Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that helps
remove unwanted fatty deposits in different body areas that are resistant to
proper diet and regular exercise. While the recovery after liposuction will
require some time to get you back in shape, there are ways you can speed up
your healing even further while lowering your risk of complications.
Wear your Compression Garments
Religiously
Compression garments are snug-fitting materials that
are applied to the treated area to help control bruising and swelling. They can
also help reduce the visibility of the scars by making them flatter.
As you recover, your body naturally produces fluids that
can accumulate and become trapped, resulting in prolonged swelling and
discomfort which can significantly affect your healing time as well as
liposuction results. By wearing your compression garments religiously,
excessive fluid-build up in the treated area can be prevented. The consistent
pressure applied by a compression garment also helps reduce the risk of
bleeding by preventing blood from going towards the surface of your skin.
The proper use of compression garments can also aid in shaping your final results. They help improve the contour of the treated area by allowing your body to adapt to its new shape. You can also find that wearing compression garments can help you move easily with lesser discomforts. After your procedure, you will be given specific tips on how to use your compression garments properly and other facial liposuction details to help you get back on track.
Rest as much as possible for
the first 24 to 48 Hours
Even though liposuction does not make use of large
surgical incisions, it is still considered an invasive procedure. This means
that you need some time for the incisions to fully heal.
Immediately after the procedure, you will likely
experience swelling, bruising, and redness in the treated area. A small amount
of bloody drainage from the incision sites can also occur. By the end of the
first week, you will notice a reduction in swelling but this may last for six
weeks or longer depending on your ability to heal.
During the first 24 to 48 hours, you may be eager to resume your daily activities but it is highly recommended that you rest as much as possible. This is because overexertion and strenuous activities can put tension or pressure on your incision sites, thus, increasing the risk of injury and reopening of the surgical wound. Furthermore, excessive sweating caused by vigorous activities can irritate or infect the wound. To ensure a safe recovery, you will need someone to assist you around the house with things like cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, and childcare. Depending on the extent of your procedure, you can gradually get back to your normal activities after a few weeks.
Engage in Light Walking
Exercises
After 48 hours, you should perform light walking
exercises to promote good blood circulation for optimized healing. Immobility
following liposuction can lead to adverse events such as the formation of blood
clots.
Once you get home, you can start walking around your
house or take short walks outside. Make sure not to put any tension or strain
on your incision sites as you engage in light walking exercises to prevent
further injury. In addition, see to it that you’re wearing your compression
garments to support the treated area while taking light walks. As you recover,
you can gradually increase your walking distance.
Know when to Seek Medical
Help
As with any invasive surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with liposuction. Seek medical help as soon as possible if you experience any of the following untoward signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Delayed wound healing
- Fever
- Increasing pain in the treated area
- Irregular pigmentation
- Prolonged numbness of the treated area
- Pus draining from the incision sites
- Rippling or loose skin
- Severe bruising and swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Uncontrolled bleeding
If you did not experience any problems in the first
few days after liposuction, you will still need to undergo a follow-up 3 to 5
days after the procedure. This process helps determine if your incisions are
healing as expected and you are in good overall health.
How you care for yourself after liposuction will have
an impact on the final results. Make sure to follow the post-treatment
instructions to ensure a safe and smooth recovery.
