Liposuction is an effective procedure for achieving the body you want to have. By strategically targeting areas of unwanted fat, liposuction can sculpt and shape your ideal curves in ways that traditional diet and exercise cannot. While liposuction may not be as invasive or complex as heart surgery, it is still essential to properly prepare yourself for recovery—specifically, the first 24 hours.
Read on to learn precisely how liposuction is performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ryan A. Stanton and what to expect during the first 24 hours of your recovery.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that manually removes unwanted fat cells from the body. During the process, small incisions are made in the targeted areas that allow a thin tube called a cannula to be inserted and suction out unwanted fat cells. As long as you’re adequately healthy, one or more areas can be treated in a single session. Fat removal is quick and easy for some patients, but for others, it may require more extensive fat removal and sculpting.
After the fat has been removed, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and the treated area will be wrapped with dressing, treated with a specialized dressing called Topifoam®, and a snug form-fitted compression garment will be placed.
The First 24 Hours Post Liposuction Surgery
Immediately after surgery, you’ll be monitored in our recovery room until your release. Once you arrive home, it’s essential that you lie down and rest. You’ll wear compression garments that help hold the skin and tissue in place, reduce swelling, minimize bruising, and improve your final contours. Small drains may also be placed in the surgical sites to keep fluid from accumulating. Dr. Stanton will provide you with in-depth instructions on how to care for your incisions and drain sites.
You will likely experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort in the treatment area. With a proactive pain and nausea management plan, you can rest easier and better control your pain. During the first 24 hours, you must limit your movement to walking around your home; however, be sure to avoid stairs and lifting of any kind. Rest is the most important thing you can do in the first 24 hours.
Improve Your Liposuction Recovery with These Tips
Everyone’s recovery is different, but you can improve how your body can heal with these tips:
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Your body will use this fuel to repair the muscles and tissue damaged during surgery.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush away toxins from the anesthesia. Water will also help to settle your stomach and encourage regular bowel movements.
- Sleep as much as you can. When your body is resting, it can focus all its energy on healing from surgery. You’ll feel tired in the first 24 hours, but rest is important throughout your recovery.
- Don’t try to sneak a peek. Your incision will be carefully bound in gauze, Topifoam®, and a compression garment. Do not remove this compression garment in the first 24 hours, as you risk exposing your incision to bacteria in the air.
- Be sure to shower before your procedure because it may be a few days before you feel well enough to bathe.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Liposuction
Liposuction may be the solution you’ve been searching for if there are areas of your body that you’d like to reshape. During your consultation, Dr. Ryan Stanton will break down the details of your procedure and provide more personalized information about recovery. To learn more, reach out to our office at (310) 278-0077 or complete our consultation form below to get started.