Swelling, discomfort, bruising, numbness, and soreness are all normal side effects following liposuction that can be mitigated with proper medication. Carefully follow all directions provided by your plastic surgeon including how to clean the incision sites and apply ointment. This will impact the results of your surgery. As soon as you feel ready, it is encouraged that you return to light normal activity. This will help prevent blood clots or other possible complications.
The initial healing process can last from 5 to 10 days. Your surgeon will remove any sutures necessary during this time. Continue to go to follow-up visits as scheduled and follow your plastic surgeon’s directions. It’s also important that you maintain your weight as not to counteract any results made by your liposuction.
Liposuction – Results and Outlook
Liposuction is a surgical process that provides dramatic results not possible via non-surgical procedures. As the swelling continues to subside and you continue to heal, the results of your liposuction will become more apparent. Your slimmer, better-proportioned body will give you the added boost in self-esteem you’ve been seeking. Although the results are permanent, it’s important to keep active and eat healthy in order to maintain your new body.
Liposuction – Choosing the Right Surgeon
Electing to undergo liposuction is a very important decision so it’s important to pick the right plastic surgeon. Two key things to look for in a plastic surgeon are board certification and privileges.
Board certification is granted by one of two organizations: The American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Only these two organizations can certify physicians to perform plastic surgery of the face and entire body. In order to be certified, doctors must:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete five years minimum of surgical training after medical school. This includes an accredited plastic surgery residency program.
- Pass all-inclusive written and oral exams
In addition to board certification, your surgeon should also have operating privileges at an accredited local hospital specifically for the procedure you plan on undergoing, for example, liposuction. This is highly recommended even if your surgeon can complete the procedure at an ambulatory surgery center or an accredited office-based surgical facility.