Liposuction

(Will reduce localized areas of fat deposit)

Anesthesia:  General or sedation.

Location of operation:  Office or Hospital.

Length of surgery:  30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the extent of fat to be removed.

Length of stay:  Outpatient for small and medium volume; overnight for large volume.

Discomfort:  Varies from mild to severe. Anticipate 2-14 days of prescription pain medication.

Swelling:  Peaks within 3 days and dissipates over 2-6 weeks with majority of swelling resolved within 4-6 weeks. As swelling resolves, it will settle to lower parts of your body. For example, following liposuction of your thighs, your knees and ankles will swell temporarily Following liposuction of your abdomen, your genitalia will swell.

Bandages:  Removed in 1-4 days.

Stitches:  Will be removed in 5-7 days.

Drains:  If drains are placed, they will be removed in 1-2 days.

Support:  A Liposuction garment must be worn continuously for 1-4 weeks.
 

Work:  Most can return to work in 5-14 days, if they have stopped taking prescription medication. If your job requires lifting, wait 2-3 weeks.

Driving:  May be resumed after you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.

Exercise:  May be resumed in two to four weeks. Exercise within two weeks of liposcution will increase swellling and postpone your final result.

Final result:  Will be seen after swelling has fully subside in 2-6 months.