9 Tips to Speed Up Your Liposuction Recovery

Liposuction is the process of eliminating unwanted fat deposits in a region of the body. Countless men and women opt for this procedure to slim down their bodies. Many people wait for ages to get a liposuction treatment. Hence, the temptation to go out in public and display the new and sleek figure to everyone is natural. However, doing so is extremely risky. Recovery should be the first and the only priority after getting liposuction surgery. All cosmetic surgeons recommend limitations regarding movement and eating habits immediately after the procedure is complete.
 
These ‘recovery’ processes are intended to prevent downtime. But, all patients suffer from some downtime after getting plastic surgery. Here’s what happens after people get liposuction –
 
• Immediately After the Surgery – Most patients go through mild yet persistent pain for at least two days after the surgery. The discomfort is worst for a few hours after the liposuction surgery. As the hours’ pass, surgeons recommend taking mild doses of pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort. Patients also have to wear special ‘compression garment’ that their doctors provide.
• One Week After the Surgery – Patients may suffer from mild pain/discomfort after the first week. This pain isn’t debilitating enough to stop the patients from returning to work. Still, doctors recommend avoiding strenuous activities. Patients must wear their compression garments even at work. For the following week, they need to keep a check on the incisions and fluid drainage.
• Three Weeks After the Surgery – Three weeks after liposuction surgery, most patients stop suffering from pain/discomfort. The consequences of the liposuction process start appearing very clearly. All incisions are healed, and any bruising/swelling should disappear. Patients who experience these positive symptoms are free to resume exercising (not intensive exercises).
• After Six Weeks – Expect everything to resume to normal in terms of incisions, swelling, or bruises. Wearing compression garments isn’t mandatory anymore, and patients have the surgeon’s clearance to resume day-to-day activities.
 

Liposuction Recovery Tips

Every liposuction patient experiences different symptoms and after-effects. But, there are commonalities in most paths to recovery. While pain medication can temporarily fix the after-procedure discomfort, patients must take matters into their own hands in terms of recovery. Here’s what people must do to recover as fast as possible after getting liposuction –
 
1. Follow the Surgeon’s Instructions
The most important and obvious post-liposuction recovery tip is to strictly abide by the list of advice provided by the surgeon.
Typically, these aftercare instructions ask patients to change their bandages frequently to prevent any risk of infection. The doctor also specifies the amount of pain medication each patient should take. Doctors also recommend general instructions like eating well, sleeping, etc.
 
People interested in getting liposuction must read about general aftercare instructions before getting the surgery so that they can plan better. Patients mustn’t get scared about bruises, swellings, or inflammation, as it’s normal to experience these symptoms right after getting liposuction. Look up post-liposuction instructions on top-quality surgical sites and ensure all potential hazards are taken care of.
 
2. Rest
Liposuction patients must treat themselves to extra periods of rest for at least a week. Overworking the body impacts the recovery time. Plus, the pain medications that liposuction experts recommend tend to have sleep-stimulating side effects.
 
That’s why setting apart three to four days for simply resting immediately after the surgery is very important. Make sure to have friends or family members around for assistance during this sensitive process.
 
3. Eating Healthy
The side-effects of pain medication include drowsiness and a loss of appetite. But, eating right during recovery is extremely important. The body consumes tons of energy during recovery. Without the right nutrients, the body takes longer to recover. Here are some food habits that speed up the recovery process –
 
• Consume food items that contain proteins and iron. Protein promotes the healing of wounds and skin cell regeneration.
• Avoid eating salty food as salt retains water. An increase in body water levels worsens bruising and swelling.
• Eat sodium-free food items.
• Avoid junk food and snacks.
• Cut down sugar intake to boost the immune system. Avoid mineral imbalances or increases in blood sugar levels by not consuming chocolate or other sugar-rich snacks.
• Eat throughout the day to avoid nausea.
• Fruits like grapes, watermelons, celeries, and zucchinis all speed up the recovery process.
 
Stick to these eating habits long after the recovery process to prevent weight gain.
 
4. Movement is Good
It’s natural for the body to feel restless and drained 24 hours after the liposuction surgery. But, from day two, patients should resume their movement. Taking part in light exercises or going for short walks are also helpful. Avoid intensive exercises and listen to the surgeon’s detailed instructions regarding physical activities.
 
5. Hydration
Hydration is important, but so is lowering calorie intake. Hence, drinking six-eight glasses of water and other low-calorie drinks every day for a week is very important. The more hydrated a patient is, the faster the recovery process will be. Avoid drinking beverages that contain sugar or sodium.
 
6. Compression Garment
Surgeons provide compression garments to boost the patient’s skin elasticity and prevent fluid accumulation. The surgeon will ensure that the garment properly fits the patient. Excessively tight compression garments can limit blood circulation.
 
7. Increase Activities Moderately
People addicted to exercising feel very impatient during recovery. So, a few days after the liposuction procedure, they can start engaging in light exercises. But, they must resume every activity with moderation. So, if a patient runs for ten minutes on the third day of recovery, they must not run for more than fifteen minutes the following day. Or else, they might develop blood clots in their lungs or tear their incisions.
 
8. Avoid Seromas
Seromas are the accumulation of extra fluid due to errors in the fatty tissue’s lymphatic vessels. Although seromas are rare, intense physical activities can cause them.
 
9. Give Up Smoking
Smoking limits blood circulation, especially cigarettes. Why prolong the recovery process or increase the risk of infection by smoking? Avoid smoking anything at all costs during the first three weeks of recovery.