Many patients considering liposuction at my Pensacola, FL, practice ask about what to expect after their procedure and how long it will take the body to heal. Like any surgery, liposuction requires some post-op downtime, but if you’re well-prepared, you’ll find it’s a small price to pay for long-lasting results.
Why Patience Is Important During Recovery
Liposuction generally requires a 2 to 3-week recovery period, after which you can return to your normal daily activities. However, this doesn’t mean that your final results will yet be apparent. Most of your swelling will resolve within 6 to 8 weeks, but the procedure requires significant manipulation of your tissues, so some swelling can linger for months. You’ll have a smoother recovery if you approach this important time with patience, a positive outlook, and realistic expectations.
While you recover, it is extremely important to follow your physician’s instructions for post-op care. Your surgeon’s guidelines are intended to help you reach your aesthetic goals by minimizing discomfort, swelling, scarring, and any other side effects of surgery. Straying from these guidelines can prolong your recovery period. It’s particularly important to not overexert yourself before your body is ready. Too much physical activity too soon after your procedure can cause complications, pain, and even diminished results.
What Happens After Liposuction?
So, what really happens to your body after liposuction? The answer starts with the explanation that everyone has a deep layer of fat that is affected by weight gain and weight loss. With traditional weight loss, fat cells merely shrink but are not eliminated. On the other hand, liposuction actually removes this deep layer of fat to improve contours of the abdomen, love handles, hips, and thighs. Once the fat cells are removed, they are gone for good and do not regenerate. This is the key to how liposuction provides dramatic and lasting results. Visit our gallery of before-and-after photos to get a better idea of your potential with liposuction.
However, it is important to note that the fat cells that do remain after the procedure can increase in size if you don’t properly maintain healthy habits. That is why I advise my patients to adopt healthy lifestyle changes before their surgery. It will be easier for you to lead a healthy lifestyle post-surgery if you start beforehand. A balanced diet and regular exercise will help you achieve optimal results and keep them for years to come.
It’s also important to note that liposuction is not suitable for removing the excess skin you may have following significant weight loss. If you’ve lost an extensive amount of weight, our post-weight loss surgery can address loose, hanging, or saggy skin.
Before scheduling a procedure, make sure that your surgeon is board certified and experienced with body contouring procedures. This will ensure that he or she is properly trained and equipped to perform your liposuction surgery.
If you are interested in learning more about body contouring procedures like liposuction, request a consultation online or give us a call at (850) 654-1194. We are happy to discuss your options and create a plan that will help you feel confident in your skin.
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