Liposuction recovery is an important process after the procedure during which the body heals and the results become more apparent. Liposuction is a procedure that targets stubborn fat deposits with the use of a specialized tube. Fat cells can be broken down in multiple ways, from being injected with a solution to the use of laser and ultrasound technology. Liposuction treatments are the second most commonly performed procedure in the country, making it a safe and reliable treatment for both men and women seeking a contoured, toned figure. (1) Due to the advancements made in modern technology, liposuction recovery has been made easier for individuals in a variety of ways.
John A. Millard, M.D., of Millard Plastic Surgery, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, specializing in Breast, Body, and Extremity Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Millard is nationally and internationally renowned for being a pioneer of VASER liposuction technology, the most advanced liposuction treatment available. Dr. Millard is dedicated to offering his patients the most advanced options in order to achieve stunning results with a smoother recovery.
To make a liposuction appointment with Dr. Millard and to learn more about the recovery process, please call our Denver office at (303) 792-5665 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
About Liposuction Recovery
Following a liposuction procedure, patients may experience soreness and discomfort at the treatment sites. For the first week of recovery, patients should make an effort to rest and refrain from excessive movement. We do, however, encourage gently walking to promote healthy blood flow.
Patients may see bruising and feel tenderness at the treatment site, but these symptoms can be mitigated with pain medications approved by Dr. Millard. Patients will be able to start participating in light activities after about a week after the procedure.
Patients will be able to start returning back to their daily activities after 2-4 weeks of healing. Patients with less intensive jobs may be able to return to work with Dr. Millard’s approval. Swelling and bruising will begin to subside at this point, but patients should still make an effort to avoid working out and other physically strenuous activities. Patients may start returning to physical activity after 4-6 weeks of healing, or until the majority of the swelling has already subsided. (2)
Patients will be able to enjoy the full results of their liposuction procedure anywhere between 6-12 weeks after their treatment, once the swelling has fully subsided and the treated areas have healed. By this point, patients will be able to enjoy their slimmer, contoured figure. Visible scarring will continue to fade over time.
Throughout the entire recovery procedure, patients should follow any and all instructions provided by Dr. Millard or another member of our team. Patients should also make an effort to eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. Patients who smoke will have to refrain from tobacco or nicotine consumption in any form throughout the entirety of their recovery, or until approved by Dr. Millard.
Types of Liposuction
There are a variety of methods used in liposuction treatments to help target unresponsive fat pockets in the body. At Millard Plastic Surgery, we only use the most trusted and advanced strategies in our procedures, offering our patients the most cutting-edge treatments to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.
VASER
Millard Plastic Surgery’s own Dr. John Millard is known in the field as a pioneer of VASER Hi Def Liposuction, the most advanced liposuction technique available to treat stubborn fat pockets. VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance and uses ultrasound technology to dislodge fat cells. A tumescent solution is first used to swell the fat deposits before the vibrations from the VASER probe breaks the fat cells down. After the fat cells are broken down, they are suctioned through a cannula. The VASER technology can differentiate other tissue from the fat cells, leaving the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues unharmed. The VASER liposuction technique is a very adaptable technique and can be used on most parts of the body.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is a technique often used during liposuction; the surgeon injects the fat with a mixture of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine into the targeted area to swell the fat cells before removing them. Epinephrine helps minimize bleeding in the treatment area while lidocaine helps numb the treatment area and makes the procedure more comfortable, and swelling the cells helps make it easier to remove them. After the fat cells have swelled sufficiently, a cannula is used to gently suction the fat out. Tumescent liposuction is one of the most common methods for liposuction treatments, and there are various methods that utilize the tumescent solution. (1)
SmartLipo
SmartLipo is a procedure that uses cutting-edge laser technology to not only remove pockets of fat, but to stimulate collagen production in the treatment area. A small laser is inserted into the incision, and the device heats the fat cells until they melt. The liquefied fat is then vacuumed out through a small cannula. The laser technology used in a SmartLipo treatment helps rejuvenate the skin and restore elasticity while effectively and precisely contouring the body.
To learn more about each type of liposuction treatment, as well as other treatments offered at Millard Plastic Surgery, please read Dr. Millard’s blog!
Candidates for Liposuction
Candidates interested in a liposuction procedure are often those who are experiencing excess pockets of fat that will not respond to dieting or exercise. Candidates should understand that liposuction is not a weight loss treatment, it is a body contouring procedure. Patients should already be at or near their ideal weight before considering liposuction. All candidates for liposuction should be in good health overall and free of any underlying diseases or health conditions that may impede the healing process. Candidates who smoke should understand that they will be asked to stop smoking about 6 weeks prior to their procedure, and they must refrain from smoking until fully healed.
To find out if you are a good candidate for liposuction, please call our Denver office at (303) 792-5665 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Personal Consultation
At Millard Plastic Surgery, we ask that each patient meet with Dr. Millard for a personal consultation prior to their treatment. At this consultation, each patient will have a discussion about each step of their procedure. Dr. Millard can address any potential questions or concerns at this time. He will also prepare any individualized preparation and recovery instructions so each patient can properly prepare beforehand. Patients will also be able to discuss the cost of their procedure. For patients interested in financing, our staff can walk you through the different payment options available.
To schedule a personal consultation at our Denver office, please call (303) 792-5665 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will respond back to you as soon as possible.
Cost of a Liposuction in Denver
The cost of each procedure is dependent upon each patient’s unique situation. Each liposuction treatment is a customized experience, tailored to help each patient meet their own individual body goals. At each patient’s personal consultation, Dr. Millard will discuss the full cost of each patient’s custom treatment plan and the payment options available. We are currently partnered with reputable companies to help our patients turn the cost of their procedure into affordable, monthly payments.
To unlock the cost of your liposuction procedure, please call our Denver office at (303) 792-5665 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will respond back to you as soon as possible. To learn more about the different available payment options, please visit financing.
FAQ
How long is liposuction recovery?
Liposuction recovery times can vary depending on the side of the treatment area and the techniques used. It can take up to 6 months for the body to completely heal after a liposuction treatment.
What do I need to know about liposuction recovery?
It is important to prioritize resting during your liposuction recovery. We recommend preparing your living space ahead of time, so that you have a comfortable place to recover after your procedure. You should stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and continue to refrain from smoking. Your surgeon will provide you with guidelines you should follow during your recovery.
Is liposuction recovery painful?
It is normal to experience discomfort, soreness, and swelling after a liposuction treatment. However, modern techniques have made liposuction more efficient in preserving surrounding tissues, which helps to lessen the recovery time. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medications to take during your recovery.
How much time should I take off for liposuction recovery?
We typically recommend returning to work after 2 weeks of recovery, although this time frame can vary depending on the patient.
References
- Wu S, Coombs DM, Gurunian R. Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2020;87(6):367-375. doi:https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.87a.19097
- Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:53-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024
