Liposuction Recovery: Tips for a Smooth and Successful Healing Process
Liposuction recovery is a popular topic among patients considering this surgery. It’s understandable to want to know what you’re signing up for and how long it will take to recover. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, we use skilled surgical techniques to give you the physique you desire. Our liposuction recovery process is detailed and helps patients achieve success with this procedure. Here’s what you need to know about liposuction recovery and how to make the most of your results.
What Is Liposuction?
If you’re learning about liposuction for the first time, you probably want to know what liposuction is. After all, it’s frequently mentioned on social media and in beauty blogs. Liposuction is a body contouring and sculpting procedure. During the liposuction procedure, we remove excess body fat using a suction device or another reputable technique.
A few types of liposuction procedures include laser liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and classic liposuction. Laser liposuction is considered to be the most innovative, but each technique has unique advantages.
After your body fat is removed through liposuction, it is permanently gone. You never have to worry about it coming back as long as you maintain your weight.
Why Choose Liposuction for Body Contouring?
Unfortunately, there are some types of stubborn fat that just don’t respond to dieting and frequent exercise. These pockets of fat can interfere with the physique you want to have.
Liposuction is a way to highlight the contours of your body and get rid of that stubborn fat once and for all. At our office, you can learn all about the liposuction procedure and why it’s so beneficial for aesthetic purposes.
Unlike more temporary methods of body contouring and sculpting, liposuction is a surgical procedure. It permanently removes body fat by suctioning it out of your tissues. This means that your results can last indefinitely — unless you regain extra body fat.
If you’re looking for a sculpted, aesthetically pleasing figure, liposuction might be an effective procedure for you.
How the Recovery Process Works
Since liposuction is a surgical procedure, your body will need some time to heal from it. This gives you a chance to feel out your new body before seeing your full results.
For the first day or two after your surgery, you may have to avoid normal activities like walking and bending. Your tissues need time to heal and become strong again. After about two days, most patients start walking around and gaining some mobility back. It’s important to keep your body moving as much as possible within safe limits to maintain your range of motion and muscle tone.
We will give you compression garments to wear at all times to help your skin conform to your new body shape. The only time you should take the garments off is when you shower. Otherwise, it’s best to wear them regularly.
Liposuction Recovery: Tips and Tricks
Now you know how liposuction recovery typically goes for patients. Is there anything you can do to help your recovery go well? Here are some tips and tricks for a smooth, comfortable recovery after liposuction surgery.
Get Plenty of Rest During the First Few Days
The first few days after your procedure should be rest days. It’s not a good idea to be up moving around, lifting things, and twisting your body around. You should plan for a calm few days as you sit or lay down and rest. Trying to do too much too soon can delay the healing process. Instead of prolonging your rest period, simply take the first two to three days after surgery for yourself. You deserve it.
Follow All Post-Operation Instructions Carefully
This is a big one: follow the instructions we give you. Patients who pay close attention to these instructions tend to have more successful recoveries and see results sooner. Recovery from surgery requires special care and consideration for your body. Don’t skip the post-op list we give you. It will help you recover quickly.
Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Inflammation can slow the healing process and delay your results. Try to incorporate a few anti-inflammatory foods into your diet as you recover. Some examples of anti-inflammatory ingredients include:
- Turmeric
- Olive oil
- Tomatoes
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, etc.)
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Blueberries
- Fatty fish (tuna, sardines, anchovies, etc.)
These are just a few of the foods you can add to your diet for a smooth liposuction recovery.
Get Help With Childcare and Household Chores
After liposuction surgery, you shouldn’t be bending, lifting, or moving quickly at all. Arrange for someone to help you with childcare and household tasks while you rest and recover.
It’s tempting to try to do it all on your own. You might think it’s “no big deal” to break a few postoperative rules. However, doing things around the house too soon can delay your healing and strain your body in uncomfortable ways. Invite a trusted friend, family member, or spouse to give you some extra help during the first week after your surgery.
Wear Your Compression Garments All the Time
With the exception of showering and bathing, you should never take off your compression garments until your doctor clears you to do so. Compression garments are an essential part of the healing process. Avoid inflammation and loose skin by keeping the garments on.
Prepare for Your Liposuction Recovery in Portage, MI
At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery, we offer valuable information to patients about their recovery processes. Don’t hesitate to ask us questions — we’re here for you. Book a liposuction consultation by contacting us today.
