A bit of slimming here, some reshaping there—using liposuction, you can remove excess fat and improve your body’s contours, allowing you to achieve physical goals that simply aren’t possible through diet and exercise alone. Laser-assisted liposuction is a popular, safe, and proven technique, but it is still important that you discuss the procedure with your doctor to ensure that you fully understand liposuction, its side effects, and the recovery process. Today, we’re focusing on the last bit of the equation: recovery. If you’re planning a laser-assisted liposuction procedure, be sure to check out the tumescent liposuction recovery tips that we’ve listed below.
Tumescent Liposuction Recovery Tips
Listen to your doctor. First and foremost, listen to your doctor’s instructions. Your recovery will depend greatly on the type of liposuction used, the area of the body treated, and the size of the treated area, so your doctor will be able to give you the most specific and pertinent advice. These post-procedure instructions might include compression garments, absorbent pads for draining fluids, and activity warnings. Listen carefully to all of your doctor’s tumescent liposuction recovery tips, and don’t hesitate to call him or her if you have any concerns.
Don’t drive. Unless you received a very small amount of liposuction (and were not sedated), you will not be able to drive after the procedure. Even if you feel well, the local anesthesia can cause drowsiness, which makes driving unsafe. Ask someone you trust to be available to drive you home afterward. They should have a flexible schedule on the day of the procedure, and you should have their phone number ready for the professionals at the clinic, so that they can contact the person when you are ready to go.
Take it easy. Following the procedure, you may find that your body is sore, tender, and bruised in the treated area. Luckily, the tumescent technique produces minimal discomfort when compared with other liposuction methods. To reduce your pain, try not to move around too much, take a little time off work, and avoid strenuous exercise. However, don’t lie in bed all day. Most doctors advise their patients to take slow and gentle walks, which will promote blood circulation and keep the body active. You can also take some plain old Tylenol to reduce your pain.
Reduce your body’s swelling. One of the most common side effects of liposuction is swelling. Your body will return to normal in time, but if you want to reduce the overall amount of swelling, try to stay hydrated, reduce your sodium intake, massage the treated area gently, and get lots of rest. Also, avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours.
Wear compression garments. Many doctors recommend that their patients wear compression garments after receiving liposuction. If yours does, wear the garments as directed. This accommodating clothing supports the skin tissue and helps it adjust to the effects of the procedure. It can also reduce the risk of swelling and skin looseness.
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Luckily, tumescent liposuction recovery is typically quick; most people find that they can return to work and their normal activities within 1-2 days. After the swelling goes down, you will be able to see the results of the procedure. Many clients can see an improvement in their body’s shape after just a week, but you’ll have to wait a few weeks or even months to see the final results. Remember that although liposuction is permanent, you must maintain a good diet and exercise routine if you want your body to retain its new shape.
If you’re interested in receiving tumescent liposuction and you live in Springfield, Missouri, contact DermaHealth. To help you sculpt and reshape your body, we offer tumescent laser-assisted liposuction. To learn more about our liposuction treatments, please give us a call at 417-447-7777 or click here to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!