Coming Home after Liposuction: What you Need to Know
Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.
The recovery period after liposuction is one of the most important factors in achieving your goal results. Patients should be well-prepared for their surgery, but it’s crucial that they also understand what to do when they come home after liposuction. Here are a few tips for your liposuction recovery process.
Ask for Post-Op Instructions
The most important thing you can do as a patient is listen to and follow your surgeon’s directions for the recovery process. This will help reduce your healing time and allow you to reach better results and avoid complications such as infection.
For your recovery process, Dr. Angelchik will likely advise you to wear a compression garment to help alleviate swelling as you heal. In addition, he will give you detailed instructions regarding medications you should take, including painkillers or antibiotics, and how to care for incision sites. Finally, be sure to follow Dr. Angelchik’s recommendations regarding when you can safely return to specific activities, including your regular work or school routine and exercise.
Driving Home after Liposuction
After liposuction, you will not be able to drive yourself home, assuming that you have had general anesthesia or IV sedation. You will be groggy and likely disoriented after the procedure is complete. For this reason, it is important to arrange for a ride home. Many patients choose to have a trusted family member or friend with them for the procedure who can then drive them home when the liposuction is complete. This person can also be helpful attending to some of your needs during the early stages of recovery. Dr. Angelchik recommends against using a taxi or ridesharing service to get home after your procedure, because it is so beneficial to the patient to have a caregiver after liposuction, especially for the first few hours following the surgery.
At-home Recovery After Liposuction
The first day after liposuction is your time to rest and relax. Some patients are tempted to be more active than they should be immediately after the surgery because they still feel somewhat numb, but it’s important to just rest on the first day. Plan ahead to binge-watch your favorite movies or TV shows and take plenty of naps. While you should be resting most of the time, it’s important to gently move around every hour or so to maintain proper circulation. Take a walk throughout your house about every hour.
During the first three to five days after liposuction, you should be careful to stay hydrated and avoid salty foods and alcohol. Lightly massaging the treatment areas can also help alleviate swelling. Finally, remember to take medication as directed and wear your compression garment, which helps shape the body as your tissues heal in the desired position and alleviate swelling.
Exercising After Liposuction
Returning to exercise after having liposuction depends on the rate at which you heal. Dr. Angelchik will monitor your healing during follow-up appointments and let you know when it is safe to resume certain activities. Remember that it’s important to get up and walk throughout your house at least once an hour as soon as you return home from the procedure.
Generally, patients can start exercising again two weeks after liposuction. Start slow and pay close attention to how you feel during the exercise. If something is painful or uncomfortable, you should stop and wait to heal further.
Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a consultation for liposuction, call Dr. Angelchik’s Glendale, Arizona office at (602) 375-8888. If it is more convenient for you, you may also request your appointment online.
