Common Side Effects after Liposuction
When diet and exercise fail to remove stubborn pockets of fat, liposuction can be a safe and effective means of achieving a well-proportioned body. Following the cosmetic surgery at our Halifax, NS, plastic surgery center, minor liposuction side effects may be experienced as your body heals.
Drs. Richard Bendor-Samuel and Louis Boileau will take steps to ensure that you have a low risk of side effects following surgery. Following your recovery guidelines carefully is one way to avoid side effects. Our office also serves Prince Edward Island.
What Side Effects Are Possible Following Liposuction?
The doctors of The Landing Surgical Center bring decades of professional surgical experience. Working with qualified and experienced plastic surgeons can ensure that you avoid excessive side effects. As with any surgery, minor side effects may still occur.
During your cosmetic surgery consultation, one of our Halifax doctors or a member of our team will explain the potential side effects that patients may experience following surgery. Bruising, swelling, numbness, and soreness are common side effects that patients report during the first week or two after undergoing liposuction. Each patient heals differently and there is no way to know for sure which side effects any single patient will experience.
Drowsiness
If your surgery is performed under the effects of general anesthesia, you may feel drowsy or dizzy as the effects of general anesthesia wear off.
Swelling
Swelling is a natural reaction to any disturbance or trauma to body tissue. Swelling may steadily increase during the first few days after your procedure. As the body absorbs fluids, the swelling will subside. Most patients will experience a noticeable reduction of swelling by the three weeks after surgery, but some swelling can persist for three months.
Bruising
Liposuction breaks small blood vessels near the treatment area. This creates bruising soon after the treatment. As the blood vessels heal, the prominence of bruising will begin to subside starting around the first week of healing, according to the National Institutes of Health. Most patients will notice considerably diminished bruising by two to four weeks after surgery.
Discomfort
Discomfort will vary depending on the extent of your liposuction and the area of your body that is treated. Some patients notice that discomfort peaks around a day or two after their procedure, and then gradually subsides. Your doctor will anticipate discomfort and prescribe pain meds accordingly.
How to Reduce the Severity of Side Effects
Many of the side effects listed above can be mitigated by wearing a compression garment following liposuction. You will be given special instructions on how to wear the garment, which should not be worn too tightly.
Other recovery tips include avoiding tobacco products and alcohol, eating a nutritious diet, and only using over-the-counter medications that your doctor approves.
Schedule Your Liposuction Treatment Today
Most patients experience only mild side effects that subside in the days following treatment. By working with the expert doctors of The Landing Surgical Centre, you can ensure that your treatment minimizes your risk of complications or side effects. To schedule your cosmetic treatment, please contact our office online or call (902) 492-2007. We serve patients from Halifax, Prince Edward Island, and beyond.