Liposuction Recovery Conveniently located to serve Santa Monica and Los Angeles

Even though liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the industry, liposuction recovery is often underappreciated. There are a number of aspects of the process that can affect the speed and quality of healing. Dr. Ralph A. Massey, a well-respected liposuction expert, ensures that all of his patients are educated regarding liposuction recovery in Santa Monica.

Liposuction Recovery

Depending on which areas of the body were contoured, the total recovery time after liposuction can be between three to six weeks. During this time, it will be vital to follow Dr. Massey’s post-surgical care directions as closely as possible. This will ensure a comfortable recovery process with a much lower chance of complications.

Anesthesia

When recovering after liposuction at other practices, patients often need to worry about the after-effects of general anesthesia. These can include nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, a sore throat, bladder issues, and chills. Patients are unable to drive for the next 48 hours.

However, at our practice, Dr. Massey does not use general anesthesia in order to avoid these side-effects and prevent potential surgical complications. Only local anesthesia is used. As a result, patients can enjoy a shorter and more comfortable recovery.

Bruising, Swelling, and Discomfort

Immediately following liposuction, patients must expect bruising, swelling, and minor discomfort. Because of this, wearing a compression garment around the treatment area will be necessary. This elastic garment encourages skin retraction and controls post-surgical swelling.

Applying a cold compress can also aid in reduction of bruising and swelling. To address discomfort, it may be necessary to take prescribed pain medication as directed.

Movement and Physical Activities

In the early stages of the patient’s liposuction recovery period, they need to be keenly aware of their energy levels. A lot of rest is necessary for the first week or two. If the patient is feeling tired, this could be a sign that they are not getting as much sleep as they need.

As such, bed rest will be required for the majority of their time healing. Because of this, it is important to prepare the patient’s room in advance in order to facilitate a comfortable and rapid recovery.

Short walks are recommended to help with blood circulation, which will then help shorten the recovery period. Patients can gradually extend the amount of time they spend taking these strolls, but they must not force it.

Patients can return to work after a few days. Strenuous activities must be avoided until patients are cleared to resume them.

What to Eat

Patients will be glad to know that they can still eat the usual types of food that they are used to during liposuction recovery. However, if patients start feeling discomfort after consuming salty or spicy food items, they may need to briefly change to options with less intense flavors.

Examples include plain rice, toast, broiled or steamed proteins, and yogurt. Hydration is also critical during this period, so patients must drink a lot of fluids, preferably water.

Taking Medication

Patients will be prescribed medication that they will need to take as they are recovering. Dr. Massey will talk to patients regarding specific dosage instructions. This is especially important when it comes to antibiotics, which need to be taken exactly as they are prescribed to prevent infections.

Caring for Incisions

Patients will be told when they can remove their bandages from their incisions, as well as how best to do so. They will also be told how to best take care of their incisions while they heal. At some point during their recovery, there will be no need for bandages anymore and patients will only need to wear compression garments.

General Hygiene

A shower is only permitted after a day or two following the liposuction, and only once patients are given the green light to do so. Likewise, patients will not be able to take full baths for at least two weeks.

Set Up a Consultation

To learn more about liposuction recovery in Santa Monica, patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ralph Massey. Contact our office today to arrange your personalized consultation.