You may want to ask your doctor questions about recovery at your last appointment before your surgery so that you understand everything. Make sure that whoever accompanies you to the surgery also pays attention to the doctor’s instruction in case you are too weary from the surgery or anesthetic to pay close attention.
The recovery period is directly related to the size of the surgical area and amount of fat your doctor removed. If you had a larger area treated, you may need more time to recover. [5] X Research source Prepare your home and bedroom before you leave for your surgery. A comfortable environment, including a cozy mattress, pillows, and bedding can help you rest and heal more effectively. [6] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source
Some doctors do not provide compression garments. You will need to purchase these either before or immediately after your surgery. You can find compression bandages and garments at pharmacies and medical supply stores. Make sure you carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions for wearing your compression garments. These will help reduce swelling in the area, which can help promote healing. [8] X Expert Source JoAnna Nguyen, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon & Reconstructive Surgeon Expert Interview. 29 July 2020. You will probably want to purchase compression garments designed specifically for the area of your body on which you had surgery. For example, if you had liposuction on your thighs, you would want two compression garments to fit around each thigh area. You may need to wear your post-op bandages for two weeks, while most people wear the compression garments for a few weeks. [9] X Research source
Recent studies have shown that antibiotics may not be necessary after liposuction, so discuss this with your doctor. You may have a condition such as herpes that requires you to take medication to prevent infections or outbreaks. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
It’s normal to feel numbness and tingling, as well as pain for a few weeks post-op. You may also have swelling and bruising during this time. It takes most people 1-2 weeks to start feeling better after surgery. You may need to take painkillers for this amount of time or longer. [13] X Research source Take over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen may also help alleviate some of the swelling associated with the surgery. [14] X Research source Your doctor may prescribe a pain medication if over the counter pain relief doesn’t work for you. [15] X Research source You can get over-the-counter painkillers and prescription medication at pharmacies.
Although it is recommended to walk or do gentle movement as soon as possible, you may only return to more strenuous activity one month after surgery. [18] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source
Your doctor may insert a drainage tube to help fluid drain from the wound. You may shower after 48 hours, but should avoid soaking in a tub until your stitches are removed. [20] X Expert Source Daniel Barrett, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 July 2020. Put on clean bandages and reapply pressure garments when you are done showering.
Your doctor will let you know what kind of stitches when he gives you the post-op instructions. If you have dissolvable stitches, you won’t need to have them taken out. They will go away on their own. [22] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Increased swelling, bruising, or redness. Severe or increased pain. Headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting. Fever (temperature above 100. 4 Fahrenheit). Discharge from the incision that is yellow or green or that has a foul odor. Bleeding that is hard to stop or control. Loss of feeling or movement.
Liposuction may not last forever, especially if you gain weight. You may be disappointed if your results were not as dramatic as you expected.
It’s best to keep a steady weight. While it might not affect you significantly to gain or lose a pound or two, gaining larger amounts may significantly alter your results. Staying active and keeping a healthy diet can help you maintain your weight.
Stick to a diet of about 1,800-2,200 nutrient-rich calories a day, depending on how active you are. [27] X Trustworthy Source EatRight. org Organization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitness Go to source You will get proper nutrition if you incorporate foods from the five food groups every day. The five food groups are: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. [28] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source You need 1-1. 5 cups of fruit per day. You can get this from eating whole fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, or from drinking 100% fruit juice. [29] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source Make sure to vary the fruits you choose so that you get a range of nutrients and don’t process them in any way. For example, eating a cup of pure berries is much cleaner than eating berries on top of a cake. You need 2. 5-3 cups of vegetables per day. You can get this from eating whole vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or peppers, or from drinking 100% vegetable juice. [30] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source Make sure to vary the vegetables you choose so that you get a range of nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber will also help you to maintain your weight. [31] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source You need between 5-8 ounces of grains per day, of which ½ should be whole grains. You can get grains and whole grains from foods such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta or bread, oatmeal, or cereal. [32] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source Grains will provide you with vital Vitamin B, which can help aid slowed digestion. [33] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source You need 5-6. 5 ounces of protein per day. You can get protein from lean meats including beef, pork, or poultry; cooked beans; eggs; peanut butter; or nuts and seeds. [34] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source These will also help you to build and maintain muscle. [35] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source You need 2-3 cups, or 12 oz. , of dairy per day. [36] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source You can get dairy from cheese, yogurt, milk, soymilk, or even ice cream. [37] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source Avoid excessive amounts of sodium in your diet, which is prevalent in mass-processed foods. Your sense of taste decreases as you age, and you may want to salt your food. Try using alternative seasonings such as garlic or herbs to help you avoid excess sodium and gaining water weight. [38] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Stay away from starchy, refined carbs such as bread, crackers, pasta, rice, cereal, and baked goods. Eliminating these foods can also help you maintain your weight. Look out for hidden sugar in your food choices, which can make you put on weight.
You should do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise all or most days of the week. [40] X Research source If you are just beginning or need to do a lower impact activity, walking and swimming are excellent options. [41] X Research source You can do any type of cardio training to help you lose weight. Beyond walking and swimming, consider running, rowing, biking, or using an elliptical machine. [42] X Research source
Before you begin any strength training program, consult with your doctor and maybe even with a certified trainer, who will create the best plan for your abilities and needs. Try a yoga or Pilates class either in a studio or online. These lower-impact activities can help strengthen and stretch your muscles while helping you to keep your weight in check. [44] X Research source
