Liposuction Surgery Recovery

Liposuction currently ranks as the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US, as per the ASAPS figures. The procedure is fairly customizable and may be performed using less invasive techniques to reduce the recovery period and minimize the risk of complications.

Dr. Wright Jones is a leading plastic surgeon providing liposuction and other procedures. During the initial consultation, Dr. Jones will discuss various aspects of the procedure, including the estimated recovery process. He receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta GA, and surrounding communities.

Recovery in Early Weeks

The downtime involved in liposuction plastic surgery can range from one to two weeks, depending on the extent of surgery performed and the size of the treated area. The complete recovery process will continue over several weeks, but most patients can return to work or resume their regular activities after the first week or 10 days.

The patient will be required to wear a compression garment over the treated area for the first few weeks. This will help to expedite healing and support recovery. Mild pain and discomfort is likely in the first week, which can be relieved with pain medications. Moderate walking should be performed from the very first or second day of the surgery to enable easier healing.

For about a week after the procedure, the patient should take showers instead of baths. Bruising, swelling, and numbness in the treated area will begin to subside by the end of the first week. If the cosmetic surgeon has placed drains to facilitate healing, these will be removed after about a week. Dr. Jones provides detailed recovery instructions to his patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta GA, and nearby locations.

Swelling Reduction over a Few Months

Swelling will gradually subside over a period of several months, and the final results will be established more clearly as swelling reduces. If the treatment area is substantially large, the recovery from swelling will take longer. In some cases, the skin around the treated area may appear loose, but it will tighten to its original condition in about six months on average.

The patient is best advised to continue monitoring the incision sites for signs of infection. Healing should be monitored professionally through follow-up appointments with the surgeon. If the swelling appears excessive or abnormal, the surgeon should be contacted to assess the risks.

Physical Exercise

The surgeon will usually provide individual guidelines to the patient regarding exercise during recovery period. Most surgeons will recommend that the patient should begin the gentle walking routine at the earliest after the procedure. Gradually, mild exercises may be performed to protect against the blood clot formation and other post-op complications.

Two weeks from the date of surgery, the activity level and exercise should be increased. However, strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least a month to allow the body sufficient time to heal.

Full results of liposuction surgery will typically appear in about six months. At this point, patients can expect a more defined muscle tone, slimmer figure, reduced cellulite, and a younger looking overall appearance.

See all plastic surgery procedures that Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Wright Jones performs of the face, nose, body, and breast in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA and surrounding areas.