Your Liposuction Recovery Questions Answered

For patients considering cosmetic surgery, one of the most important topics of discussion during a consultation or preoperative appointment is what they should expect during their recovery period. Of course, the details of a patient's recovery will depend heavily on a number of personal factors, including what procedure is being performed, the patient's overall health, and others. However, the fundamental aspects of liposuction recovery are fairly similar across the board. Below, you'll find helpful information from the award-winning team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Northern Virginia on what to expect after liposuction, how long your recovery period may last, and how soon your slim new figure should take shape.

How is liposuction performed?

In most cases, liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. To begin, a tiny incision is created near the treatment site(s), and the surgeon will insert a thin, handheld tool beneath the skin. Using manual force, stubborn fat cells are broken up and dislodged, after which they are removed with suction energy. In certain cases, the surgeon may utilize VASER® energy to liquefy the fat cells before removing them, as well as to encourage skin tightening. Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, the incisions will be closed and patients will be placed in compression garments before being taken to the recovery room.

FAQs about liposuction recovery

To better understand and prepare for your downtime after liposuction, review these liposuction recovery FAQs and answers:

Q: Will I get to go home the same day after liposuction?

A: Most patients are able to return home the same day to begin their recovery, though patients who undergo more extensive and/or combination procedures may require an overnight stay in our postoperative facility.

Q: How will I feel right after liposuction?

A: Some amount of discomfort and fatigue are normal following liposuction surgery, with many patients sleeping for the remainder of the day after returning home. It is important to take short walks around the house – such as to and from the bathroom – to encourage healthy circulation and prevent blood clots or deep vein thrombosis from developing. Patients should also expect postoperative swelling and bruising to last several weeks.

Q: How long do I have to wear compression garments after liposuction?

A: Depending on the details of your case, you may be required to wear liposuction compression garments around-the-clock – including while sleeping – for at least 4 – 6 weeks after surgery. These help to promote proper healing and reduce postsurgical swelling. Patients may remove their compression garments briefly while showering or bathing.

Q: When can I go back to work after liposuction?

A: When liposuction is performed on small, isolated areas – like the face, neck, or hands – patients may be able to return to work within a week or so. For more complex procedures and those involving larger areas of the body, patients may need to take about 1 – 3 weeks off.

Q: When will the final results of liposuction be visible?

A: About six weeks after liposuction surgery, patients should notice a dramatic improvement in their shape, as the majority of their swelling will have subsided. However, the final results of liposuction may not be apparent for up to 2 – 3 months, during which time the tissues will continue to heal and settle, and the remaining swelling will resolve.

During your initial consultation for liposuction in Northern Virginia, our knowledgeable team will take ample time to listen to any concerns you may have, answer all of your questions in detail, and ensure you feel comfortable and confident ahead of your liposuction surgery and recovery.

The slim, sexy shape you've been dreaming of may be closer than you think with liposuction in Reston, VA.

If you have been putting off liposuction surgery because you're worried about an extended recovery period, you may be surprised to learn that most patients are able to resume the majority of their daily routines within just a few weeks! To learn more about how liposuction can help you achieve a stunning new look in no time, call Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule your private consultation with one of our acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeons in Reston, VA.