Department of Surgery
Strong Health's Specialists in Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery
Recovery After Liposuction
Immediately Following Surgery
How fast you recover depends on how extensive a procedure you had. In general, you should walk around as soon as possible to reduce swelling. You may find some fluid leaking from the incisions after surgery, and a small drainage tube may have been put under your skin for a few days.
After A Few Weeks
You may wear an elastic compression garment over the treated areas for a few weeks to reduce swelling, and take antibiotics to prevent infection. Though you should rest for a day or two after surgery, and may feel some pain, burning or numbness, you should be able to go back to work within a week. During that time, your stitches will dissolve or be removed and the swelling should begin to go down. Most of the swelling will disappear after three weeks or so, though some may remain for several months. You’ll avoid strenuous activity for a month or so.
Healing is Slow - But Results Are Great
Many people feel depressed for a while after plastic surgery, especially in the early days when the results of the surgery aren’t apparent. This is quite normal and will pass. Healing is slow and gradual and sometimes the final results aren’t obvious for several months. But remember why you chose to have the surgery. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.