Liposuction Recovery: What to Expect After Laser Liposuction
For additional information, check out our Ultimate Guide to Laser Lipo.
Preparing for your laser lipo surgery is just as important as understanding how to care for your body post-op. In this blog, we will walk you through our most frequently asked questions from patients considering cosmetic treatment. If you have more questions about level-setting expectations after treatment, please reach out to us at your convenience.
What is the Recovery Process like After Laser Liposuction?
Recovering from laser liposuction involves a gradual process that spans several weeks. In the initial 24 hours following the procedure, wearing a compression garment provides comfort, although some discomfort may arise once the numbing medicines wear off after about 4 to 5 hours. Swelling and fluid leakage from the incisions are common during this time, as the excess fluid used during the procedure needs to be drained. It is normal to experience blood-tinged fluid for a few days. By days two to four, soreness may persist, comparable to the aftermath of an intense gym session, but it can be managed with Tylenol or prescribed pain medication. By this point, most patients begin to feel a sense of normalcy, wearing the compression garment continuously. It is recommended to wear the compression garment 24/7 for six weeks, with the exception of daily showers. Maintaining compression helps flatten and position the skin optimally. The second phase of recovery, occurring around weeks two and three, involves the body's healing response, including collagen production and scar tissue formation. At this stage, swelling may temporarily increase, causing the appearance of larger proportions. The later part of recovery, from weeks four to twelve, focuses on remodeling. Massages are often incorporated to address hard lumps and bumps that may come and go. These irregularities respond well to massage and are part of the natural healing process, involving collagen production, breakdown, and remodeling of the underlying scar tissue, ultimately leading to a better overall result.
Are There Any Restrictions or Considerations for Activities Post-Procedure?
During the initial week after surgery, avoiding any activities involving heavy lifting is important. When you lift heavy objects, your blood vessels become engorged with blood, increasing the risk of hematoma formation. However, after the first week, the risk of hematoma decreases significantly. This is when you can gradually resume gym activities and start lifting weights. In the first week, engaging in aerobic exercises such as jogging, walking, and cycling (both outdoors and on a stationary bike) is permissible, but heavy lifting should still be avoided. Once you reach weeks two and three of the recovery process, you can generally return to regular activities without any restrictions.
Are The Results of Laser Liposuction Permanent?
The recovery process after laser liposuction involves a fascinating understanding of the dynamics of fat cells. Generally, the number of fat cells remains relatively constant throughout our lives. We are born with a certain amount, and after puberty, this count remains more or less fixed. When we gain weight, the existing fat cells increase in size rather than in number. Each fat cell has a limit to how much it can expand, and once it reaches that threshold, it cannot store any more fat. So, when fat cells are removed through liposuction, they do not regenerate. Even if you were to gain weight later on, it would not accumulate in the area where the fat cells were removed. However, weight gain can occur in other areas of the body where fat cells are still present. This is generally not a cause for concern when it involves fat cells under the skin. For example, a close friend of mine, with whom I performed liposuction, gained weight after a trip to France and experienced an increase in breast volume. However, in some cases, weight gain can be risky if it occurs behind the muscles or around the organs. This is more common in individuals of Asian or Native American descent and is more likely to happen in men. Take my husband as a classic example; he had liposuction on his abdomen to sculpt his abs, and even when he gains weight, he still maintains a defined abdominal appearance, although the contours may be slightly altered.
What Are the Potential Risks or Complications Associated With Laser Liposuction?
When considering laser liposuction, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with any surgical procedure. Fortunately, the major risks such as infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions to anesthesia are relatively low, and we take extensive precautions to minimize these risks in our practice. Infections have been exceptionally rare due to our stringent infection control measures, and bleeding risks can often be managed, although certain patients taking blood thinners or with a history of blood clots might not be suitable candidates for surgery. Allergy risks to medications used during the procedure are difficult to predict since most individuals have already been exposed to these medications through previous dental treatments.
However, minor risks, while not life-threatening, are more common. These include contour irregularities, which can result in permanent lumps and bumps or uneven contours, intentionally created for aesthetic purposes, such as sculpting abdominal muscles. Skin color changes, specifically hyperpigmentation, can occur, particularly in areas where the laser is extensively used, though it is usually temporary. This is more prevalent in patients with darker skin tones. Burns from the laser are a significant risk, despite our use of goggles to protect the eyes during surgery.
Occasionally, the laser can cause burns on the skin's surface at the incision sites, resulting in scar formation. However, we offer scar removal at no additional cost if desired. Another minor risk is the development of seromas, which are fluid collections beneath the skin that can feel like water balloons. This is typically a consequence of removing the compression garment too soon but can be easily treated in our office. Hematomas, or blood clots, beneath the skin, can pose a problem as they can compromise the overlying skin if they grow. However, with early identification, we have successfully managed these cases without the need for additional surgery or hospital stays. Understanding and discussing these potential risks with your surgeon will help you make an informed decision about laser liposuction.
What is The Long-term Follow-up Process After Laser Liposuction?
The frequency of follow-up appointments after laser liposuction varies from person to person. Typically, most patients will have their first postoperative check-in with us on the day after surgery. During this call, we ensure that they are recovering well and feeling good. Then, we schedule a follow-up visit at the two-week mark, where about 80 to 90 percent of our patients find it unnecessary to be seen during the immediate recovery period. At the two-week appointment, our primary goal is to assess your healing progress and examine the incisions to ensure they are looking healthy. We also want to rule out any complications that could potentially jeopardize the desired outcome of the procedure, such as infections, drainage, seroma, or hematomas. Following the two-week visit, most individuals can schedule a follow-up appointment at the three-month mark. However, if any concerns arise along the way or if our patients feel the need for more frequent check-ins, we encourage them to contact us. We prioritize open communication and are always happy to see our patients more often if necessary to address their concerns and ensure a smooth recovery process.
If you're interested in Laser Liposuction, we recommend setting up an initial consultation. The treatment plan for candidates may vary based on their personal goals.
About Dr. Rivera
Dr. Rivera is a board-certified general surgeon and owner of The Ratio by Body Math in Columbia, SC. She received medical training at Yale University and completed her surgical residency at the University of Nevada. Dr. Rivera specializes in head and neck surgery and microsurgical reconstruction. She has published and presented her peer-reviewed research and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.