Vaser lipo recovery timeline
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery treatment both in the UK and across the world. It works by breaking down unwanted fat, resulting in a smoother, more contoured appearance.
However, after any liposuction procedure, it's important you know how to recover safely and effectively.
Below are some hints and tips to ensure a safe and successful recovery following your Vaser lipo procedure. You will be trying on your new clothes and booking your holiday to show off the new and improved you in no time!
Your post-surgery garment
With all liposuction procedures, compression garments are vital to your healing and results.
You will be instructed to wear your supplied compression garment (and 4D vest if applicable) on an individual basis and given the minimum length of time that you must wear the garment (usually around 4 weeks).
The garment will help you return to daily life sooner by reducing swelling, improving circulation and providing support. When removing or changing your garment it is normal to feel light-headed or faint so make sure you have someone there to help you for the first few days but you will soon become a pro at doing this yourself.
Leaking
Leaking can be expected for the first 24-48 hours and the leaking liquid will be light pink/orange or clear colour. Leaking, although unpleasant, is good for recovery as this will reduce swelling as your body is not holding this extra fluid. Be prepared to stock up on a mattress protector and have old sheets on your bed for the first few days. You will be supplied with some bed pads on the day of surgery.
Stick to dark and loose clothing for the first few days to feel more comfortable and ensure any leakage isn't obvious.
Eat and drink right during liposuction recovery
Drinking water with fresh lemon will help eliminate the toxins from your body and help reduce swelling. Think about healthy food choices to help maintain a healthy weight and BMI – plenty of fruit, veg and protein is a must!
Bloating and constipation
Bloating and constipation are normal following the days of your procedure and this can be made worse by the medication supplied by the clinical team the day of your procedure. We understand this can be uncomfortable so we advise you to eat food that is high in fibre, like opting for wholemeal or wholewheat flour-based bread or biscuits, fruit and veg, berries such as blueberries or raspberries, whole grain cereals such as Al-Bran or Weetabix.
You can always take over-the-counter laxatives/constipation relief tablets during the healing process, but we advise that you always read instructions and discuss them with your clinic nurse prior to doing so.
Exercise after liposuction surgery
As your recovery is a lot faster than traditional liposuction, you will be keen to get back to the gym or your regular exercise routine but you must follow the surgeon's advice to avoid vigorous exercise for at least 4 weeks. Despite this, we do encourage walking and light exercise, as it is very good to help circulation, which in turn will help to reduce swelling - and fresh air always makes you feel better.
Unexpected swelling
This is something regularly discussed on the MYA Space forum and by patients attending their post-op checks with the clinic nurses. You might be embarrassed or wonder if this is ok or normal. Don't worry, it is!
You can swell in the genital area depending on the area of your Vaser Lipo treatment. This is usually because this is the area the garment does not cover as this gap enables you to go to the bathroom with ease. This is short-term and everything will return to normal in time.
If you are concerned, don't hesitate to contact your clinic nurse or your board-certified cosmetic surgeon at MYA.
Patience is key during the recovery process
Similarly to other cosmetic procedures, you will see instant results but you will be swollen and swelling can increase for a few days. Final results can usually be seen at 6 weeks but you may still have areas of swelling, meaning it takes some patients up to six months to see their newly contoured body.
As long as you follow the pre and post-op instructions given to you at your initial consultation, along with these helpful hints, your recovery will have no surprises!
It's important to remember that the recovery process varies, so you should set realistic expectations and follow the guidance given by the MYA team.
If you're wondering 'is liposuction recovery painful', you don't have to worry too much. The added swelling and tightness can cause discomfort but the prescribed pain medication will take the edge off, allowing you to heal in peace.
