Liposuction – Recovery Guide

Day of Surgery

• Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 12 hours after surgery.
• Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Your incision stitches may be intentionally left loose to allow drainage.
• During your follow-up visit the next day, the stitches will be tightened if necessary.
• Rest comfortably but avoid remaining in bed for long periods.

Fluid Leakage Is Normal

During liposuction, a special tumescent solution containing saline, local anesthetic, and medication is placed into the treatment area.

During the first 24 hours after surgery, some of this fluid may drain through the small incision sites.

• A small amount of blood mixed with fluid is normal.
• You may use sterile gauze or a sanitary pad to absorb drainage.
• Do not remove or open the dressing unless instructed by the clinic.
• This drainage often helps reduce swelling and is considered a normal part of recovery.

Compression Garment

Compression garments play an important role in recovery after liposuction.

Compression garments help:

• Reduce swelling.
• Support skin contraction.
• Improve contour formation.
• Reduce the risk of seroma formation.
• Improve comfort during recovery.

Walking and Activity

Walking is strongly encouraged after liposuction surgery.

• Begin walking on the evening of surgery.
• Take frequent short walks throughout the day.
• Avoid prolonged bed rest.
• Light daily activities are encouraged.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon.

Walking improves circulation and helps reduce the risk of blood clot formation.

Showering and Hygiene

• You may begin showering on the third day after waterproof bandages have been applied.
• Use warm water rather than hot water.
• Pat the treated area dry gently.
• Avoid hot baths, saunas, hot springs, swimming pools, and ocean swimming until your stitches have been removed.
• Do not apply hydrogen peroxide to the incision sites.
• Do not apply adhesive Band-Aids unless instructed by the clinic.

Why Am I More Swollen Than Expected?

Many patients expect to look slimmer immediately after surgery. However, liposuction creates controlled surgical trauma beneath the skin, and the body responds by sending fluid and healing cells into the treated area.

• Swelling often increases during the first week.
• The treated area may temporarily appear larger.
• Swelling may shift downward because of gravity.
• This is a normal part of the healing process.

Bruising, Firmness, and Unevenness

It is common for the treated area to feel firm, uneven, numb, or lumpy during recovery.

• Bruising and swelling are expected after surgery.
• The skin may temporarily appear asymmetrical.
• The treated area may feel hard or irregular.
• Small lumps and firmness are common during healing.
• These changes gradually improve over the following weeks and months.

Temporary contour irregularities do not necessarily indicate a problem and are usually part of the normal healing process.

Special Note After Abdominal Liposuction

Patients who undergo abdominal liposuction may notice swelling and bruising extending into the pubic area.

• Women may notice swelling of the pubic area.
• Men may notice swelling or bruising involving the scrotum.
• This is caused by gravity and postoperative fluid movement.
• These changes usually improve within several days.

Diet and Recovery

• Most foods are allowed after surgery.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages during recovery.
• Limit excessively salty foods, which may worsen swelling.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein.
• Maintain a stable weight after surgery.

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss procedure. Long-term results depend on maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.

When Will I See My Results?

When to Contact Evita Clinic

• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F).
• Increasing redness around the treated area.
• Persistent bleeding.
• Sudden severe swelling.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Severe pain not relieved by medication.
• Any symptom that causes concern.