Thank you for your question. I walk my patients through this pre-operatively before every liposuction so I will be happy to share this with you too. You can also check out a patient’s journey after liposuction on Human.
Liposuction is a technique that involves using a hollow-tube like instrument (cannula) to suck fat out from the body. There are now many different liposuction machines available; such as manual, suction-assisted, power-assisted or VASER (which is ultrasound assisted) and Water Jet (which uses water to break up the fat). Nonetheless, they all serve the same function and have similar downtimes. I use an advanced technique called S.A.F.E Lipo which stands for separation, aspiration and fat equalisation. This is not a sales gimmick but a technique that allows the surgeon to suck maximal fat whilst minimising irregularities. Since adopting this method first described by Dr. Simeon Wall, I have found that the liposuction takes a shorter time and patients have less irregularities after liposuction.
Post-liposuction - Top 5 FAQs
1.Can I go home on my own after the operation?
It is recommended to have someone bring you home safely as the anaesthesia or sedation from the procedure can cause you to be drowsy. You may be able to drive 24-48 hours after the procedure.
2. What do I expect to feel after liposuction?
On the first day, you will likely be numb from the sedation or anaesthetic, but once that wears off, the areas that were treated will be swollen and tender. You should feel a dull ache and this can be easily managed with painkillers. You are likely to experience more pain and swelling on the second and third days, so be sure to take your painkillers. This is also to enable you to continue moving (walking) around, which encourages circulation. The pain usually improves after Day 3 and the swelling will start to subside. If you have bruises, these will usually take 10 days to fade.
If you are given antibiotics, be sure to finish the course as these will help to prevent any post-operative infections. Occasionally, you may also be prescribed medication to help with your nausea or swelling.
3.Why do I need to wear a pressure garment?
The most important piece of post-operation liposuction care is your pressure garment. Ensure that you wear them as prescribed. You will need to wear the garments for a minimum of 8 weeks, and if you can manage it for 12 weeks, that’s even better. Results are obvious after liposuction but the body needs time to heal and “remodel” itself after the procedure. With the removal of excess fat, the skin has to reattach to the muscle and keeping the areas compressed ensure that the skin will be as firm as it can be.
4. What are the usual home care instructions given by the doctor?
These are some of the things you can do:
Rest as much as you can at home.
Avoid strenuous activity but walking is encouraged as it promotes circulation to the limbs, which helps in the healing process.
Drink lots of water.
Reduce salt intake as it is known to cause swelling in the body.
Cultivate good sleeping habits, which help to maintain a healthy body.
5. When can I return to work or start exercising?
Depending on the type of work or activity you do, most people are able to return to sedentary work after 1 or 2 days but they will still be aching so I normally get my patients to rest at home for a few days until they are comfortable.
Patients are advised to wait about 2 weeks before resuming strenuous activity. However, if something feels uncomfortable, give it another day before starting on the exercises. Whilst the fat is permanently removed, the healing process requires patience. Rigorous exercise before your body is ready can affect results by prolonging bruising or swelling.
I hope this answers your question. Have a great week ahead and all the best!
Dr. Terence Goh
Plastic Surgeon
The information provided is purely for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or create any physician/patient relationship. Results may vary between individuals.
