More than 250,000 people decide to get liposuction each year, making it the second most popular plastic surgery after breast augmentation. This procedure is the ultimate treatment to get rid of stubborn fat pockets in body areas like thighs, lower abdomen, hips, or buttocks and achieve a slimmer figure.
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, which means that you can return home on the same day of the surgery. However, you will need to stay in for some time while your body recovers from the procedure. Below, we listed some tips to speed up this recovery time and make it as comfortable as possible:
- Drink plenty of water: This is one of the simplest but most important pieces of advice. Your body loses much water during liposuction, so you might end up dehydrated after the surgery. It is essential to drink water to maintain your tissues hydrated and able to heal.
- Eat clean: The right foods can help you recover the fluids, vitamins, and nutrients you lost during surgery, as well as promote better healing of the tissues. Try to include proteins, antioxidants, and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Sleep well: Your body heals while you sleep, so it is vital to rest during the night. We understand it might be complicated after surgery, but we advise taking painkillers if necessary, cutting out stimulants, and trying meditation techniques to relax a few minutes before bedtime to induce sleep.
- Take your medications: This is non-negotiable. Dr. Farber will prescribe you antibiotics and painkillers that must be taken as indicated.
- Wear your garment: After surgery, Dr. Farber will give you a compression garment that you should wear for at least a week. This compression helps reduce swelling and bruising and maintains the obtained shape.
- Keep your wounds clean: Change the dressings or bandages as indicated and clean the incisions while taking a shower.
- Go out for a walk: Although strenuous physical activity is not allowed until three weeks after surgery, light exercise can actually speed up your recovery. Walking promotes blood circulation, which helps reduce swelling and facilitate the healing of your wounds. If you don’t feel strong enough to go for a walk, try moving around your house as much as possible.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and cigarettes: Surgeons recommend avoiding smoking and drinking before and after any surgical intervention. Smoking interferes in the healing of soft tissues, and drinking can dry out your skin, so it’s always advisable to quit these habits if you are considering plastic surgery.
- Ask for help: Finally, it is important not to push yourself too hard. After all, liposuction is still an invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia. You will need to take some time off work and count on people that help you when you require it, especially during the first few days.
Get the Most Out of Your Liposuction Surgery
Are you thinking of improving your figure with liposuction but don’t know where to begin? Start by scheduling a consultation with our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Scott Farber. Dr. Farber has vast experience and extensive training in the cosmetic field. He can answer all your questions and propose a treatment that will meet your expectations!