Liposuction can be a great way to help sculpt your figure, but if you’re concerned about the recovery afterward, you’re not alone. Whatever your reasons for choosing this body contouring surgery, the recovery is likely to be a major factor in your decision-making process, whether that’s due to taking time away from work or simply general concern. When you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, they can share some liposuction recovery tips and, for now, here are some for you to bear in mind.
Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Liposuction Recovery Instructions
It may seem obvious, but following your board-certified plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully is one of the best ways to ensure a stress-free liposuction recovery. Remember, these instructions are based on experience and are designed to help make your liposuction recovery period easier. As a bonus tip, you might want to buy a spare compression garment so you have one to wear and one to wash.
If you have any questions about your recovery after liposuction, your plastic surgeon will be happy to share some tips during your consultation.
Stick with a Healthy Diet
You’ve done excellently to get to your ideal weight before considering liposuction, so don’t let your newfound motivation slip away after the procedure. Maintaining healthy eating habits is one of the smartest and simplest ways to boost your liposuction results. After liposuction, you should also keep your salt intake to a minimum to help reduce water retention and swelling. Eating little and often can be a key to avoiding nausea and bloating post-liposuction, too.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential after liposuction, but don’t forget that what you drink can have as much of an impact as the volume you consume. Choose your drinks wisely. Gatorade can seem like an obvious choice, but should actually be avoided during liposuction recovery due to its high sodium content. Think water and diluted fruit juice instead. High water-content fruit and vegetables, such as watermelon, zucchini and strawberries, can also be handy choices for hydration.
Stay Active, but Not Too Active
To keep your liposuction recovery going as smoothly as possibly, you’ll need to rest for the first 24 hours, then ensure you’re walking gently but regularly to aid circulation. Don’t walk so fast your heart rate gets elevated, and be sure to take plenty of rest breaks. If you feel dizzy or nauseous while walking, stop immediately. You may also find that an exercise ball is useful for stretching during your recovery after liposuction, but don’t start it too soon.
Massage the Treated Area
You can’t do this one immediately, but some massage can work wonders for your liposuction recovery if your plastic surgeon gives you the all clear and the massage is done correctly. Wait until the initial tenderness passes before you start massaging, then massage around the treated area gently but firmly. Remember that you may be numb around your scar at this early stage, so less is more.
Listen to Your Body
The next tip is pretty easy: sleep when your body tells you it wants to sleep, eat when you’re hungry and drink if you’re thirsty. Simple, right? People tend not to be so good at listening to their bodies, preferring to push themselves to do too much too soon instead. Don’t risk affecting your liposuction results by rushing your recovery. Take it easy and your body will tell you what it needs.
Dr. Scot Martin concentrates on breast enhancement and body contouring at his practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. A nationally recognized plastic surgeon, Dr. Martin is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He looks forward to meeting you and helping you become the best version of yourself possible.
