5 Proven Ways to Recover Faster After Having Liposuction

Plastic surgery is a significant decision no matter what specific procedure you’re having, and many patients find that the recovery phase can be the most challenging part of the process. One of the most frequently requested procedures is liposuction, which allows patients to have unwanted body fat removed from specific areas to slim their overall body shape and proportions. Removing this extra layer of fat from areas such as the upper arms, below the chin, and on the abdomen can make your bone structure and muscles seem more defined. The recovery timeline and experience will vary depending on the individual patient, so these details will need to be discussed with the surgeon beforehand. Patients will need to make arrangements in advance of their surgery to get any chores or errands out of the way and ask to take the necessary amount of time off from work and other engagements before they have liposuction. The Philadelphia area’s Cross Medical Group advises patients who are planning to have surgical fat reduction and unsure about what to expect to use these simple techniques for making their recovery smoother.

1. Get Your Home “Recovery Ready”

While you’re in recovery, you won’t be able to handle much activity and will likely feel weak and tired for at least a day or two. You need to recover in peace without having to worry about household chores and cleaning. Ensure that you have clean, freshly laundered sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, and comfortable clothes. Remove clutter, loose carpeting, electrical cords, or other furniture that could become tripping hazards. Set aside some small, pre-cooked, bland meals, and keep all of the things you’ll need—such as bottled water, pain medicines, and books or magazines—close at hand.

2. Eat Healthy Meals Regularly

Patients often feel nauseous and don’t have much appetite during the initial days of recovery, so they stick to bland, easily digested foods. With this in mind, eating a balanced diet is still essential for healing. Patients may want to increase their protein intake as it helps to heal post-surgical wounds and speeds up the regenerative processes of the body. Some good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, nuts, legumes, and red meat. Additionally, take a multivitamin, and make sure you’re staying hydrated to reduce the swelling and inflammation.

3. Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard

Even if you’re feeling okay or think you can deal with the discomfort, try to avoid becoming too active. You could hurt yourself or heal more slowly if you overdo it or engage in too much exercise too quickly. Resting up is essential, especially during the first stage of recovery.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential after surgery because your body has been through stress and trauma. When you’re sleeping, your body is able to heal and repair the tissues. However, many patients make the mistake of not getting enough sleep when they’re recovering, which can cause delayed healing. The first step is to identify what’s causing your insomnia. Sleep disturbances may often be caused by too much light, noise or disruptions, high levels of anxiety or stress, a room temperature that’s too high, eating foods that keep you awake, or taking certain medications before bedtime.

5. Go for Light Walks

Even though heavy lifting and intense workouts should be avoided, patients shouldn’t be scared of light activity such as gentle walks. Moving around a little will reduce the risk of blood clots, weakening of the muscles, digestive issues, and other complications, so try to avoid staying in bed all of the time, even if you feel sluggish. Walking will help you to heal at a faster rate without straining your muscles.

Learn more about the benefits of liposuction from the Philadelphia area’s Cross Medical Group. They can advise you on what to expect before and after the procedure. To explore different body contouring and surgical fat reduction options, give them a call at (215) 561-9100, or submit a contact form to request a consultation.