Liposuction Recovery
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, so after surgery, you will be monitored in our recovery room until Dr. Keyes decides that you can be safely discharged. Since you will still feel the effects of the sedation and will likely feel a little sore, you will need an adult family member or friend available to drive you home.
Fluid drainage from the incisions is often common, so for the first few days, Dr. Keyes may choose to leave a small drainage tube beneath your skin to control this. You will also need to wear an elastic compression garment over the treated area for a few weeks to minimize swelling and help your skin shape into its new contour.
You can expect to experience mild pain, burning, swelling, and bleeding, along with potential temporary numbness. Dr. Keyes will prescribe medications to prevent infection, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain.
Patients should be able to resume work and their everyday activities about one week after the procedure. However, they should avoid vigorous activities such as exercise for several more weeks as directed.
You will be sent home with post-surgical care instructions, and following them with great care and precision is very important. Some of the more important instructions include wearing your compression garments 24/7 during your initial recovery to help reduce any swelling. You may take them off while you shower, but we encourage you to keep wearing them continuously until Dr. Keyes says it’s OK to stop. You should ensure that your garments are restrictive but not so tight that they cause blisters or make breathing difficult.
Another post-op instruction we encourage you to consider is a lymphatic drainage massage. Sometimes, after surgery, your lymphatic system tends to decrease the efficiency of lymph production, which can result in inflammation and other health issues. Your lymphatic system is part of your body’s defense mechanism, consisting of an internal network that works to maintain your body’s health; lymph is fluid that carries immune cells, proteins, hormones, toxins, and fatty acids. Massaging the areas of surgery will stimulate the flow of lymph and remove the toxins from your body at a faster rate.
Visit Celebrity Plastics E-Store to view recommended Liposuction recovery products.