Recovery After Liposuction

Bruising and swelling occurs with almost every surgical procedure. Usually, the swelling lasts for only a few days to weeks. There are steps that can be taken before and after surgery to help minimize bruising and swelling… Read More.

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Scars are the necessary trade-off of many plastic surgeries.  The goal is a near-invisible, thin, skin-colored scar.  Scars are ideally minimized by early attention but there are options for treatment of problem scars as well… Read More.

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Stretch marks are the visible result of tears of the second layer of skin, the dermis. Stretch marks usually result from rapid stretching of skin, such as weight gain, or pregnancy.  Treatment options for stretch marks such as removal, microneedling, and laser are available…. Read More.

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prepare your house for surgery

1-2 weeks before surgery you should have your childcare, work arrangements, and caretaker lined up.  Depending on the procedure you may have a few recovery items on hand.  Start with an organized, clean house and full pantry.  If you are making meals, simple prep. meals and disposable dinnerware.  

prepare your body for surgery

The weeks before surgery are a good time to maximize a healthy diet and stay on top of exercise.  Yoga and heart-healthy exercises are particularly valuable. For almost every procedure stopping smoking 6 weeks before surgery is valuable.  For some it is critical.  Avoid excessive alcohol and marijuana prior to surgery as well. 

Check your medications and supplements

Some medications such as aspirin, fish-oils and some supplements can contribute to bleeding and bruising after surgery.  If you would like to take SinnEcch for bruising you would want to do so before surgery.  The benefit is mild in Dr. Yates’s opinion but some patients swear by it.

Stay away from illness

Avoid getting sick, wash your hands frequently and avoid contact will people who are ill.

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Check the procedure list below for the time you should plan to take off of work or exercise.  With most procedures, office work and light exercise are OK between one to three weeks.  For most procedures, there are no restrictions after six weeks.      

Dr Yates will give you most everything you need after surgery including garments, bra, scar cream, and dressings as indicated.  A few recommended additional supplies are

• Bed that reclines, recliner, or extra bed pillows
• Icy Hot back patch
• Loose baggy clothes
• Paper tape 1″
• Ice packs
• Stool Softener
• Ginger Ale
• Antacid such as Tums
• Melatonin (not to be used with pain medications)
• Benadryl
• Cortisone cream
• Neosporin
• Probiotics or yogurt
• Second stage Spanx or Flexees for appropriate procedures
• Flexible straws for drinking
• Water bottles/ Gatorade
• Entertainment such as DVD or Netflix
• Cell phone charger near bed and sofa

You should expect no significant bedrest after liposuction.   Get up and walk.

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The pain is moderate and usually controlled with Tylenol and Ibuprofen.  If narcotics are necessary they are only for 1-2 days.

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The small liposuction incisions will be covered with gauze while draining.  Once they have stopped draining you may apply Neosporin or simply leave them alone.

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You can shower as soon as drainage has slowed significantly.

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Approximately 3-5 days for toddlers and young children

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You can return to light lifting with the arms and a good walk at one week.   You may return to moderate upper and lower body lifting by three weeks.  Full exercise resumes at six weeks.

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Office and desk work can be resumed right away.  For most physical jobs you can return at 3 weeks.

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It is safe to resume sexual activity by two to three weeks after liposuction.  

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Overaggressive activity can cause problems with healing.   In the first week, we are worried about excessive swelling and bruising

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Swelling peaks at 1-2 weeks and gradually resolves over the year.   Most swelling is gone by 3 months

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1-3 days

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The garment is worn for three weeks followed by a second stage garment for comfort

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