Many Americans struggle with extra body fat. But, liposuction could be the solution when eating right, and exercising doesn’t eliminate those annoying fat pockets on your abs or thighs.

Liposuction can remove small amounts of fat from areas resistant to diet and exercise. However, some patients might have unrealistic expectations when they don’t see results right away.

Knowing what you can expect from liposuction, combined with following your surgeon’s advice, ensures you’ll have ideal results.

After Liposuction

After your liposuction surgery, you will have minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications to make you more comfortable for the first week.

You also may need to wear a compression garment on the treated area to reduce swelling and make the skin adhere to your new contours. Most swelling recedes after one week, but you should wear the compression garment for at least a month.

Remember, there will be some swelling for up to six weeks. But most patients are comfortable enough to go back to work after three or four days.

Liposuction And Scarring

One of the best aspects of liposuction is scarring is minimal. The plastic surgeon will make small incisions in the treatment area to insert the cannula to suck out some fat. The cannula is small, so the incisions are tiny.

You will have scars initially, but they are almost invisible after completing the healing process. The surgeon may recommend you put anti-scarring creams on the incisions after healing. Avoiding the sun is also advised, so the scars don’t become discolored.

How Soon Will You See Liposuction Results?

It is unlikely you’ll see liposuction results immediately after surgery. Because of the swelling and bruising, you may not think you have lost any weight or fat at all.

Liposuction can remove approximately five to 10 pounds of fat per session, but swelling and fluid retention may hide your slimmer profile for a few weeks. After the swelling recedes, you’ll begin to see results.

Also, you might notice your skin is loose in the treated parts. The loose skin usually tightens after a while. However, how much the skin will tighten depends on your age, genetics, and how much fat was taken out.

It helps to wear your compression garment for four to six weeks, so the skin retracts as much as possible. Some patients may need additional surgery to remove some extra skin, such as a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck can eliminate loose skin in the abdomen, with or without liposuction.

You also can have skin removal surgery from other body parts after massive weight loss and liposuction.

Most patients see impressive results from liposuction after one to three months. But you might need to wait up to a year for all swelling to dissipate.

How To Keep Your New Look

First, remember that liposuction results may not last forever. The surgeon will remove fat from the treatment area, and it won’t come back. However, some fat cells are left behind, and they can grow and expand if you gain weight.

Also, there will still be fat cells in other body parts, so gaining weight is also possible. For example, if the surgeon removes fat from your abdomen and you overeat for a month, you could gain weight in your thighs or flanks.

So, it’s essential to take care of yourself with proper diet and exercise so your liposuction results last.

Eat healthy protein and carbs, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Drink a lot of water and work out several days per week.

You should avoid strenuous workouts during the first month after surgery. After that, feel free to go back to your full exercise program. It also helps to go for a daily walk as soon as you can after liposuction.

3 Liposuction Recovery Tips

So you know what to expect from your surgery. But how can you ensure the best possible results? Just follow these tips:

Eat Right

Liposuction isn’t as invasive as other procedures, but it still is surgery. In addition, any surgery takes a toll on the body, and it needs good nutrition to recover faster.

Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein in the weeks after liposuction surgery. Giving the body the fuel it needs speeds up the recovery process.

Rest

Take it easy for the first two weeks. Get a lot of sleep and lie down and rest when you can. It’s fine and helpful to take a daily walk, but getting rest will help your recovery.

Liposuction does an excellent job removing fat and slimming areas that resist diet and exercise. But it’s essential to be realistic about your results, and maintaining your new look takes effort and discipline.

Ask For Help

You will be tired and sore after liposuction. So you may need help with chores around the house. You’ll definitely need assistance for a few days if you have small children, so ask a friend or family member to lend a hand for a week or two.

Make sure you set up any assistance you need in advance. You won’t want to deal with the matter for a few days after surgery.

Request A Liposuction Consultation

Thinking about liposuction in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide plastic surgery procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will discuss your aesthetic goals during your consultation and help you decide if liposuction is a good fit.

References

What You Need To Know About Your Liposuction Recovery. (2020). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-liposuction-recovery