thanks for your question!
The recovery process and downtime will depend on how extensive the liposuction is and on the individual.
Recovery process for full circumferential liposuction
If you undergo a full circumferential liposuction (such as liposuction of the whole back, frontal abdomen, hips, outer thighs and inner thighs), the recovery will be slightly longer.
The surgery time for such can go up to 4 to 5 hours, done under General Anesthesia in the hospital.
A minimum of 1 night stay is recommended.
Immediately after surgery, you would be given a pressure garment to wear to help reduce swelling and bruising. You would also be given medication for pain and anti-swelling.
You would then need to come back for a follow up visit to the clinic perhaps after 2 or 3 days after being discharged from the hospital.
During the follow up visit , you would be checked by the doctor and if there is any seroma (fluid pocket), it will be aspirated. You would also be taught how to do some light lymphatic drainage.
Your stitches would usually be removed within 4 days.
Bruising and swelling will usually subside within 7 to 10 days, and you can expect to start light exercise after 2 weeks.
Recovery for localized liposuction
If you were to undergo liposuction on a smaller area, such as localized area of hips, or thighs only , the recovery will bit faster. However, bruising or swelling will still take 7 to 10 days to subside.
Depending on how strong you are, you might feel strong and feel great the next day after surgery, or you might feel weaker (usually due to more extensive liposuction).
I normally recommend that pressure garments are worn close to 24 hrs a days for the 1st 2 weeks. After that, you can decrease the timing to 8 to 10 hrs for another 2 weeks or so.
I also tell my patients to continue lymphatic drainage for another month or so till the lipo area is smooth and not lumpy.
As for going back to work, it depends on what kind of work you do.
If your work is more desk bound, you should be able to get back to work after resting for up to 4 days.
If your work requires you to stand for long hours or run around, I would recommend that you take it easy on your 1st week to be ready back for work. As for exercising, most will be back to their routine within 10 days to 2 weeks.
