Knee lipo - how long will it take to recover?

Everyone is different, and require different amounts of time for recovery. I recommend that all of my patients walk every few hours for 10-20 minutes when recovering to profits healthy blood flow. With Knee liposuction I tell patients to be prepared to be off for at least a week. You may have swelling, drainage, pain, etc. if you have a very short commute, you could get back to work on week 2. If it is a long commute, I’d recommend 2 weeks. If you’d like to be seen for a consultation, feel free to reach out to my office. Smith Plastic Surgery. 702-838-2455

Thanks so much for your inquire,

Recovery from knee liposuction varies among individuals and depends on factors such as the extent of liposuction performed, your body's healing response, and how well you follow postoperative care instructions

you'll need to rest and avoid strenuous activities.
It's essential to keep the surgical incisions clean and dry as instructed by your surgeon

It's crucial to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions carefully, including wearing compression garments as recommended, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that may hinder the healing process.

Thank you for your question about the recovery process following knee liposuction. This procedure is indeed fairly straightforward and here's what you can generally expect in terms of recovery:
Procedure Overview:
Knee liposuction typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours and can be performed under various types of anesthesia, including IV, local, twilight, or general.
The surgery involves making one or two small incisions around the knee, each about the size of a pencil eraser.
Postoperative Care:
Incision Care: The incisions are often left open to allow fluid to drain.
Compression Garments: Wearing a medical compression garment around the knee is crucial post-surgery. This helps minimize swelling and supports optimal healing.
Recovery Timeline:
Initial Swelling Reduction: Most of the swelling is expected to subside within the first two weeks post-procedure.
Full Recovery: Complete resolution of swelling typically occurs within 6 to 8 weeks.
It's important to follow all postoperative care instructions provided by your surgeon for a smooth recovery. Knee liposuction can yield excellent results, and proper care during the healing process plays a significant role in achieving the desired outcome.
Wishing you a successful procedure and a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Liposuction of the knees does not have much downtime from walking. You will need to wear compressive garments for at least 3 to 4 months.

After surgery you will have swelling and potentially some bruising. Often it is recommended to wear compression for several weeks to manage swelling and support the healing tissues. Activity restrictions vary by amount of liposuction performed and surgeon preference, so it's best to discuss this with your surgeon for clarification. You will likely be limited for a few days after surgery, potentially longer depending on your situation.

People have very different opinions regarding the appropriate amount of time needed for recovery. It’s difficult for surgeons to give you a precise number of days since patient perceived recovery so differently. For most Liposuction procedures, I generally recommend a minimum of three days off work, and for full body procedures, I usually encourage patients to take five days off. That said most patients can get back to normal low impact daily activities fairly quickly after limited liposuction. The area may be tender. It may feel stiff and sore especially when waking up in the morning. You may experience bruising and swelling that may grace down your leg including your ankles.
A lot depends on what you consider being recovered. Full recovery to the point where sensation is normal and you feel no discomfort with full activity may require a few months. The ability to get on with daily activities, especially low impact activities is pretty easy and usually only takes a few days. High impact activities, like running, may take several weeks.
A lot also has to do with how aggressive the surgeon is and how much fat is removed.
Make sure your surgeon has a proven track record doing Liposuction, and that you were shown a high number of quality before and after pictures of previous patients having the same area treated.
Delivering consistent quality, Liposuction results is not as easy as people think.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Undergoing inner knee liposuction is a significant decision, especially considering your job requirements that involve walking and commuting by train. Recovery time can vary depending on several factors, such as the extent of the procedure, your overall health, and how your body heals. Here's a general overview of what you can expect in terms of recovery:
Immediate Post-Op Period (First 24-48 Hours): During this time, you might experience some discomfort and swelling. It's generally advised to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities. Walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but extensive walking, like commuting, might be too much.
First Week Post-Op: Swelling and bruising are common, and you may still feel discomfort. Most people can return to work within a few days post-op, especially if their job isn't physically demanding. However, if your job requires a lot of walking or standing, you might need to take more time off.
Two to Four Weeks Post-Op: By this time, you should be able to resume most of your normal activities. However, you may still have some swelling. Complete healing might take longer.
Long-Term Recovery: Complete recovery, including the subsiding of all swelling and the final shape becoming apparent, can take several months.
Given your specific job requirements, it might be prudent to plan for at least a week off, possibly more, depending on how you feel. It's crucial to listen to your body and not rush the recovery process. Overexerting yourself too soon after surgery can lead to complications and prolong the healing process.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and individual experiences can vary. It's important to follow the specific advice of your surgeon, as they are familiar with the specifics of your case. If you felt unclear about the recovery process after your meeting with the surgeon, don't hesitate to reach out to them again for clarification, as understanding the recovery timeline is essential for planning your time off work and ensuring a smooth recovery.