What to Expect During Your Liposuction Recovery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Posted on November 16, 2017 under Liposuction

Liposuction cosmetic surgery in Virginia, Maryland, and other areas can be performed using various techniques, depending on the circumstances of a case. The recovery period will also vary from one patient to another due to several factors such as the number of areas and the extent of surgery, the choice of surgical technique, and the patient’s natural healing ability.

Cosmetic Surgery Associates, with offices in Bethesda, MD and McLean, VA, provides liposuction plastic surgery in Maryland, Virginia, and other procedures to patients in Northern Virginia, Fairfax, Alexandria, VA, Chevy Chase, Rockville, MD, and surrounding communities.

Liposuction Recovery Period

Busy mothers and working people are typically concerned about the downtime involved in liposuction. Most patients who receive liposuction cosmetic surgery in Maryland, Virginia, and other places will be able to return to their workplace after a week. However, the nature of work in the first few days should not involve excessive physical activity or strain. In a few cases, particularly where extensive liposuction has been performed in multiple areas of the body, the downtime may go up to 15 days.

Once the liposuction plastic surgery in Virginia, Maryland, or other places is completed, the surgeon will cover the incision areas with a bandage. The patient may have to use a compressive garment for a few weeks to promote healing and minimize the swelling. Initial swelling and bruising will subside quickly, but swelling will be eliminated only after several weeks or months.

Dr. Franklin Richards and Dr. Dean Jabs at Cosmetic Surgery Associates will provide detailed recovery instructions and support to patients in Northern Virginia, Fairfax, Alexandria, VA, Chevy Chase, Rockville, MD, and nearby areas.

Instructions for Recovery

Detailed post-op care instructions will be provided to the patient before they leave the surgical facility. If the patient adheres to the surgeon’s instructions and guidance, the recovery will be faster and safer. The following issues will be covered in the instructions:

  • How to take care of the temporary drains and the delicate wounds in the first week.

  • Prescription for pain medications and antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection during recovery.

  • Signs and symptoms to watch out for, if the recovery is hampered, and when and where to contact the surgeon.

  • Appointment for the first follow-up visit for a check-up and removal of drains and sutures.

What to Ask the Surgeon

An experienced plastic surgeon will encourage the patient to ask questions and clarify all their doubts and concerns regarding recovery and estimated downtime. The patient may ask these questions before the surgery to prepare accordingly, and even after the procedure is completed. Some of the key questions may include:

  • Should the patient arrange for the help of someone at home for the first one or two nights?

  • When to take a bath and how to care for the compression garment?

  • When the sutures and drains may get removed?

  • When is it safe to go back to work or resume regular activities and exercises at home?

Recovery will be relatively faster when the surgeon employs the tumescent technique during the liposuction surgery.

If you would like to learn more about plastic surgery procedures performed by Plastic Surgeons Franklin D. Richards, M.D. and A. Dean Jabs, M.D.  please visit https://cosmeticplastics.com/  or  http://breastaugmentationmd.com/

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Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers