Tips to Recover More Quickly from Lipo Suction

Liposuction is the third most popular cosmetic plastic surgery in the United States. According to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, 210,552 people received the procedure in 2014. This is a 5% increase from the previous year. Liposuction has become incredibly popular because it is one of the easiest ways for people to lose weight.

Recovery Tips from Liposuction Surgery

However, it is still a surgery that requires recovering afterwards. Here are some tips to make the recovery more bearable.

Get Plenty of Fluids

Dehydration can make recovering from any surgery more difficult. You need plenty of fluids to keep your immune system strong. Experts at WebMD say that you will need to drink enough water to keep your kidneys functioning properly. This is even more important after a surgery.

Minimize Stress

Stress can be toxic and overwhelming in today’s hectic work environment. You may want to consider taking at least a few days off work to rest after liposuction. Keep in mind that you did just undergo a major surgery, even if it was a cosmetic procedure.

Avoid Exposure to Water

You need to avoid getting your wound wet after any type of surgery. It is best to use a sponge bath rather than showering or bathing and avoid swimming.

Change Bandages Regularly

You need to keep your bandages fresh and sterile to prevent infection. Your surgeon will give you some tips on how often they should be changed and what types of bandages to use.

Avoid Excessive Sodium

Sodium keeps your blood pressure high, which can create excessive pressure on your wounds. You will want to minimize this risk by eating foods that have less sodium. Try to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods and red meats.

Use Stretching Exercises

Stretching is a good way to improve circulation, which helps repair damaged tissue. You will want to do some light stretches while recovering. However, you need to make sure that the stretches don’t create any tension around the site of your wound. Speak with your surgeon to find out what stretches will work the best.

Wear Light Clothing

You want to wear light clothes that allow your skin to breathe and don’t create too much friction around the wound. This is especially important if it is hot and humid where you live, because perspiration can make it difficult to keep your wound sterile. The most important thing is to be comfortable.   

Consider Your Surgical Options First

You need to consider all of your options before choosing a liposuction treatment. Some surgeons such as SmartLipo use body sculpting instead of weight loss. You may find that this is a better option if you are happy with your weight, but want to change the contours of your body.  You can avoid the recovery challenges of liposuction if you go that route.

If you do need liposuction, then you may want to find a less intensive option. Speak with your surgeon to find out what your options are.