Liposuction is wildly popular around the world, and is the answer to a lot of people’s lingering fat problems. Liposuction works through the use of suction to remove unwanted fat pockets from problem areas. It’s the go-to procedure for getting rid of that stubborn fat that refuses to go away, despite your best efforts in the gym. However, liposuction is a major surgery and it’s important to go in with both eyes open so you understand what to expect after liposuction from your recovery to your results.
Getting Help During Your Recovery
The day of your surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you. In the days that follow, it’s important for you to rest and recuperate.Make sure your spouse, friends or other family members can assist you with things such as childcare, cooking, driving and heavy lifting during your recuperation period. Further, planning your liposuction recovery in advance with healthy pre-made meals can help you stay off your feet while keeping nutritious meals on the table while you recover.
You may need to call in some reinforcements to take over your duties while you recover, especially if you have children to look after.Pain and Discomfort After Liposuction
For several days following your surgery, you’re likely to experience some degree of pain. Your post-liposuction discomfort level depends on several factors, including: the extent and location of the liposuction, the technique your plastic surgeon used, and your own tolerance for discomfort.
Any symptoms of discomfort after liposuction are best managed by following your plastic surgeon’s recovery instructions. Your pain management plan may include: rest, over-the-counter medications, ice, prescription drugs or a combination of these and other strategies.
Waiting for Your Results
While liposuction is a very effective way to remove unwanted fat, you will have to be patient as you wait for bruising and swelling to give way to your gorgeous results. This is why many people choose to have liposuction in the winter, giving themselves plenty of time between surgery and summertime. If you have your liposuction in the summer, you may not be ready to show off your new curves before the season ends.
Keeping Your Expectations in Check
Having realistic expectations about what can be achieved through liposuction is an important part of preparing yourself to have the procedure. Therefore, you should find out as much information as possible to help you manage your expectations about your recovery experience, and about your ultimate results. Further, your plastic surgeon should discuss with you what kind of outcome may be possible, and should also explain the limitations of plastic surgery.
What to Expect after Liposuction Long-Term
The results of liposuction can last indefinitely. However, this isn’t a guarantee. You will still have to make the effort to stay slim by maintaining a fitness regimen and being selective about what you eat. Further, if you gain weight after having surgery, it’s likely that your liposuction results will be affected. This may be of particular concern to those who have liposuction after weight loss.
Exactly what to expect after liposuction will vary depending on your unique circumstances. Someone having liposuction on one small area will probably have a different experience than a person who has several areas treated.
Another factor to consider when thinking about your recovery and your results is whether you plan to combine your liposuction with a tummy tuck or other surgical procedures. Therefore, keep an open dialogue with your plastic surgeon from your liposuction consultation through your recovery to help you stay calm and confident on your path to your best self.
Dr. David Kaufman earned a bachelor of science degree from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with distinction, the highest academic honor. As an active duty naval special warfare officer, he served our nation for four years, including duty in Operation Desert Storm. He then attended Harvard Medical School, receiving his medical doctor degree in 1996. From there, he entered and completed postdoctoral surgical training in a combined general and plastic surgery residency at Stanford University Medical Center.
A board-certified plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Kaufman’s diverse surgical experience and skill enables him to choose procedures and techniques to best suit each patient. Consider him and his practice, Kaufman Plastic Surgery, if you are looking for a plastic surgeon in the Sacramento area.
