The prospect of finally getting rid of unwanted fat deposits can be exciting. Yet, some patients approach liposuction with a little apprehension if they’re not quite sure what to expect as they recover. Here are the answers to a few common questions patients have about the days, weeks, and months after their liposuction procedure.

How bad is the pain?

Most patients rate their discomfort as mild to moderate. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort if needed. Wearing the compression garments your doctor recommends after surgery will help keep swelling down, and as long as swelling is minimized, you should not be too uncomfortable. You can expect the bruising and tenderness to subside greatly during the first week after the procedure, though you might have a little swelling for another month or so.

When can you go back to work?

Unless your job requires hard physical labor, you can likely resume work within one to two weeks of your procedure. Your doctor will schedule several checkups and let you know for sure when it’s safe to return.

Typically, patients can resume light exercise, like walking, within a few days of surgery. It’s actually good to get out of bed and move around gently as soon as possible after liposuction, as this helps reduce the risk of blood clots.

Are there any serious side effects to worry about?

As long as you follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions properly, the risk of serious side effects is very low. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, if the treated site swells excessively, or if you see any pus near your incisions. These are signs of an infection that will need to be treated with antibiotics.

How long do the results last?

Your results can be permanent as long as you maintain your weight through a healthy diet and exercise! If you do gain weight, it will generally be evenly distributed over your body, not concentrated in the area where you had liposuction performed.

If you have any other questions about liposuction or the recovery process, please contact us.