After your liposuction surgery you may need someone‘s help at home. You will be recommended by your doctor to start walking around as soon as possible to decrease the swelling and help avoid blood clots from forming in your legs. Either the doctor removes the stitches or they dissolve on their own within 7 to 10 days.
After liposuction
A snug compression garment helps the swelling to heal more quickly and may be needed for about two weeks. The results of the liposuction procedure become visible within 5-6 weeks after surgery, when the swelling decreases. The patient can return to work in 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. More difficult activity is possible in 2 to 4 weeks. However, you should take into consideration that full recovery from bruising and swelling may take up to 6 months. So, you may not want to plan your holidays in a hot climate within 6 months after surgery. As some fluid may discharge in the areas of the incisions, a small drainage tube may be inserted underneath the skin to avoid fluid accumulation for a few days. Swelling, bruising, temporary pain, burning, and bleeding may occur after surgery and can be reduced by medications prescribed by your surgeon. However, you may still feel a bit stiff or depressed for a few days after surgery, but you will start feeling better as your looks starts to improve and swelling reduces. With all this in mind, it is easier to tolerate the period after surgery. You will have to see your doctor regularly so that he can check your physical health and your progress. If any additional procedures are needed, your surgeon will advise you so.
Liposuction risk and complications
Liposuction is a relatively safe procedure. But, as any surgery, it can have certain health risks and possible complications. Risks increase depending on age and physical state of the patient, as well as on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed. The greater the area, the bigger the risk of liposuction. Also, liposuction procedures in which 4 – 5 litters of fat are removed have greater risks than other techniques. You should know that there are no guarantees in having a good result, as it is very individual and depends also on the patient‘s body. Complications, though very rare, still occur. The most frequent complications after liposuction are skin irregularities and contour deformities. Other possible complications include an asymmetric or irregular skin surface, especially for older patients. In such cases, additional sugery may be suggested. Other risks include infection, which can be prevented by taking antibiotics, and skin injury. In addition, pigmentation changes and fluid accumulation may occur after liposuction. Scars from liposuction usually do not cause any discomfort as they are barely visible and placed to be hidden from view.
