Is one month after liposuction and a mini facelift sufficient time for puffiness to go down?

Question

Hi, I’m on the fence about whether I should keep an appointment booked for May 18 for thigh belly flanks back and upper arm liposuction due to having a child that I will need to be out and about on the beach is with and feeling insecure that it will be puffy and obvious… I probably won’t be hitting the beach until June, what do you all think about ‘Real’ recovery time? The incisions will all be under a one piece bathing suit and my under arms, but I am worried about the puff factor mostly

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The majority of bruising and swelling will be gone by about six weeks.  You may be advised to wear your compression garments longer depending on your surgeon's instructions.  You will want to protect your skin and avoid prolonged sun exposure as healing tissues can be more sun sensitive and all incisions must be protected.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi nigilharris,

For liposuction, especially when performed on multiple areas such as the thighs, belly, flanks, back, and upper arms, it's not uncommon for there to be swelling or "puffiness". Generally, by one month post-liposuction, a significant amount of this swelling will have diminished. However, some mild puffiness might persist, especially in areas where larger volumes of fat were removed. This residual swelling is a natural part of the healing process and can vary based on individual factors and the body's own healing timeline.

Regarding the mini facelift, while the recovery might be a bit quicker than more invasive facelift procedures, there's still the potential for some swelling. Puffiness after a facelift is influenced by the person's unique healing process, the specific technique your surgeon employs, and the extent of the lift.

Given your timeline – having the surgery on May 18 and potentially hitting the beach in June – it's a close call. There's a good chance you'll be feeling much better and the majority of obvious swelling will have subsided. However, it's important to note that everyone's body reacts and heals at its own pace. While the incision sites might be well-concealed by your swimwear, the puffiness might be something you notice more than others would.

In the end, the decision is deeply personal. I'd recommend discussing your concerns further with your surgeon, who can give you a more precise idea based on their experience with previous patients and their knowledge of your health.

Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

The recovery time for liposuction can vary from person to person, and it is difficult to predict exactly how long it will take for you to fully recover. However, in general, it can take several weeks to a few months for the swelling to fully subside and for the final results of the procedure to become apparent.

During this time, you may experience some bruising, discomfort, and swelling in the treated areas. You will likely need to wear a compression garment for several weeks to help control swelling and promote healing. It is important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

That being said, if you are planning on hitting the beach in June, it is possible that you may still experience some puffiness or swelling at that time, particularly if your surgery is scheduled for mid-May. However, the initial swelling should gradually decrease over time, and by the time you hit the beach, any swelling or puffiness should be greatly reduced or completely resolved.

Ultimately, the decision to keep your appointment for liposuction is a personal one, and you should carefully consider your own needs and concerns before making a final decision. It may be helpful to discuss your specific situation and timeline with your surgeon, who can provide you with more personalized advice and guidance. They may also be able to recommend strategies for minimizing swelling and optimizing your recovery time.

Best of luck !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will still have swelling from liposuction and will need to wear your compressive garments. Most of the swelling in your face will be gone. Make sure you have no scabs or open wounds anywhere or you may pick up an infection from the beach.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Recovery from Liposuction depends on multiple variables. The level of aggressiveness has a big impact on how long patients take to recover. Surgeons who use good surgical technique allowing local anesthetic to sit in place for 20 minutes before doing surgery will dramatically reduce blood loss and this reduces bruising substantially. if poor surgical technique is used, patients can be left bruised for six weeks. Face and neck surgery, intense to heal faster and gravity tends to make swelling worse in lower extremities.I tell patients they can expect to see 75% of their final outcome at about six weeks.In my practice most patients are fairly presentable at 3 to 4 weeks.Best,Mats Hagstrom, MD

Is one month after liposuction and a mini facelift sufficient time for puffiness to go down?

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Is one month after liposuction and a mini facelift sufficient time for puffiness to go down?

Answers (5)

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Liposuction recovery

Answer: Liposuction recovery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.