How much care will I need after 360 liposuction? How long do I need a private nurse for?

Our office coordinates with aftercare nurses to stay with our out-of-town patients beginning with pick up at discharge to review all post-operative instructions with the surgery staff and transport to the hotel.  Our nurses "play it by ear" so to speak in staying with the patient and the patient only has to phone the nurse for immediate assistance.  Some patients need very little help; others require more assistance depending upon their pain level, mobility, and self-confidence.  Try morning, noon, and evening check-ins on day two and increase their frequency if necessary. My office also follows up daily with the patient and nurse.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question. Liposuction is far less invasive procedure compared to a tummy tuck for example. Imagine that you’ve just returned from a hard work out at the gym for the first time in several months. The day after that workout, you would feel deep aching and throbbing sensations. This is what patients experience after undergoing a liposuction procedure — usually a throbbing or aching feeling that is easily tolerated with moderate oral pain medications. Your recovery starts day one after surgery. Pain medications are usually only necessary for the first few days. On days four through fourteen you will still feel sore, but significantly less than you experienced on days two and three.

Hello 254angelica,
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Every patient is unique and will have different healing deadlines and processes. The swelling, pain, and bruising during the first 3-7 days is significant, and most patients will have difficulties moving around; therefore, assistance from an adult would be helpful during the first days after surgery. Your surgeon will give you pain medication to handle any pain that might be involved and help you feel much more comfortable. After the first 3-7 days, you will notice that the swelling, soreness, and pain will begin to fade away. You will see significant improvement in the way your body feels and looks in the following 2-3 weeks. I typically require my patients having a responsible adult drive them to the surgical facility and take them home after surgery. This person should be available to stay with them for at least the first night following surgery. Under no circumstance will patients be permitted to go home alone or stay home without another adult present. After liposuction, walk as much as you can around the house with assistance from an adult to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots. Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications and you have full range of motion with your arms. You may drive one week after your liposuction procedure provided you are comfortable enough to stop in an emergency situation. Most of my patients return to desk-type employment and regular activities, as short as one week after VASER Liposuction. You may be instructed to expect a longer recovery time before you return to a physically demanding job (such as general contractor, laborer, care giver) or if you have undergone a traditional liposuction procedure. Contact your plastic surgeon promptly if you notice an increase in swelling, pain, redness, drainage, or bleeding in the surgical area, or if you develop fever (above 100.4 F), dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Hope this is helpful! Dr. De La Cruz.