Liposuction Aftercare and Self-Care

Liposuction Aftercare and Self-Care

There is a lot of anticipation and excitement leading up to your liposuction procedure. But what happens after you go home from surgery? Here is what you can expect life to look like post-treatment.

Physical Activity

Patients should limit physical exertion after liposuction for up to six weeks. This will give your body the rest it needs to heal. The length of time you will need to refrain from exercise and heavy lifting depends on the size of the area treated and whether you underwent a related body contouring procedure to complement your liposuction results. While you should avoid strenuous activities, it is essential to take short walks throughout the day to lower the risk of blood clots.

Asking for Assistance

The downtime after liposuction varies based on the extent of fat removed. Most patients take a week or two off work and childcare duties to recover. During this time, do not hesitate to ask family members to assist you around the house. You also may not be able to drive for a few days, so you should arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital and to assist with grocery shopping.

Getting Mentally Prepared for Liposuction

While surprising, it is normal to feel glum in the days and weeks after surgery. After all, you are still healing and do not yet see your final results. You may experience some discomfort and second guess whether liposuction was the right choice. You might also feel bored or frustrated that you can't participate in your normal daily activities while you recover.

The good news is that post-operative depression is generally temporary and short-lived. A little self-care can help get you out of that funk. Here are some ways to nurture your mind, body, and soul after surgery:

• Meditate
• Read a novel
• Watch movies
• Stay hydrated
• Eat healthy food
• Get lost in music
• Indulge in a facial
• Take a stroll outside
• Download an audiobook
• Solve a crossword puzzle
• Write down your thoughts
• Soak your feet in a warm tub
• Spend quality time with family
• Listen to inspirational podcasts
• Call or email an old friend to catch up

Of course, not all patients feel blue after liposuction. Many are simply excited to see their results!

Liposuction Aftercare

To facilitate healing, you will need to make a few lifestyle changes. Dr. Stark will provide post-operative instructions that may include adjusting your diet and medications. For example, he will temporarily instruct you to discontinue blood thinners and supplements containing Vitamin E. You should also avoid alcohol and smoking. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and minimize swelling.

Liposuction Scars

During the liposuction procedure, Dr. Stark makes small incisions through which he passes a thin cannula. The resulting liposuction scars are minuscule and tend to heal well on their own.

When you return home from surgery, leave any bandages in place until Dr. Stark says it is okay for you to shower or change them. At that point, you can keep the wounds clean by gently washing with mild soap and water.

Do not scrub or pick at the incisions as they heal. The surgical scars may appear red or raised at first, but they generally flatten and fade in time. Once the incision heals, Dr. Stark may instruct you to use scar gel to minimize scarring. Ultimately, most patients find the final scars are hardly perceptible.

The Final Word on Liposuction Aftercare

While liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, there are some factors to take into account to have a successful recovery. Your decision to undergo a body contouring procedure was probably months or years in the making. If you have any questions about how to maximize your comfort and safety in recovery, call our Philadelphia plastic surgery office, StarkMD, to speak with your provider.