How to Improve Healing After Liposuction (Part 1)
12 Steps to Faster Healing & Less Downtime After Liposuction
Liposuction is a quite commonly performed permanent fat loss procedure – with more than 250,000 lipo procedures performed in the United States every year. The reason for liposuction’s popularity is the amazing body contouring that takes place – giving people the body they haven’t been able to attain with diet or exercise.
And, while the downtime with liposuction is relatively short (and the pain is relatively minimal), lipo is a surgical procedure that does 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.
Patients should never try to “rush” recovery, but there are certain steps one can take to help the body’s natural healing process along. In this article, board-certified Troy, MI area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali explains some steps you can take to help minimize soreness and accelerate the healing of bruising and swelling after liposuction.
#1. Follow the Liposuction Surgeon’s After Care Instructions
This is the most important step to proper and rapid healing. Your surgeon’s advice may be different than general information found on the Internet.
#2. Wear Your Compression Garment After Liposuction as Instructed
You will be provided with a compression garment and instructions on when to wear it. Your compression garment will help reduce swelling, help the skin contract back into place, minimize discomfort and reduce the likelihood of developing blood clots. Always wear it as instructed!
#3. Avoid Smoking After Liposuction
Smoking interferes with the body’s healing mechanisms and can lead to a slow recovery as well as increase the risks of complications. Smoking also compromises a patient’s immune system which increases the risk of infection at the incision site.
Even smoking just a single cigarette decreases the body’s ability to deliver the nutrients that are necessary for healing after surgery.
#4. Avoid Alcohol After Liposuction
Alcohol, even in moderation, can also interfere with the body’s ability to reduce the inflammation.
Alcohol is also a natural blood thinner, so it can lead to increased bleeding and swelling during surgery – and in the days and weeks following liposuction. And excessive bruising and increased swelling cause more pain and delay healing time.
#5. Increase Protein, Fruits and Vegetables After Liposuction
Proper healing requires good nutrition – especially sufficient protein intake. Fish such as salmon, chicken, nuts, and beans are all excellent sources of protein. Apples, berries, bananas, and an assortment of colorful vegetables will also supply the body with the nutrients it needs to heal.
Salt intake should also be reduce after liposuction – as salt encourages water retention which aggravates swelling. And more swelling means both more pain and a longer time until you see results! This also means NO sports drinks (like Gatorade), vegetable juice (like V8), or other high salt-content drinks.
#6. Supplements May Help Heal After Liposuction
Starting Arnica supplements before liposuction and continuing it for several weeks afterwards can aid in healing.
After lipo surgery Bromelain supplements may also be beneficial. Clinical studies have shown that Bromelain may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain after surgery. One 200-milligram bromelain tablets taken twice a day is the typically recommended dose for post surgical patients. But ask your liposuction team if and when Bromelain is right for you. Bromelain generally works best when taken on an empty stomach.
Turmeric supplements – or use of the spice turmeric in your food – may also assist in reducing inflammation. 400 to 600 milligrams (mg) of turmeric up to three times per day is the generally suggested dose for inflammation relief.
But always heck with your surgeon to ensure that these – or any post-surgery supplements you wish to take – are safe for you.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIPS ON SPEEDING UP LIPOSUCTION HEALING
Liposuction | Troy, MI Area
Liposuction can be truly life-changing for most patients. And our Troy, MI area 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 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!
