Recovering from Liposuction: What to Expect and How to Speed Up the Healing Process

Liposuction is a globally recognized plastic surgery procedure. This surgical procedure uses suction to eliminate fat in specific body areas, such as the hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck, and abdomen.

Liposuction is not a procedure that is limited only to the absorption of fat in the body because part of his technique is based on shaping the body by removing excess fat tissue and sometimes injecting some of it in areas where it may be necessary.

The main reason why this procedure is so famous is that it helps patients to achieve the body they have always dreamed of. In addition, liposuction often has other uses, such as breast reduction or gynecomastia treatment. It is crucial to remember that it should not be considered a general method or an alternative to losing weight since there are other types of operations in these cases.

One of the liposuction’s advantages is that it does not leave scars compared to other types of aesthetic surgeries. The surgeon makes small incisions in the skin with cannulas, that is, small tubes through which the fat is suctioned.

The First Week After Surgery

Recovering from liposuction will depend primarily on the area where the procedure was performed. Since it is not a surgery where many incisions are required as with other aesthetic procedures, in some patients, the recovery can be progressive in such a way that the patient can recover part of his everyday life in a few days or weeks, and his total recovery in approximately one month.

The use of girdles is recommended at least during the first days after surgery to speed up the recovery time. After liposuction, the patient can move and walk without difficulty. However, this does not mean that the patient can exercise or do any other activity that requires much effort because it could hinder the recovery from liposuction.

In some cases, it is normal to have some pain after surgery, which does not mean something high risk, as these can be quickly relieved with painkillers. Taking a shower can help in recovering from liposuction, since a shower, besides helping to have good hygiene, allows some areas of the body to relax. The use of bathtubs should be avoided since they accumulate dirt that can infect some areas where the fat was extracted.

The First Month After Surgery

After the first few weeks, it is normal to experience discomfort, such as swelling. Although this swelling may not be painful for the patient (in some cases), it will continue to decrease gradually during the months following liposuction.

Although it has been mentioned that painkillers are an excellent option to relieve pain after liposuction, if the pain persists or worsens, the surgeon responsible for the procedure should be consulted for a check-up to determine another alternative for the discomfort or pain.

During the first month of recovering from liposuction, the reception of the area surrounding the part where the surgery was performed may seem loose, but with time it will tighten. Depending on the degree of elasticity of the skin, the patient’s age, and genetics, the skin will tighten over approximately six months; however, liposuction results begin to show around three months after surgery.

Speeding Up the Healing Process

Diet plays a vital role in recovering from liposuction. Since liposuction is based on removing fat from the body, it is very likely that if patients have a poor diet, they may gain weight again, and the dream body will not be fulfilled. For this reason, a diet with vegetables, fruits, poultry, and fish should be followed.

Exercise is a complement that helps recovering from liposuction. The most basic exercise (as mentioned above) is walking since it allows the patient to regain his mobility during the first days and weeks. Once this time has passed, the surgeon should be consulted so that they can indicate whether it is feasible or not to increase the type of physical activation. If the surgeon approves it, it will help the patient maintain the dream body better.

In addition to diets and physical activity, patients also often resort to lymphatic massages. The application of lymphatic massage helps recovering from liposuction because this technique allows the circulation of lymph, which, when it accumulates, is the leading cause of swelling after surgery. Lymphatic massage is not a relaxation massage as it is commonly believed since it performs special techniques for the circulation of lymph to be done effectively.

Before following any of these recommendations for recovering from liposuction, something that should be very clear is to go first to the surgeon in charge of performing the surgery. Sometimes when patients stop feeling pain, they return to their daily activities without first consulting with the surgeon, which can have consequences on the patient’s recovery. For this same reason, you must first know the surgeon’s opinion since each body is different, and not everyone has the same ease of recovery.

Recovering From Liposuction

Recovering from liposuction depends significantly on the patient’s body type and how well the patient follows the surgeon’s recommendations and instructions after surgery. While it is essential to have a good diet and exercise for recovery, it should not be overlooked to go to the surgeon to clear any doubts or concerns.

Knowing if the surgeon is certified and preferably works in a recognized clinic with good reviews is important.

Liposuction continues to be an effective procedure for those people who seek to have the body they dream of. Besides being a surgery that offers instant results, it has a faster recovery period than any other aesthetic procedure. Of course, recovering from liposuction will depend primarily on how disciplined the patient is with the instructions and recommendations.

At Clínica Renueva, we are one of the reasons why liposuction in Tijuana is internationally known. With the support of our team, you can easily have the body you have always dreamed of, obtaining fast, effective, and safe results.