Unsurprisingly, within a few weeks after liposuction, you will feel some discomfort and adjust to your new body. According to David P. Rapaport, MD, a plastic surgeon in New York City, New York, the key is to "be ahead of pain from the start." This will ultimately "be beneficial to overall better recovery" after liposuction surgery. Plastic surgeons share their best tips for a quick and smooth recovery below.

Resume exercise as soon as possible, but gradually.

Different doctors will give slightly different advice on this issue. However, most experts agree that you should resume exercise as soon as possible, but take your time. "In the first one to two weeks, your activity can gradually increase. Light exercise can start three weeks later, and vigorous exercise can't start until six to eight weeks after surgery," Texas plastic surgeon Henry M. Said A. Mentz (Henry A. Mentz), MD.

Dr. Rapaport said that patients should stretch frequently even before returning to the gym. He encourages his patients to “return to the gym within a week, preferably within three to five days of low impact, and then start exercising from there.” Rapaport The doctor said that patients should wear tights when resuming high-intensity activities such as running.

Sanjay Grover, MD, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California, suggests that wearing a pressure suit for a period of time is beneficial. Dr. Mentz said he also recommends that patients "wear a pressure suit for at least six to eight weeks after surgery." 

"Some surgeons use foam padding outside of the pressure suit to reduce postoperative swelling or fluid accumulation," Dr. Grover pointed out. He added that foam compression also helps reduce possible bruising.

Consider lymphatic massage.

Many experts recommend considering lymphatic massage. "[We] strongly advocate postoperative lymphatic massage," Dr. Menz said. Before booking, please consult your doctor for the correct postoperative time.

Dr. Mentz recommends that patients combine lymphatic massage with radiofrequency treatments such as ThermiSmooth. This treatment “helps reduce swelling, soften scar tissue, tighten the skin, relieve discomfort and speed up the overall healing process.”

"Early walking helps prevent fluid accumulation in the legs or ankles," Dr. Grover said. He added that this will also help minimize the possibility of deep vein thrombosis.

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