Exactly how long your recovery will be depends not only on which technique your surgeon uses, but also on your own level of general health and how well you follow your post-op instructions.
Recent advances in liposuction technology have made this cosmetic procedure significantly less invasive and traumatic than it once was.
Smaller needles, more effective medications, and newer techniques have all reduced the toll it takes on the human body.
However, liposuction is still considered a surgery, and as such it does take some time for the body to recover fully from it.
Exactly how long your recovery will be depends not only on which technique your surgeon uses, but also on your own level of general health and how well you follow your post-op instructions.
Immediately after your liposuction procedure is over, you will probably still be feeling somewhat numb from the anesthetic.
You may also be feeling a little dizzy or sleepy from some of the other medications.
Because of this, you should not plan on driving yourself home.
Arrange for a ride from a friend or use some form of public transportation to get back home.
Once you arrive at home, you should plan on spending at least a couple of hours resting.
If you don't feel like sleeping, lying down and watching TV or reading a book are two good options.
If you would like, you can also converse with friends.
Do not plan on catching up on work or making any important decisions, and if possible avoid most responsibilities as well.
Get childcare for the day, and have a friend or significant other pick up some takeout for dinner.
By the second day after your surgery, you should be feeling well enough to resume some of your normal habits.
You can walk around, do a desk job, make dinner, or supervise children, as long as they are not playing too actively.
Don't plan on exercising, operating heavy machinery, or returning to work if yours is an active job (e.
g.
construction worker).
You may feel fully recovered by the third day after your surgery, or it may take you a little longer, depending on a number of factors.
Those who have had more fat taken from their bodies, or who have had it taken from more than one different area, will probably need a little extra time to recover.
Also, as with most things, younger people will probably bounce back more quickly than older ones, and healthy people will do better than those who struggle with any serious medical conditions.
If you are anxious to recover as quickly as possible, the most important thing you can do is follow your doctor's instructions to the letter.
The more closely you act on his or her advice, the faster you will recover, and the less likely you are to develop any secondary complications.
Sometimes the instructions may seem a little silly to you, or they may be inconvenient or seem overly complicated.
Nevertheless, you should remember that your doctor has had much more training and experience than you with regards to liposuction and the human body, and he or she have a much better grasp on your condition than you do.
In addition, not following their instructions can sometimes lead to worse results regarding your appearance.
Don't let pride get in the way of you having the best possible liposuction and recovery.