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Liposuction in Las Vegas Recovery Information
Dr. Cambeiro performs liposuction in Las Vegas, Nevada for women and men who want to improve their body shape. This page is all about what to expect during recovery. Keep in mind that if you are having other plastic surgery in Las Vegas along with your liposuction procedure, such as a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, you may have additional factors to consider during recovery.
- It is most likely that you will experience some fluid drainage from the incisions, which can be dramatic and needs to be anticipated in terms of protecting clothing, car seats, and mattresses.
- The drainage will probably stop within 48 hours.
- You will be seen in the office within 24 to 48 hours after discharge from the hospital and the initial dressings will be removed and all incisions checked.
- You will then be able to shower, but you will be asked to wear your compressive garment for approximately a month. This garment will help control swelling and to assist in contouring the skin back down to the underlying muscle. The garment can be laundered after the first initial visit.
- The prescription pain medication will help with the pain, but a feeling of soreness might persist for several days or several weeks.
- You might experience some depression or feel anxious after the liposuction surgery, however, this feeling will subside as you begin to feel and look better.
- The skin can feel numb and feel very hard to the touch initially, but this will improve with time.
- If you have any unusual symptoms between visits such as: heavy bleeding or a sudden increase in pain, call Dr. Cambeiro immediately.
- You should not drive until you have normal return of daily activity and are off all narcotic medications.
- You should avoid strenuous activities such as bending, lifting, and sports for about three weeks. Drinking alcohol can lead to fluid retention and delays recovery.
- During the first 24 hours your assigned caretaker will assist you in getting up to the bathroom, taking medications, and eating and drinking. During the first 12-24 hours you will stay on a liquid diet and advance yourself as tolerated.
- You will probably feel tired and sore for a few days following your liposuction surgery, but you will be up and about in 24-48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication.
- Antibiotics are continued for five days after the liposuction procedure to lower the risk of infection.
- You should be up and walking on the morning following your liposuction surgery, and a light solid diet begun to the point of tolerance.
- If you have a temperature over 99.5 degrees, chills or sweats, a markedly different degree of swelling between sides , and/or increasing rather than decreasing pain—call the office immediately!
- You should be able to return to work within a few days to week, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
- Dr. Cambeiro will let you know when a good time is to start up your exercises and normal activities.
- You are allowed to bathe 48 to 72 hours after the liposuction procedure. Showering is then permitted but the incisions should not be submerged, as in a tub or pool.
Final Result of Liposuction
- Most patients can return to sedentary type work in a few days to a week, to physical work in 1-2 weeks.
- Moderate exercise is encouraged; however, vigorous exercise such as swimming, jogging, aerobics, and weight training should generally be avoided for about a month.
- It will take at least 6 weeks to begin feeling normal again.
- If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be very pleased with the results of your liposuction surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body.
- Remember, eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise will help maintain your new shape.
If you are considering liposuction, Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Cambeiro invites you to request a complimentary consultation or give our office a call at (702) 566-8300 for confidential and informative answers to all your questions. If you prefer, you can send us an email using our discreet online form.