Downtime:10 days
Post-care:Wear compression garments as directed (typically for several weeks 24/7, then part-time) to reduce swelling, support healing tissues, and help skin conform to new contours. Expect bruising, swelling, and soreness, managed with prescribed or recommended pain medication. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and prevent blood clots; avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks or as advised by your surgeon. Keep incision sites clean and dry; follow specific instructions for showering and wound care. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Maintain a stable weight with a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise) to preserve long-term results. Report any signs of infection (e.g., fever, increased redness, warmth, pus-like discharge, worsening pain), excessive bleeding, or other complications to your surgeon immediately.
Risks:Potential risks include bruising, swelling, pain, infection, bleeding, and scarring at incision sites. Specific to liposuction: contour irregularities (lumps, waves, divots), asymmetry, skin laxity or sagging (especially if pre-existing skin elasticity is poor), temporary or permanent numbness or changes in skin sensation, seroma (fluid collection under the skin), hematoma (blood collection), and skin discoloration. More serious but rare risks include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs), fat embolism (fat clot in lungs or brain), skin necrosis (skin death), damage to underlying structures (nerves, blood vessels, muscles, organs), lidocaine toxicity (if tumescent fluid limits are exceeded), and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Results may not perfectly match expectations, and revision surgery may sometimes be necessary.