As you are recovering from liposuction surgery, it can be helpful to have some tips and tricks during the healing process. Recovery time is different for anyone and depends on various factors. However, there are a lot of things that anyone can do to make the recovery process go a little easier.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is important for recovery from liposuction. It’s recommended that you eat smaller, more frequent meals and snacks rather than three large meals a day. Eating foods high in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fat is also important. Protein helps your body to repair muscle fibers, while carbohydrates help you recover from the surgery by providing energy for your body’s cells to function properly. Fat helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, which are essential for healthy skin.

It’s also important not to skip meals after liposuction because this can lead to nausea during recovery. If you suffer from nausea or vomiting after surgery, it’s best to ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications until the symptoms subside.

Wear a Compression Garment

You should wear a compression garment for at least two weeks after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and bruising and aids in the healing process. This garment is similar to an athletic supporter but is made with elastic material instead of nylon or cotton. The garment will help prevent blood clots from forming in the treatment area and helps to reduce swelling.

Walk Regularly

Take frequent walks after your liposuction surgery. Walking will help improve blood flow to your muscles and allow them to heal faster. Start with short walks around the house a few days after surgery and gradually increase their length as your body allows it.

Drink Plenty of Water

You will lose some fluids during surgery, so drinking plenty of water after the procedure is important to prevent dehydration. In addition, keeping yourself well-hydrated helps your body flush out blood clots and other unwanted materials from your system more quickly.

Get Enough Rest

When you have surgery, your body needs time to heal, so try not to overdo it physically during the first few days after liposuction. If you feel tired or weak, take naps whenever possible rather than pushing yourself too hard. This will help speed up the recovery process by giving your body time to repair itself without having to handle added stress or strain.

Have Someone Help You

Have someone around to help you for the first few days after surgery and don’t be afraid to ask for help with small tasks. You will most likely need someone’s assistance with getting dressed, going to the bathroom, taking medicine, and preparing meals during this period. For two weeks, you should avoid lifting anything over 10lbs and not bend at the waist, especially if you received liposuction on your stomach. This includes bending to lift children or groceries.

Do Not Smoke or Drink Alcohol

Smoking and drinking alcohol before or after surgery increases your risk of bleeding or developing an infection before and after the procedure. Alcohol will also dehydrate you and can interact poorly with prescription pain medications.

Take Pain Medication As Necessary

Mild discomfort after liposuction is common so your doctor can prescribe pain medication if you need it. However, most people find that over-the-counter pain medications work well enough to manage their discomfort until it subsides. If you still have significant pain after 24 hours following your procedure, talk to your doctor about prescribing stronger pain medications until this improves.

Schedule a Consultation

Liposuction can be a life-changing procedure for patients struggling to lose fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. To learn more about liposuction surgery, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wendell Perry.