Liposuction Recovery Tips
With year-round sunshine, Miami, FL is always swimsuit season! It’s a great feeling to always be ready to look and feel your best in a swimsuit and summer wardrobe. But, despite a consistent workout routine and strict diet, stubborn fat that remains on your hips, belly, and thighs that just won’t go away can be frustrating. To get rid of this problem, you may be considering liposuction, which is a very popular, customizable, cosmetic procedure. Its amazing ability to sculpt and get rid of excess fat almost any area of the body results in dramatic improvements.
Before your liposuction procedure, you will want to ensure that you have selected a qualified plastic surgeon. In the Miami area, Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in liposuction. His exceptional training and vast experience make him a leading expert in the field. Dr. LaGrasso has helped countless men and women achieve a slimmer, more contoured look through liposuction. During the consultation, he guides his patients through the entire process, including ways to maximize your outcome. Here are some helpful tips to follow to help ensure a smooth recovery so that you can enjoy your new look sooner!
Follow post-op care instructions
Before you undergo liposuction surgery, Dr. LaGrasso will provide you with specific post-operative care instructions and a follow-up appointment schedule. It is essential that these instructions and appointments be followed as closely as possible to ensure progressive healing. These instructions are usually tailored to your specific health history. They will also include critical information regarding wound care, pain management, and potential warning signs to watch for. Any surgery poses potential risks so it is imperative to be aware and share any concerns you may have.
Wear your compression garment
Wearing your compression garment after liposuction is crucial in the healing process. Although this garment may be uncomfortable and hot, especially in Miami, it should initially be worn at all times except in the shower. We will let you know when you may stop wearing it during your follow-up appointment. This garment adds pressure to the outside of your body along the incision areas, which aids in the reduction of swelling and bruising and improved circulation as you heal.
Avoid blood thinners
Dr. LaGrasso will provide you with a list of medications and herbal supplements to avoid prior to and post-surgery. These medications and supplements, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, thin the blood and may cause additional swelling or unwanted bleeding. It is also wise to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use until doctor clearance has been given.
Fuel your body
It is important to stay hydrated after the procedure. Your body will naturally be swollen for a few days. In warmer climates like Miami, it is important not to become dehydrated. After having liposuction, the fat cells that were removed during surgery will not return. However, that does not mean that new fat cells will not form. While gaining fat in the treated areas is not easy, it can happen. This is why maintaining a healthy diet will help to ensure and enhance the long-term effects of the treatment.
Get plenty of rest
Your body will need time to heal from surgery. It is not uncommon to feel achy and sore for a few days after your procedure. Make sure to follow a light or cleared schedule for a few weeks following the procedure to allow yourself plenty of time to fully recover. While everyone recovers at a different rate, give yourself ample time to get back on your feet. Our team will guide you as to when you may resume normal activities, especially more rigorous ones such as exercise.
Walk around
Early in your recovery it is important to move around. Light walking can aid in reducing swelling and the risk of blood clots, which can sometimes occur after any surgery. It can also help you feel “more human” by adding back some sort of exercise routine. However, strenuous exercise should be avoided until the doctor gives you clearance. As an added bonus, you may see the results from exercise more quickly since there will be less fat on your body.
Avoid swimming
The weather may be warm in Miami and you may be longing to take a dip in the pool but hold off until your doctor says you can swim. Most bodies of water including lakes, pools, oceans and hot tubs contain trillions of microorganisms. Bacteria found in these waters can potentially put you at risk for infection at your incision site if you are not fully healed.
Be patient
You may be feeling great a few weeks post-surgery and ready to show off your new body but you may still be noticing some swelling. Be patient with yourself. Your new you is in progress! Some swelling and side effects of the surgery will still be felt at 12 weeks. In fact, six months is really the end goal where you should be able to see faded scars, reduced residual swelling has subsided and the appearance of a new contoured shape. At this point, you will be able to fully appreciate all the results of your surgery.
Whether you want to target belly fat, flanks, hips, thighs, buttocks, or any other troublesome areas, sometimes diet and exercise are just not enough when it comes to tackling stubborn fat. Liposuction is an excellent option for patients who need a helping hand getting the slimming results they desire. Taking care of yourself after surgery will help to ensure a smoother and easier recovery time leading to the results you want! We invite you to schedule a consultation with Miami, FL board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso who can discuss the liposuction procedure in detail and assist you in obtaining your sculpted results.