Liposuction The recovery period
During the recovery from liposuction treatment, the considerations are related to management of the swelling and bruising and return to activity whilst minimising the risk of infection and controlling the pain.
Post liposuction garment
Typically the post liposuction garment needs to be worn for the first 3 to 6 weeks after the surgical intervention.
We often find advantageous the use of post liposuction compression plates, that are fitted under garment, in target areas, both to improve the contour and reduce the swelling, and also to protect from tendency of the garment to create folds.
Deep vein thrombosis
Mobilising after the surgical operation is important both for liposuction as well as other interventions in particular after general anaesthetic.
This is primarily to reduce the risks of deep vein thrombosis and is sometimes associated with wearing compression stockings or medication that thins the blood.
Physical activities
Return to work after liposuction depends to a great deal on the extent of the treatment, the areas treated and the intensity of the work.
Most people find that 5 to 7 days for return to office activity is sufficient, with more physical activities being resumed at 2 to 3 weeks. Return to exercise is usually around the mark of 3 weeks.
Medication
The antibiotics prescribed at the end of the treatment usually need to be carried on for the first 5 to 7 days.
It is beneficial to use also probiotics together with antibiotics to reduce the risk of antibiotic related diarrhoea.
Swelling and bruising
Reduction in swelling and bruising can be accelerated by manual lymphatic drainage although this is not always necessary.
Pain
Pain after liposuction is variable, and most people find that moderate pain relief medication is sufficient.
Larger volume treatments are inevitably associated with more discomfort or pain and will require a more prolonged medication.
In some instances the pain after liposuction as well as other surgical treatments may become established as long term or neuropathic pain.
This type of problem requires a specialist intervention in order to be controlled quicker, as it depends on different mechanisms of adaptation of the nerves to the trauma of surgery.
Questions?