Liposuction Recovery: When can I get back to work after Lipo?
This is one of the most common questions we encounter from our patients. Liposuction recovery can vary from patient to patient. The answer depends on several factors such as:
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How many areas are you having treated with liposuction.
Usually the greater the number of areas treated with liposuction, the longer you may have to be out of work for your liposuction recovery. For example, liposuction of the arms may recuperate much faster than combining multiple areas (liposuction of the neck, stomach, back, love handles, legs). Having multiple procedures done together may also increase your recovery time.
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How well your body heals.
A big part of the liposuction recovery process has to do with how well your body heals. It is true that some people heal much faster than others. Even though it is not certain how or what makes you heal faster, for some patients the post-op period seems to go much smoother.
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Your diet and hydration.
We do know that people who have faster liposuction recovery times tend to have healthier eating habits. This typically means a diet low in salt and carbohydrates. Less salt helps your body to retain less fluid. Also, eating foods that are rich in antioxidants and maintaining good hydration help your body decrease inflammation and promote healing.
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If you can rest (but also how much you move around).
You do need to allow your body to rest by getting good sleep. That being said, most people who recover rapidly after liposuction tend to walk 10-15 minutes 4-5 times/day starting the day after their lipo. Moving around helps you get rid of excess fluid and promotes healing. This all adds up to a faster liposuction recovery.
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What you do for living.
How physically demanding your job is will certainly impact how much time you’ll need off of work. For example, a person who has a desk job may be able to return to work much faster than someone who works construction.
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The surgeon’s experience and which technology is used to perform your liposuction.
Your surgeon’s liposuction technique and experience, as well as the equipment used during your procedure, greatly influence your results. Your recovery and the potential risks associated with the surgery are also affected by these factors.
Most of our patients at Imagen Body Sculpting are back to work just 3-4 days after SmartLipo Triplex Liposuction. This is due, in part, to our extensive liposuction experience, attention to detail, close follow up during liposuction recovery and post procedural instructions. But above all, we always consider the best interests of our patients first.
Frank Soto León, MD is a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified through the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine. For more advice from Dr. Soto on SmartLipo or other cosmetic procedures please visit www.omahaliposuction.com where you can read his blog and see Before & After Photos of actual patients. If you have a question you would like to see answered as one of our blogs, let us know!
