subject: Patients Should Prepare For Recovery After Liposuction [print this page] One of the greatest concerns of liposuction patients is their recovery. Because it is a minor invasive surgery it is important to understand what recovery will be like and follow the doctor's instructions for post-operative care and then make the proper preparations. The body will be busy healing and repairing what it sees as damage, and patients should be aware of how that process will occur and what they can do or should not do to help it.
Liposuction recovery is often viewed in two stages: the first few weeks and the first few months. Liposuction is an out-patient procedure. Immediately after surgery patients will spend a short time recovering from the anesthesia and then should have someone else drive them home. For the next few days they should try to rest as much as possible. They will also wear compression garments at this time which aid in recovery by exerting a constant pressure on the wound, preventing excess fluid from building up. However, patients should be able to move easily and by the end of the first week return to their daily routines with little discomfort.
In the first two weeks some patients do experience minor pain, but this is easily remedied with pain medication or even walking around. During this time swelling, bruising, and numbness will begin to go away, and patients who undergo tumescent liposuction will experience drainage of the anesthetic solution from their incisions, which actually assists recovery.
In the months following liposuction patients' swelling will continue to go down, ultimately revealing their corrected contours so that they can finally enjoy their new appearance. The skin around the treated area may seem loose for the few couple of months, but depending on age and individual patients it should tighten in an average of six months and feel natural again.
While healing, liposuction patients should continue to watch their incisions for any signs of infection and keep the area clean to prevent any. They may have scheduled recovery check-ups with their doctor months later also to be sure that all is well.
Patients should always follow the advice and directions of their doctors, but there are some common tips for faster recovery. For instance, drinking plenty of liquids will help prevent dehydration and it is advisable to avoid alcohol for 48 hours before and after surgery. Ice-packs or heating pads should not be applied, nor should patients soak in the bath or go swimming.
When considering or scheduling liposuction patients should take into account and prepare for a slight, initial disruption of their daily activities so that they may recover properly and also pay attention to their doctor's instructions for taking care of the operation site and their health.
