction.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Hi, and thank you for your question. The recovery time from liposuction depends on many variables, including the type of liposuction you have, and the quantity of fat removed. As an example, traditional liposuction can cause bruising  and it can take a couple of months for all of the swelling to subside. Another point to note is that liposuction and Cellfina achieve different results – Cellfina is a procedure aimed at treating the appearance of cellulite on the thighs and buttocks, but does not help with fat removal. Liposuction will remove fat. Do keep in mind that depending on the treatment, you will likely need to wear a compression garment for several weeks after the operation, in order to obtain optimal results. I would suggest consulting with a board-certified surgeon regarding the best treatment options for your required aesthetic outcome. I wish you all the best!