Liposuction surgery and recovery

One or more incisions will be made near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are placed in natural folds or contour lines of the skin where they will be less noticeable. A cannula (a slim, hollow tube) is placed through the incision into the underlying fat. The cannula is connected to a suction pump and the surgeon moves the cannula back and forth through the fat, vacuuming it into the tube.

Local or regional anesthesia is used during liposuction. Your physical status is monitored throughout your procedure and during recovery.

After your procedure, you will be taken to recovery. Small drainage tubes may be placed beneath the skin. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe medication for discomfort. A specially designed compression garment or elastic bandage may be placed over treated areas to control swelling and promote healing. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how long you need to use these items.

You may be encouraged to get out of bed shortly after surgery. If multiple areas are treated, you may be asked to remain in bed for one day to two days.

Patients recover from surgery at different rates. More extensive surgery requires more recovery time. Below is a general timeline for recovery.

• During the first week, swelling reaches a peak, then gradually goes down. Stitches will be removed and you can return to nonstrenuous work.
• After several weeks, bruises fade and disappear. Numb areas will regain sensation, and swelling will continue to go down. Most normal exercise and activities can be resumed.
• You will notice a difference in your body's shape very soon after surgery. When fluid retention and swelling go down, improvement will be very noticeable. For most patients, final results are evident after three months.

Your results will be permanent if you maintain your postoperative weight. You may find if you gain a few pounds, the weight is distributed more evenly than settling in former trouble spots.

You will visit your surgeon for a postoperative check, when your progress can be evaluated. Your surgeon may ask you to schedule periodic checkups to monitor long-term results.