Are you interested in liposuction but concerned about what to expect during recovery? You’re not alone, because many people contemplating liposuction have this concern. It’s helpful to know the recovery timeline so that you can set realistic recovery goals and ensure optimal healing.
How Long Is Recovery From Liposuction?
Recovery from traditional liposuction typically takes several weeks due to the manual process used to break up and remove the excess fat. But nowadays, advanced techniques like Smartlipo require much less recovery time.
SmartLipo is a laser-assisted lipo device that uses laser energy to melt the unwanted fat cells before removing them with a cannula.
Recovery from Smartlipo takes about 4 weeks, but most patients can return to work and resume normal activities within 2-3 days. However, individuals with jobs that involve heavy lifting may need to take at least one week off work.
The overall healing time for Smartlipo is much less relative to traditional liposuction because there is minimal tissue trauma, resulting in less post-op swelling, pain, and bruising.
What To Expect During Recovery From Liposuction?
There is typically some swelling and bruising after liposuction, but these side-effects usually subside within 5-7 days. However, residual swelling may remain for up to 3 months. A compression garment is worn for at least 4 weeks after liposuction to help minimize swelling. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort after Smartlipo.
Improvements in body contours are visible immediately after Smartlipo, but it can take up to 4 months for the final results to appear.
Liposuction is a great way to reshape your body and achieve smoother contours. If you are considering liposuction, be sure to discuss the recovery timeline with your plastic surgeon. It’s necessary to have realistic expectations about the results because it will take several months to see your new body shape.