What is the recovery period after liposuction?
Length of recovery varies substantially depending on such factors as method used, area treated, and amount of fat tissue removed. New techniques like SmartLipo™ allow for faster recovery than ever before. You’ll need to get plenty of rest at home in New Jersey or Philadelphia after liposuction, and follow Dr. Sorokin’s instructions carefully to help the healing process. Patients wear an elastic support garment for several weeks after surgery to protect the treated areas and shape their final results. Depending on the method used, some degree of discomfort is inevitable, though over-the-counter or prescription medication can be used to minimize pain. Most patients return to work and begin resuming light aerobic activities about 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Recovery after liposuction follows a general pattern: During the first week a compression garment is worn full time to help limit swelling and speed resolving of the swelling, which always occurs as the tissue responds to liposuction. The patient usually feels somewhat stiff during this time and vigorous activities should not be undertaken. Driving may resume after pain medication is no longer needed. If large areas are liposuctioned, fatigue may be noted for up to two weeks, at which time a decrease in swelling is often noted. Light excercise may be done as tolerated. Vigorous sports and excercise are prohibited for three weeks. Swelling continues to decrease and the improvement in contour continues for three to six months, and in cases where the calves and ankles have been treated, for up to six to nine months. Compression garments for two to three weeks have been helpful in speeding contour improvement, and if calves and ankles are treated, support hose is recommended for up to six
Recovery time depends on the individual. But usually follows a general pattern. For the first few days, most report feeling sore rather that real pain. They may take a narcotic such as Vicodin which Dr. Rapaport will prescribe pre operatively. Patients typically may do liposuction on a Friday and will usually be ready to return to work on Monday. Dr Rapaport finds this to be true in well over 90% of his patients including those who have liposuction on several areas. Patients should not drive a car or operative heavy machinery for as long as they are taking narcotics though many patients never take any narcotics or only Tylenol and sometimes they take no medications at all. Unlimited exercise is permitted 5 days after the procedure although most people take it easy for awhile because they are sore. Because of this, most patients will try to avoid high impact exercises like running for one to two weeks. Dr Rapaport sees each liposuction patient about five to seven days following the proc
