If you’re considering liposuction, you likely have questions. Below, I’ll answer top patient questions about the postoperative period of this popular procedure, from “When can I lift weights after liposuction?” to other recovery considerations.
1. What Is the Typical Liposuction Recovery Time?
Your recovery instructions and timeline will vary greatly depending on the areas treated and the extent of your treatment. Most patients return to work in about 3 to 7 days.
Results are immediately visible and continue to improve as swelling decreases. Most of the swelling is gone 6 weeks post-surgery. Learn more about liposuction recovery from The Aesthetic Society.
2. Will I Have Scars After Liposuction?
Liposuction scars are a natural consequence of the procedure. That being said, they’re very short and thin and are placed as discreetly as possible. Your scars will fade over time and will be barely perceptible.
3. Can Liposuction Help Me Lose Weight?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure—not a weight loss treatment. It’s best if you’re close to your ideal weight and looking to remove stubborn, unwanted fat from localized areas. If you want to drop weight all over the body, a weight loss program is likely a better fit.
Even if liposuction can’t help you lose weight directly, it may make it easier and more enjoyable to stick to a fitness routine. Learn more about the motivating effects of plastic surgery in our related blog post.
4. What Areas Can Liposuction Treat?
Liposuction can shape and sculpt many areas of the body, including the:
- Abdomen
- Neck
- Under the Chin
- Ankles
- Face
- Hips
- Thighs
- Lower Back
- Arms
- Buttocks
Liposuction is also key to reshaping the body through fat transfer procedures such as a Brazilian butt lift. After unwanted fat is removed from one area (such as the thighs or belly), it is purified and injected into other areas that need additional fullness, such as the buttocks, face, or breasts.
View liposuction before-and-after photos in our gallery.
5. CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction: How Do They Compare?
Liposuction is an effective option for removing unwanted fat and shaping the body, allowing the surgeon to shape and sculpt a specific area for beautiful results. Surgery isn’t for everyone, however, and my practice offers a nonsurgical body contouring treatment called CoolSculpting.
This treatment uses controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells without damage to the surrounding tissues. It requires no downtime after treatment. During your consultation, my team and I will listen to your concerns and goals and work with you to determine the best procedure for your needs.
6. Can I Get Pregnant After Liposuction?
Liposuction won’t interfere with your ability to conceive or give birth. However, pregnancy after liposuction could affect your results, depending on the area of the body where the procedure was performed. If you’re looking to grow your family in the near future, you may want to consider postponing liposuction until after your family is complete.
7. When Can I Lift Weights After Liposuction?
While you may be feeling energetic and ready to dive back into your routine after the first week of recovery, you’ll need to take it easy and let your body heal. Healing rates vary, but most patients can resume moderate intensity exercise after a month, with full intensity workouts resuming 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon can advise you on the specifics of your recovery timeline.
8. Can I Walk on the Treadmill After Liposuction?
I encourage my patients to take slow, gentle walks as soon as they feel able to help with circulation and healing. However, you’ll need to wait a while longer before you can raise the intensity of your workout or introduce any additional elements to your walking regimen, such as weights, increased speed, or incline. Since every patient is different, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s recommendations about adding exercise back into your routine.
9. When Can I Drink Alcohol After Liposuction?
Alcohol consumption can slow your healing. The general recommendation is to abstain from alcohol for at least 2 weeks before and after your liposuction procedure to achieve the best results. Drinking alcohol can exacerbate swelling and make bruising more prominent and contribute to dehydration and fatigue during your critical initial recovery period.
10. When Can I Sleep on My Stomach After Liposuction?
It depends on the surgical site. If you had liposuction as part of a tummy tuck or mommy makeover, you’ll need to sleep on your back for the first several weeks to avoid putting pressure on your stomach or breasts as they heal.
If you received liposuction by itself, you may be able to resume your preferred sleeping position sooner. This question is best posed to your surgeon, who can advise you based on your particular case.
11. Can I Eat Rice After Liposuction?
After your procedure, eating nutritious but plain or bland food can help soothe your stomach and support the healing process.
Brown rice and quinoa are typically considered healthy food choices. Your surgeon can provide guidance about post-procedure nutrition.
Start Your Body Contouring Journey
Liposuction can rid you of stubborn fat deposits and help you achieve your body goals. Ready to get started? I invite you to request a consultation using our online form or call Lewis Plastic Surgery at (804) 267-6009.