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What to Expect When Recovering From Liposuction
Many individuals turn to liposuction to achieve their desired body shape. The procedure entails removing excess fat from your body using a suction technique. It happens under general or local anesthesia. Your specialist will make incisions in your skin. Then they will insert a thin hollow tube to suction out fat underneath your skin.
Liposuction can remove fat from different parts, like the neck, arms, hips, and thighs. It is vital to understand that it is a surgery, and its recovery can take some time.
Pain and Discomfort
It is normal to experience pain and discomfort after liposuction. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help manage the symptoms. Ensure you take them as instructed and avoid exceeding the stated dose.
You can also use ice packs to help reduce discomfort and swelling. Apply them throughout the day for short periods. Try to avoid heat to reduce the risk of increasing swelling. Therefore, do not take hot baths or showers.
Swelling and Bruising
Expect to experience some swelling and bruising. All this is normal after liposuction surgery. The symptoms can last for several weeks post-procedure. Your surgeon will help you reduce the bruising and swelling by giving you a compression garment to wear during recovery. Avoid spending extended periods standing or sitting to manage the swelling. You can also promote healthy circulation by elevating your feet and legs.
Resuming Daily Routine
You can gradually resume your daily activities as you start recovering from liposuction. However, it is vital to take things slow. Avoid pushing yourself too hard. Follow instructions from your surgeon on when to resume activities like exercising.
Avoid doing strenuous tasks for about two to three weeks after the surgery. You can begin slowly by taking short walks around your compound after a few days. However, avoid any activity that will cause strain or excessive sweating.
Follow-up Care
You will begin to see liposuction results once the swelling subsides. However, seeing the final results can take several months.
You will need to go for follow-up appointments as instructed by your surgeon. Doing so will let them monitor your progress and check if you are healing as you should. They can also identify concerns or complications to act promptly through treatment.
Diet and Nutrition
What you eat determines how your recovery will be. Therefore, pay attention to your diet and nutrition after liposuction surgery. Consume a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Doing so will speed up healing and help with healthy skin regeneration. It is also vital to remain hydrated as you recover. Plenty of water flushes out toxins in the body and promotes healthy circulation.
Emotional Recovery
Recovery after liposuction surgery is not only limited to physical healing. Most patients experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression after liposuction. It is normal to have mixed emotions after surgery. Therefore, take proper care of your physical and mental health so you can enjoy the outcome after recovery.
For more about liposuction, visit Jason K Potter, MD DDS, at our office in Dallas, Texas. Call 214-892-2474 to book an appointment today.