Recovering from Liposuction Surgery in Las Vegas
Recovering from Surgery
Dr. Cambeiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon performing liposuction surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you live outside of the Las Vegas area, please contact us to learn more about our fly-in program.
- 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.
