At this point, you will likely begin to see visible results as well. Keep in mind that your results will improve as the swelling and bruising continue to heal. After about four weeks, most people are able to resume light exercise, but any heavy or strenuous activity should still be avoided.
Soreness is usually the most intense 2 to 4 days after liposuction and then decreases steadily. The tenderness and soreness typically is quite bothersome for up to 4 weeks, but gradually subsides over the following next 4 to 8 weeks.
After liposuction surgery, it normally takes three to four weeks for swelling to disappear. Every patient is different, however, and has their own experience. In some rare cases, swelling can continue for months. Liposuction is a surgical procedure and does carry recovery time.
Though you are probably anxious to see your final results immediately after getting liposuction, swelling can take several months to diminish. So don't feel discouraged if you still see signs of residual swelling months after your procedure — this is to be expected and should continue to improve over time.
Swelling: Some patients find they look bigger after liposuction than they did before. If this happens to you, don't worry. Liposuction can remove pounds of fat, but right after the procedure, fluid retention and swelling are typical. These post-surgical effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few weeks.
Depending on how much fat is removed, you can expect to see final results between 1-3 months after the procedure.
After 2 Weeks: By now most of the swelling has typically subsided but you may still see irregularities. You may also begin to notice loose skin in the areas treated with liposuction. This is normal and your skin will continue to tighten over the next 2-3 months.
Weeks 3-5. Around the one-month mark is when patients typically no longer feel pain or soreness. You may still see swelling, but this is normal. Swelling can take months to completely subside.
Patients often experience a rapid weight gain following the procedure as the body aims to recoup fat and the affected areas will fill with fluid that the body uses to heal.
Fluid may drain from the cuts (incisions) for several days. The fluid will be bloody at first, but will turn clear in a few days. The area will probably be bruised and swollen for at least 10 to 14 days. You will be able to return to your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable.
Swelling is a normal and temporary part of healing after liposuction. The bulk of swelling will go down within a few weeks of your procedure to reveal a slimmer and more toned appearance. Some degree of residual swelling and fluid retention can remain after that, obscuring final results for months.
One of the most common secondary effects of surgery is fibrosis. Many people notice it some weeks after the surgery or during the post-op. At first, you may feel some lumps on the scar tissue, then you will notice that they get thick and hard, and you may feel pain in the area.
Why do lumps occur? Lumps and bumps are common side effects after a liposuction procedure. The procedure is performed with a cannula which creates tunnels under the skin to suction out excess fat. After the procedure, these tunnels can fill with fluid, leading to a lumpy-looking exterior.
Itching usually happens about two weeks after liposuction, when your affected nerves have recovered from the initial shock of the procedure and begin the process of waking up and healing. Though it's uncomfortable, it's also a good sign — it means your body is beginning to repair and restore from the inside out.
Most lumps from liposuction will improve over time and most disappear within 6 months. If a lump persists or is bothersome or painful after a year of healing, your surgeon may need to remove it. Lumpiness and unevenness of the skin after a year may need revision or a skin removal procedure like a tummy tuck.
By the end of 4 weeks, parts of the operated swollen areas start to soften in patches until the entire area shows a consistent softening by the end of 6-8 weeks. Depending on the extensiveness of the operated area, the tissues tend to return to a normal pliant feel by 3 months after the procedure.
Effects of liposuction on the metabolic profile. Because adipose tissue is clearly a complex, metabolically active organ, its instant removal by liposuction could directly affect metabolism in obese and nonobese individuals. In general, studies concerning the metabolic effects of liposuction are controversial.
Liposuction will not make you weigh less. Most patients who undergo liposuction on an area such as the abdomen, buttocks, hips, or thighs notice very little change in overall weight if any at all. The removal of fat is relatively little compared to the change in physique that occurs as swelling subsides after surgery.
When can I sleep on my side after liposuction? You can sleep on your side only after two or three weeks following lipo.
Your first workout after your liposuction procedure should be gentle walking at increasing distances, starting a couple of days after your procedure. Walking helps minimize swelling and water retention and aids in recovery.
A general recommendation is to have three to five massage treatments, but some patients may experience benefits from as few as one to two treatments. Your cosmetic surgeon can advise you as to whether lymphatic massage will benefit you following your liposuction or other surgical procedure.
Skin elasticity varies from person to person. While your skin will naturally contract after liposuction, this depends on your body's natural healing process. This is why it is so important to take care of yourself before and after body contouring surgery.