Everything seems to come instantly these days. You can order packages and have them on your doorstep by the afternoon; every television show and movie you’ve ever wanted to see is just a few clicks away, and in general, most of the world seems to work on a second-by-second basis.
If you’re considering liposuction, you might assume the procedure works the same way. After all, it makes sense — a surgeon is physically removing fat cells from your body, so surely the results are instantaneous!
But are they really? How soon after a liposuction will you see results?
To keep it short, liposuction results are quick but not immediate. In this piece, we’re going to use the wealth of experience we have from our Milwaukee, Wisconsin practice to break down how long it will take before you see results, and how you can make sure that time is as short as possible.
How Soon After a Liposuction Will I See Results?
Why you won’t immediately see results following a liposuction is simply down to how your body works. After any surgical procedure, even a relatively minorly invasive one like liposuction, your body reacts by swelling. This results in the area puffing out and occasionally appearing uneven.
Then, once the swelling has gone down, your body needs to adjust to its new self. This may sound silly, but your body is an ecosystem, and a procedure like a liposuction gives it a minor disruption from which it needs a little time to recover.
The hardest recovery period will be the first week. Plenty of rest is required this week, and you should not plan to do any strenuous activity. Explaining what this part of the process is like is a bit difficult as everyone’s recovery period is different — which is why it’s important to work with a surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous to ensure a personalized and high-quality plan. In general, however, a doctor may give you painkillers during this period, and it is likely that your doctor will ask you to wear a compression garment to assist in the healing process.
Once that recovery period has ended, the most impactful visible results will still need a little time to be visible at your desired level. The average time from liposuction to visible results is between 3 and 6 months, and most patients see the full effects of their procedure after a year.
I’m Not Seeing Results — Should I Have Another Liposuction?
If you get a liposuction, some surgeons, like Dr. Mark Bosbous, will have already talked you through your entire surgery plan, as well as when you’re likely to see results. But if you think you’ve seen the results, and you believe you could go a little further, should you dive into another liposuction?
The answer to this question is related to time. If your liposuction occurred within the last year, it is strongly advised that you wait until at least a full year has elapsed since your surgery.
This is because your body is still changing. Many patients report not seeing the full effects of their liposuction until long after the procedure has taken place, with some reporting not seeing the full effects until more than a year later.
In short, be patient — your body needs time to process its new state, and once it does, you’ll be ready to show the world!
How Do I Speed Up My Liposuction Results?
There are a few ways to see faster liposuction results.
First, follow your doctor’s advice. Only your doctor knows the specifics of your procedure and can offer you the best advice for your specific situation.
In general, this means wearing your compression garment for as long as they recommend, often up to six weeks. This can also mean doing specific exercises, or avoiding certain movements, to improve recovery time.
Speaking of exercises, it’s important not to view the period of rest following your procedure as an opportunity to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Keeping some level of activity in the time following your procedure, such as walking or other light exercise, is essential to developing the healthy habits that will make your liposuction results last for years to come.
Consult your doctor to know exactly when it is okay to return to heavier exercise. Generally, this is somewhere between four and six weeks, but the specific amount of time will vary from patient to patient.
Conclusion
Liposuction is a safe and often performed procedure. However, one must be patient after receiving a liposuction, as it may take some time for their body to show them their desired results.
Talk to your doctor before your procedure about what you should expect about your recovery as well as when you’re likely to see your desired results. As they have considerable experience in the field, they will understand your concerns and how any fears can be mitigated.
And, if you’re interested in getting a liposuction done, or you’re considering another liposuction, reach out today for a consultation.