Liposuction at our Barrington, IL, plastic surgery center can be truly transformative and provide you with dramatic results almost immediately. However, you must do your part to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Achieving your desired results involves doing research on the entire surgical process, especially recovery.
Liposuction recovery is rapid. And because liposuction is an outpatient procedure, you will most likely return home on the day of your surgery. Patients who were under general anesthesia may need to remain under observation at our facility for up to a few hours before returning home. When you are discharged, a family member or close friend must drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours to help you around the house.
We typically recommend that our patients take off a few days from work. This is a great time to rest and take care of yourself. You may not drive until you are completely off any pain medication, so if you have young children, make sure to organize rides for them to school and other activities during the first couple days after surgery.
Start walking around the house the day of your procedure. Light movement during the beginning of your healing process will improve blood flow and speed up wound healing. Lack of activity can lead to constipation, blood clots, and other complications. Always listen to your body and respect your limitations in the first few days.
Mild bruising, swelling, and soreness are common during your first few days post-op. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions about wearing compression garments. These garments help reduce swelling and promote incision healing, which will help you enjoy your new contoured physique sooner.
During your recovery, it is especially important to eat simple, healthy meals. To maintain your slimmer, sculpted shape for years, continue packing your diet with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. You have made an investment in this surgery, and you can protect this investment by sticking to a balanced diet.
Avoid activities that put a strain on your body for at least 2 weeks. Overexerting yourself too soon can cause adverse effects. Gradually return to your normal exercise routines; start with low-impact exercises like riding a stationary bike, going on the elliptical, and swimming. Then you can slowly begin to incorporate running, weight lifting, and other higher-intensity activities.
Check out our gallery of real patient photos to get a better idea of your potential with liposuction. If you are interested in liposuction and want to learn more about your options, request a consultation online or call us at (847) 250-9193.