By True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine on July 24th, 2021
Liposuction can refine your body’s shape and boost your confidence dramatically. But before you can show off your beautiful results, you need to take time to allow your body to fully heal. Don’t worry: this time will seem well worth it once you can finally reveal your body’s contours to the world.
In this post, Dr. Brian Reagan takes a closer look at the liposuction recovery process and what it entails.
Common Liposuction Aftereffects
- Bruising and discoloration
- Swelling and fluid retention
- Temporary changes in sensation, including possible numbness
- Fluid drainage from the incisions
Less commonly, liposuction can cause lumps in the treated area(s), due to formation of scar tissue. Some of these will soften and flatten on their own over time; others need massage. If you are worried about lumps, bumps or other liposuction aftereffects, Dr. Reagan will address your concerns during your consultation.
General Recovery Timeline
For the initial few days after liposuction, expect to feel sore and perhaps slightly uncomfortable. During this time, it is a good idea to have help around the house, particularly if you have small children or pets. To manage discomfort, soreness, swelling and bruising, follow Dr. Reagan’s post-op instructions, including his guidelines for taking pain medicine and wearing a compression garment.
The soreness and discomfort will gradually subside and you should feel well enough to return to a desk job after a week or two of recovery. Note that if you work a physically strenuous job that requires a lot of bending, heavy lifting or time spent on your feet, you probably need to allocate a few additional weeks to your recovery.
Approximately three to five weeks after surgery, you should be able to return to some forms of light exercise, as long as you avoid lifting anything heavy or increasing your heart rate dramatically (as these behaviors can lead to complications). Slowly increase the length and intensity of your workouts as permitted by Dr. Reagan.
Six weeks after surgery, you will probably feel more like yourself again. Most of the aftereffects should be resolved, except for some slight swelling that may linger. Dr. Reagan will likely clear you to resume full activities, including your regular workout routine. At this point, the results of your surgery will be more visible and you can revel in your new shape!
Expert Liposuction Care
Dr. Reagan is highly sought-after for his liposuction expertise and experience. When you choose him for your treatment, he will guide and support you through every step of the experience. Dr. Reagan is always available to take your questions or address your concerns.
To request more information about liposuction with Dr. Reagan, please call or email our office today.
