Liposuction is a popular plastic surgery procedure that has slimmed and sculpted many bodies all around the world. One of the reasons that this fat-reducing technique is so popular is because it has a long history of safety and success. It is the procedure that many people turn to when they tire of getting the minimal reward for their investment into a healthy lifestyle. The decision to have liposuction isn’t all that difficult. Patients often just want to know what to expect. We’ll discuss that here.

What Happens Right after Liposuction?

Liposuction is often performed as an outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic. This technique numbs the treatment area without putting the patient “to sleep.” In cases of local anesthetic, patients may be given a sedative, as well. General anesthesia is used when liposuction is combined with other procedures like abdominoplasty. Regardless of anesthesia, patients can expect to spend a short time in a monitored recovery area right after their procedure. When anesthesia, either local or general, begins to wear off, patients are released into the care of a loved one who will drive them home and stay with them for about 24 hours.

What Happens in the Weeks after Liposuction?

Immediately after liposuction, the team applies a compression garment. The gentle pressure of this garment helps to reduce swelling. As such, it should be worn at all times other than when bathing. For a few days, patients take prescription pain medication to maintain optimal comfort. Pain after liposuction is not severe but the area may be uncomfortably sore or tender. After a few days, comfort should naturally improve enough to stop the prescription medication and switch to an approved over-the-counter pain reliever.

Once home from the surgery center, patients should walk as soon as they are comfortable enough to do so. At first, they may walk only around the house. After a day or so, they may be able to walk down the street. Distance is not what is most important. What is important is to move around several times a day to promote good circulation through the operative area. More strenuous exercise must wait until cleared by the doctor.

Liposuction is a beneficial procedure that can achieve lasting results for the person committed to a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about this procedure, call 408-840-2553 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenthal.