How to Improve Healing After Liposuction (Part 2)
12 Steps to Faster Healing & Less Downtime After Liposuction
With more than 250,000 liposuction surgeries performed in the United States every year, it is a safe and effective way to get the body you’ve always wanted.
But while the downtime associated with liposuction is shorter than many surgeries – and the pain is relatively minimal – lipo is still a surgical procedure that will require time for healing and recovery. As with any surgery there will be some bruising and discomfort for a number of days or a few weeks afterward. And, liposuction swelling can last from 6 weeks to 6 months before fully absorbed.
In this two part article article, board-certified Troy, MI area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali shares 12 steps you can take to help minimize discomfort and speed up the healing of bruising and swelling after liposuction.
CLICK HERE FOR PART 1 of TIPS TO SPEED UP LIPOSUCTION HEALING
#7. Topical Creams Reduce Pain, Bruising & Scarring
Applying Arnica Cream is recommended by many plastic surgeons after liposuction to reduce bruising and promote healing.
Emu Oil, though more expensive, is also touted as a natural healing compound that can reduce pain, improve circulation, facilitate healing, and especially reduce any scarring. Clinical studies have determined that post-operative skin care treatment with Emu Oil can accelerate healing due to its ability to reduce inflammation and redness of scars.
Ask your liposuction team when it is safe after surgery for you to use these creams and oils.
#8. Stay Hydrated After Liposuction
We may be stating the obvious, but hydration is a key component of successful liposuction recovery. Fluids help the body eliminate anesthetic and dead fat cells from one’s system. Hydration is also essential to reduce swelling and promote healing.
#9. Get Plenty of Rest After Liposuction
Getting plenty of sleep and not overdoing activity in the first few weeks following your liposuction is one of the best ways to help your body heal. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night, and take a nap, chill out, or medicate midday if you are fatigued.
#10. Walk Every Day After Liposuction
Exercise is not recommended during at least the first 6 weeks of liposuction recovery, but light movement multiple times a day can help to speed the body’s healing. Taking short walks a few times per day is a great way to get moving without straining your body or exhausting yourself.
After two or three weeks milder activities such as yoga or swimming can often be resumed as well, if incisions are fully healed. Ask your liposuction team when you mave resume these activities. But sooner is usually better, to keep the body active!
#11. Ask for Help When You Need It After Liposuction
Some daily activities are best left to others while you recovery – so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it after lipo. Activities such as lifting small children, carrying laundry up the stairs, or unloading groceries from the car can put too much strain on your treatment area. So, ask a family member or friend for help when necessary – especially during the first few weeks after lipo!
Your liposuction team can advise you when you resume normal daily activities such as lifting, carrying, exercising and other strenuous activities.
#12, Massage After Liposuction
Finally, both self-massage and lymphatic drainage massage performed by a professional can help eliminate fluid buildup, hard stops and “lumps & bumps” after liposuction. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is a specialized form of massage that is believed to decrease recovery time and improve results by reducing post-surgical swelling and minimizing fibrosis (scar tissue formation). Three to five lymphatic massage treatments are typically recommended for optimal results, but patients may experience benefits from as few as one or two treatments. Your surgical team may be able to recommend a Certified Lymphatic Massage therapist in your area.
Gentle self-massage using a cream (like arnica or Emu Oil) or a body butter can also help your treated areas heal smoothly as well as reduce swelling, tightness, and discomfort after liposuction. Your liposuction team can advise you when and how often self-massage or professional massage should be started.
Liposuction | Troy, MI Area
Liposuction permanent fat removal can be truly life-changing for patients. And our Troy, MI area liposuction patients universally agree that the discomfort and limitations of recovery from lipo surgery are more than worth it to get the body they have always wanted.
Following these twelve simple steps can help you minimize discomfort and accelerate healing so that you see a slimmer, more contoured body as soon as possible after lipo.
If you live in the greater Troy, MI area and would like to get the body you have always wanted, schedule a liposuction consultation at AMAE Plastic Surgery today!
