Recovery time after a liposuction procedure varies greatly from person to person.  The area of the body that is targeted with the liposuction is one factor that affects healing.  Another is the type of liposuction.  A third is the type of anesthesia; overall, people who undergo liposuction with a local anesthetic only recover more quickly than those who have general anesthesia.  Immediately after the procedure, you should expect to feel groggy.  You should have someone available to drive you home and assist you for twenty four hours.  You will need pain medicine (usually acetaminophen or a stronger medicine prescribed by your surgeon), ice packs and help getting up the first several times.  Most people can expect to resume normal activities, like driving a car, within several days.  People who have undergone liposuction return to work usually in three to five days. Sexual intercourse can usually be resumed once any incisions have healed and the swelling and bruising has resolved.

What Can I Do to Help Myself Recover?

The best thing you can do to help with the healing process is follow your surgeon’s instructions as closely as possible.  You should take medications as directed to help control your pain and wear the constrictive undergarments that your surgeon recommends.  These undergarments will help with swelling and discomfort.  You should keep any follow up appointments you have with your surgeon and contact him if you notice anything out of the normal, like pain that is not controlled or bleeding. 

Consult with a Professional

Your surgeon will discuss with you options for pain control and the best ways you can help yourself heal.  An experienced plastic surgeon will be your best friend on the road to recovery after liposuction.