Liposuction, often referred to as “lipo”, is a surgical procedure performed by a licensed physician to slim, sculpt and reshape specific areas of the body by removing excess fat. Dr. Apesos will perform an evaluation to help you determine how liposuction will help you meet your goals for your body. Once the procedure is completed, here’s what to expect within the days, weeks and months during the healing process.
What to Expect Immediately After the Procedure
Within the first 24 hours, you can expect to feel very little pain and discomfort; you will still experience numbness from the procedure. The process of liposuction involves the injection of fluids into the body and those fluids will need to drain after the procedure. The longer that the fluid is retained by the body, the longer the body will remain swollen so expelling that fluid quickly will aid in a quicker recovery. As the fluid drains, you will need to ensure that you’re resting on towels to keep bed sheets clean. The fluid may be tinted red from blood so don’t be alarmed if you see that it isn’t clear. As the numbness wears off, some pain or discomfort may be felt. Dr. Apesos may prescribe pain medication to reduce the feeling of soreness to make you more comfortable.
What to Expect the First Few Days Post-Procedure
On the second day after your procedure, you will be ready to shower. Take your time and move very slowly as you may feel light headed and some discomfort or pain. Use mild soaps in the shower and wash very gently. Do not scrub the skin as it will be sensitive. Fluid will continue to drain within the days after your procedure.
What to Expect the First Week
The most discomfort will be felt within the first week but as each day passes, you will feel less pain and discomfort. Swelling will peak but will begin to subside by week 2 post procedure; it will fully subside within 1 to 3 months.
What to Expect in Months Two to Three
You may experience frustration within a couple of months after your procedure. This is normal because you may not see the results that you want to achieve quickly. The body takes time to heal. The removal of fat from the body can be traumatic and patience is needed to allow the healing process to occur. Numbness or decreased sensitivity can also occur as nerves tend to recover at a slow rate.
Real Results
You will begin to see results right away from your procedure with Dr. Apesos even before the healing process begins from the fat removal. The majority of the swelling will be gone within 3 months post procedure and your body will return back to normal generally within 6 months to 1 year. After 1 year, any scar tissue will be healed or residual swelling will be gone.
You will work closely with Dr. Apesos during the healing process to ensure the results are what you want and your confidence will be improved as you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
Dr. Apesos has provided plastic surgery services to patients within the Dayton region and Miami Valley area for more than 30 years. His exceptional technical precision helps patients achieve real results by performing the following procedure types: Facelift, Liposuction, Body Contouring and Shaping, Cosmetic Nose Surgery, Breast Augmentation, Abdominoplasty, Labiaplasty, and Vaginal Rejuvenation. Once you are ready to make a permanent change to look and feel better about yourself, contact Dr. Apesos to schedule a consultation. Dr. Apesos will answer all of your questions, address any concerns and evaluate a plan for your body that works for your budget.