Eterna Cosmetic Surgery

7 things to expect after liposuction surgery

Conveniently located to serve San Antonio, Eagle Pass and the surrounding area.

June 30, 2022

Liposuction is an effective treatment for stubborn fat in various locations throughout the face and body. Here at Eterna Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Hernandez customizes her liposuction procedures to the unique needs of her patients. This highly personal approach helps patients ultimately get desired results to help them feel healthier and younger.

Knowledge is important for liposuction surgery patients.

While it has been a preferred method of fat reduction for decades, liposuction is a surgery. With any surgery, it’s important to fully understand what is involved before, during, and particularly after the procedure.

Here are seven things to expect when you have liposuction surgery:

1. The medications you take before surgery can impact healing after liposuction.

To minimize bruising, Dr. Hernandez recommends avoiding medications that thin the blood, including aspirin, ibuprofen and some prescription medications for 2 weeks prior to the procedure to minimize bruising. If you are taking prescription blood thinning medications, it’s important to notify Dr. Hernandez, as well as your prescribing doctor, as soon as possible so that they can determine your best option.

2. You have a choice when it comes to anesthesia.

As with any surgery, an anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during liposuction surgery. Liposuction is most commonly performed using local anesthetic and medications taken by mouth just prior to the procedure. Some patients prefer to undergo liposuction with general anesthesia because they prefer not to be awake or because they are treating many areas. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss all your options in advance with Dr. Hernandez.

3. Inpatient recovery goes by quickly.

In most instances, patients take approximately one hour for recovery immediately after liposuction surgery. Patients will be taking medications with a sedative effect during surgery and are prohibited from driving for 24 hours. As a result, patients having liposuction surgery will need drivers to take them home. Once you’re home, Dr. Hernandez recommends that all patients have at least two (2) days of downtime at home to relax and allow their bodies to recover.

4. Self care is particularly important in the first 24 to 48 hours.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications will help mitigate soreness that occurs after surgery. In most cases, simple OTC painkillers are all that is needed for a considerable reduction in pain. Patients will also likely have some watery, blood-tinged drainage from the small incisions made during liposuction surgery. They will need to change the absorbent bandages several times over the first 24 to 48 hours until the drainage stops.

5. Expect swelling to go away first.

Many patients are relieved to hear that most of the swelling resolves during the first week. The soreness and bruising will also likely diminish during the first seven days. Patients will notice that the treated area looks flatter through the first week, despite having some residual swelling.

6. At-home follow up is required.

Liposuction surgery patients will need to wear a compression garment for four to six weeks in order to prevent pockets of fluid from forming. This will also help the swelling fully resolve.

7. It’s up to you to prevent recurrence.

Commitment to a healthy weight and lifestyle will keep you looking and feeling your best after liposuction surgery. Although liposuction permanently removes approximately 80% of the fat (because fat cells are not replaced by the body), patients can still gain weight after the procedure, particularly in other parts of the body. We encourage patients to look at liposuction as another tool in their path to wellness and happiness. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle post-liposuction is an important component.

Isn’t it time for you to look and feel your healthiest and youngest?

Dr. Hernandez will perform a fully personalized assessment to help you reach your goals. Contact Eterna Cosmetic Surgery at 210.446.4477 or contact us through our website to schedule your consultation.

 

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