Liposuction Recovery Tips To Maintain Your Results

Are you considering liposuction? Wondering about the recovery and how to maintain your results? Body contouring help with liposuction can give adults amazing results. It is one of the top five cosmetic procedures performed every year in this country. Stubborn pockets of fat in the thighs, hips, stomach, even “love handles” can be transformed with this body reshaping technique. If you have tried everything with diet and exercise, but those stubborn areas won't change, then let liposuction reshape the way you look and feel.

The plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Northern Virginia are some of the leading experts on body contouring and sculpting with liposuction. You can achieve more definition and toned results in numerous areas of the body like the abdomen, back, thighs, hips, arms, and neck to name a few. If you are considering liposuction but are curious about recovery and maintaining your results, then here is some helpful information from Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Remain realistic about your liposuction recovery

Some men and women in the Northern Virginia area may have unrealistic expectations about their cosmetic surgery and recovery. Liposuction recovery is no different. When patients don't see the results they wanted immediately, they may feel worried their liposuction goals were not achieved. It takes time for the body to heal and adjust to any type of surgical procedure. Even though liposuction is considered minimally invasive, knowing what to expect and following the post-op instructions are key factors in achieving the most optimal outcome. Being prepared beforehand and knowing what to expect with your liposuction recovery can only set yourself up for success.

Weekly snapshot of liposuction recovery

As with any cosmetic or surgical procedure, the recovery takes time. Liposuction is considered minimally invasive but should be performed at an accredited surgical center like Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery. Based on the extent of the procedure and number of treated areas, it may be several weeks before individuals return to their normal activities.

Week 1-2: Patients will experience some discomfort for several days. Most patients can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil. Depending on the target area, a compression garment may be recommended to reduce swelling and aid in the healing process. Rest is extremely important during the first two weeks, and patients should limit all activities during this time.

Weeks 3-4: Swelling and inflammation in the target areas will begin to dissipate. Patients will begin to visually see their new results. A follow-up appointment with one of our surgeons will be scheduled prior to the procedure to check on a patient's progress and give instructions on removing or limiting the use of compression garments. At this point, most patients can return to work but should avoid certain exercises and daily activities until cleared by their plastic surgeon.

Weeks 5-6: A patient can fully see their liposuction results, which will only continue to improve over the next few weeks. Patients can return to their normal activities and exercise programs provided there were no complications during the recovery period.

Liposuction incisions and post-op care

Liposuction is considered a minimally invasive procedure because the incisions to insert the cannula instrument are very small. Qualified and experienced plastic surgeons like the ones at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery will take the right measures to hide any incisions when possible in natural creases or folds of skin. Liposuction incisions, no matter the locations, will heal flat and eventually blend into the skin over time. Patients should avoid swimming in bathtubs, hot tubs, or bodies of waters like lakes until incisions have completely healed in about 2-3 weeks after the procedure. If incision sites become red, swollen, or begin bleeding, then you should call your surgeon as soon as possible.

Maintain your liposuction results with diet and exercise

Working closely with one of our surgical experts at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery is the best way to set and achieve your liposuction recovery goals. One of the biggest benefits of liposuction is that the extracted fat cells won't return. However, if individuals gain weight after surgery, then their remaining fat cells can grow or become larger. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution so if you want to maintain your results, patients should maintain their ideal weight with diet and exercise.

One of the common misconceptions about liposuction is that patients initially look great, then tend to return to old habits. Patients need to make modifications to their lifestyle after investing their time and money. Eating a balanced diet of healthy fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can only aid in patients enjoying their new look for years. If you want to keep your liposuction results, then drink plenty of water, exercise, and eat healthy to maintain your fantastic results.

Liposuction at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery can help you get rid of unwanted fat in certain areas. An effective way to further contour your body for a slimmer, more attractive appearance. Knowing what to expect during and after your liposuction recovery can better prepare you, so you can enjoy the end results. If you are in the Northern Virginia area and interested in a liposuction procedure, then let one of our plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery help you achieve your aesthetic goals. You have done all the hard work of getting healthy, now take your body to the next level. Get body contouring help with liposuction and enjoy your lipo results for years to come.