Liposuction can be an exciting solution for those who have struggled with stubborn fat deposits. If you’re considering liposuction at our Manhattan Beach-area practice in Torrance, knowing what to expect during recovery is a great way to feel even more empowered and excited about your next step.
This blog post will discuss the factors that influence the recovery timeline and explain what you’ll experience through each step of the liposuction recovery process.
Recovery Time Factors
In reality, there is no single recovery timeline for liposuction because multiple types of liposuction procedures exist. Our surgeons customize each surgery based on the patient’s unique goals, and the approach used can affect the time needed for recovery. Factors such as the size and number of areas treated and the method of liposuction used determine the length of the recovery.
General Timeline
Even though each person’s experience will vary slightly, recovery after liposuction typically follows this general timeline:
- Week 1: Patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain-relief medication. We encourage patients to start walking around as soon as possible to prevent complications such as clotting. We recommend wearing a compression garment at all times to reduce swelling and allow the treated areas to heal smoothly and evenly.
- Week 2: You’ll likely be able to return to work at the beginning of week 2 or even the end of week 1, at which time your bruising will typically have faded substantially.
- Weeks 3 to 4: You may be able to ease back into athletic activities, pending your doctor’s clearance. Swelling and soreness still continues to dissipate, and you may be able to wear your compression garment for only 12 hours a day.
- Week 6: At this point, you may be able to stop wearing your compression garment and resume your full range of usual activities with a slimmer, sleeker silhouette and a renewed sense of confidence. Your small scars will continue to lighten and be less visible over time.
VASERlipo® Recovery
Our surgeons often use VASERlipo to produce optimal results. A form of ultrasound-assisted liposuction, this method uses ultrasonic energy to make fat removal easier and gentler. Because this method causes less damage to the blood vessels and connective tissue surrounding fat deposits, it minimizes healing time and typically allows for a shorter recovery period.
Power-Assisted Liposuction Recovery
In some cases, especially in Brazilian butt lift procedures, our surgeons use the MicroAire liposuction device to perform power-assisted liposuction. This device includes a cannula that moves back and forth to allow for more precise and controlled fat removal. Healing times are also shorter for this method since less damage to connective tissues occurs. Our plastic surgeons are happy to discuss which approach is right for you during a personal consultation.
Most of our patients would be quick to tell you that their liposuction results were well worth the limited recovery time. To see examples of past patient transformations, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you would like to learn more about liposuction options in the Manhattan Beach area, please contact us online or call our Torrance practice at (310) 784-0644 to request a consultation.
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