Liposuction currently ranks at number two after breast augmentation among the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the US. Liposuction usually involves a relatively short recovery, but recovery time may vary between patients according to the extent of surgery performed. The surgeon will discuss the recovery aspect during the pre-op consultation.
MBody, led by board certified plastic surgeons, provides liposuction and various other cutting edge cosmetic procedures. Patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredricksburg, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive liposuction at MBody.
Factors that Influence Recovery
Although in most cases, liposuction recovery will be smooth and quick, it will still be impacted by a number of factors. The amount of fat removed, the type of anesthesia applied, the location of the target area, the surgical technique used by the surgeon, and the patient’s natural healing ability will determine how fast the patient recovers from liposuction plastic surgery. In most cases, liposuction will be performed on an outpatient basis involving only local anesthesia.
Immediate Post-Surgical Phase
Following the surgery, the patient should have someone to drive them back home. They should preferably also have a family member, friend or a hired help to assist at home in the first two to three days. Mild pain in the incision areas in the initial days can be managed with pain meds prescribed by the surgeon. Antibiotics and iron supplements may also be prescribed to some patients.
The plastic surgeon will provide a list of recovery instructions, which should be followed diligently to ensure safer and faster recovery. MBody receives patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredricksburg, and nearby areas for liposuction.
First Week
Immediately after the surgery, the treated area will be wrapped in bandages to minimize swelling and promote healing. An elastic support corset may be provided, which should be worn at least in the first week as per the surgeon’s advice. The bruising will be mild in most cases, but in more invasive liposuction cases, it may be more severe in the first week.
Swelling takes a longer time to disappear, but it will begin mitigating from the second week. In the first few weeks, the patient may feel numbness in the operated area, but the sensation will return on its own. The patient should expect to return to their daily routine in about one week, if liposuction has only been performed in one area. In case of multiple areas, the patient may require 10 to 14 days before resuming their regular activities.
Long-term Recovery
Swelling will go away entirely after several weeks or months. During this period, subtle improvements will be progressively noticeable, but complete results will establish once the swelling has been entirely eliminated.
Results with liposuction are sustainable because the fat cells once removed from an area will not return. However, liposuction is not a substitute for diet or exercise, and a healthy and balance lifestyle must be followed to maintain the results for a long time.
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit
Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.
