ProceduresLiposuction Recovery
Austin Liposuction Recovery
Since Personique uses safe local anesthesia by the tumescent technique, patients are typically able to leave our office in a matter of hours after the procedure is performed. In the past, liposuction surgery required the use of general anesthesia, hospitalization and was associated with so much blood loss that patients frequently required blood transfusions. Today, the tumescent technique has significantly improved the liposuction recovery period by virtually eliminating surgical blood loss.
Due to the smaller cannulas used with the tumescent technique, there is less surgical trauma and damage to tissues, which means less pain during liposuction recovery. There is also less bruising when local anesthesia is used as compared to general anesthesia. This is because of two reasons. First, since there is such little bleeding in tumescent liposuction, there is almost no blood that remains beneath the skin after your surgery to cause bruising. Second, because the suction cannulas used are so small, only small punctures are required to introduce the tubes, and these incisions ultimately heal with no scars.
After completing liposuction, the patient will be placed in a compression garment and will be able to leave our office shortly after the procedure. Compression garments help skin adjust to the reduction in fat by providing support for the treated tissues. These garments help to reduce swelling as well.
Patients are not permitted to drive themselves home after their surgery and must be discharged home under the care of a responsible adult known to the patient. Post-operative nausea and vomiting is rare after tumescent liposuction using local anesthesia. Nausea and vomiting are more common with general anesthesia and lengthy procedures.
Patients may feel groggy the first 12 hours after their surgery. It is a good idea to have someone remain with you the first 24 hours to assist you with getting around and taking medications. Rest as needed the day after your surgery, but you do not have to stay in bed. Gentle walking around your home will actually help your circulation. Be sure to drink an adequate amount of fluids to avoid dehydration during your liposuction recovery as well.
With the tumescent technique, liposuction recovery is a lot faster than it used to be. In many cases, patients may return to desk work within a few days. Patients are however encouraged to wait 2 - 4 weeks before exercising. Follow your Austin plastic surgeon's instructions regarding compression garments, drainage tubes or medications after surgery and the liposuction recovery period will be shorter and you will see the full results of your body contouring procedure sooner.
