subject: Liposuction Recovery Can Be Painful, But The Discomfort Doesn't Usually Last Long [print this page] The liposuction procedure has been improved gradually over the years to make it more safe and effective, but there is still some pain and discomfort involved. Why? This article will discuss some of the more uncomfortable side effects that you can expect to experience after recovery from the surgery.
It should come as no surprise that liposuction is painful. True, it is not as painful as more invasive surgeries, but it isn't free sailing either. Everyone has a recovery period and that period involves inevitable discomfort.
Don't worry; no pain is involved during the actual surgery. A local anesthetic is generally used to completely numb the affected area before incisions are made.
Because a local anesthetic is used, the patient is usually completely awake during the surgery. Usually a sensation or scraping and of slight pressure is felt during the procedure.
It's important for the patient to be awake. Everyone's body does not react the same to the fat removal, and sometimes the body starts to panic. If a patient is awake, they can tell the doctor how they feel and report any unusual symptoms. This makes it possible for the surgeon to stop if necessary.
Anesthesia usually takes a few hours to wear off, and then pain begins. Usually the pain can be managed with over the counter medications, but occasionally surgeons will prescribe more strong pain medications.
What causes the pain, you may ask. Understanding that requires an understanding of the surgery itself.
During liposuction, small incisions are made and a cannula (a stainless steel tube) is inserted into the cavity. It is used to first break soft watery fat cells and then suck them out.
It's almost impossible to avoid damaging the surrounding tissues at least somewhat during this process. Sometimes the cannula becomes hot and actually burns the tissues and often the tissues are bruised and battered.
Most people experience numbness in the affected area for several weeks following the surgery. This is nothing to worry about and is completely normal.
Pain and numbness can both be managed. It is required that recipients of the surgery wear a compression garment for several weeks following the surgery. It gives support that eases discomfort and also encourages healing.
The good thing is that most people who have liposuction are able to return to regular activity within just a few days. Although strenuous exercise should probably be avoided for a few days or weeks, moderate daily walks are a good idea and are usually encouraged by the surgeon. Moving increases circulation, and increased circulation improves healing.
Although some discomfort can be expected, a quick recovery can also be expected in most cases.
