Liposuction removes stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise alone, but this minimally invasive surgery requires some downtime. Patients typically experience soreness for two to four weeks and need to take about a week off of work to rest and recover. As your body heals, it’s normal to experience mild swelling for up to three months.
At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, many of our liposuction patients are eager to get back to their active lives. If you’re looking forward to a slimmer, more contoured physique but aren’t excited about putting your life on pause, follow these tips to ensure your recovery is as quick and easy as possible.
1. Skip the Gym but Keep Moving
Intense exercise in the early stages of recovery will increase swelling and your risk for injury, but that doesn’t mean you should be completely sedentary. On the day of your surgery, you can walk and climb stairs to reduce your risk of complications. You should continue to walk at least three times to promote healthy blood flow. Most patients can reintroduce moderate activity about a week after surgery and aerobic exercises after three weeks.
2. Ditch Your Vices
The worst thing for surgical recovery is smoking, followed closely by alcohol consumption. Both can impede wound healing, worsen bleeding, and interfere with medication. Ditch both vices to ensure a smooth recovery.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet and Drink Plenty of Water
Give your body a helping hand in recovery by piling your plate with fresh produce and protein. Vitamin C-rich foods can also help your body make collagen, so stock up on citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, and calciferous vegetables. Add six to eight cups of water to the mix to boost circulation.
4. Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-operative Instructions
Our board-certified plastic surgeons will provide post-operative instructions. These include wearing compression garments for the first few weeks, avoiding certain medications, and when you can return to certain activities. Follow them to the letter to ensure speedy healing.
Schedule Your Denver Area Liposuction Consultation
While we know recovery isn’t the most enjoyable thing in the world, our patients tend to rave about their stunning results and say liposuction is well worth the downtime. If you’re ready to enjoy a more sculpted physique, call 303-706-1100 to book your consultation at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery in Lone Tree, Colorado.
