Liposuction Recovery
Offered at our convenient location in Denver, CO
Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat from the body through the use of a specialized metal tube called a cannula. Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures in the country and has seen a 23% increase in popularity between 2019 and 2022. (1) A liposuction treatment can help patients achieve a more proportional figure and restore confidence. Thanks to advanced techniques and modern solutions, liposuction recovery has become easier than ever before.
At the Advanced Body Sculpting Institute, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and expert-trained staff are dedicated to providing the most premium experience for our patients. Our team is trained in state-of-the-art liposuction and fat grafting technology that helps each patient look and feel like their best self.
To schedule your liposuction procedure and to learn more about the recovery process, please call our Denver office at (303)708-8770 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible!
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Before and After Photos
About Liposuction Recovery
Thanks to modern technologies and techniques, liposuction has become a safer, more precise, and less invasive treatment overall. Not only does this mean that liposuction can provide patients with enhanced body sculpting results, it also means that recovery is minimized and made more simple. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions before you embark on your recovery, and our team will be here to support you every step of the way.
Following a liposuction procedure, patients will need to be driven home by a trusted individual as the effects of anesthesia continue to wear off. Patients can expect to experience a level of discomfort and soreness in the treatment area during the initial recovery period. For the first week of recovery, patients will primarily be experiencing swelling and bruising; however, these symptoms can be managed through the use of prescribed pain medication. Because of this swelling, some patients might see what looks like weight gain–this is typically due to “water weight” in swollen areas. This particular side effect should subside over the course of a few days. After about a week, patients should be able to return to light activities.
During recovery, patients should make an effort to stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods to support the body as it heals. Patients should also refrain from smoking throughout the entirety of their recovery as nicotine use can impede upon the body’s healing processes.
After 2-4 weeks of recovery, most patients find that they can start to return to most aspects of their daily routines. Patients may be able to return to work with their surgeon’s approval. Swelling and bruising will start to significantly fade, allowing the results of the procedure to become more apparent. Patients should still continue to avoid more physical activities until 4-6 weeks after the procedure, when the majority of the swelling has reduced. (3)
Patients can start to see the full results of their procedure about 2-6 months after their appointment. Swelling and bruising will dissipate more fully by the end of this period. If applicable, patients will feel their skin continuously tighten as the collagen levels gradually increase in the treated areas. (3)
During your recovery period, you will attend multiple follow-up appointments where your surgeon can monitor your progress and provide you with helpful resources. If you have any questions during your recovery, please do not hesitate to give us a call so that we can give you the information you need.
Types of Liposuction
We utilize only the most trusted and advanced liposuction techniques and technologies to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with a smooth recovery. Each method and piece of technology we employ offers a unique method of targeting stubborn fat, helping you feel more confident in your skin while preserving surrounding tissues. Recovery periods may vary depending on the type of liposuction you choose to undergo.
VASER
VASER Liposuction, also known as Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, is a cutting-edge type of ultrasound liposuction technology. This technology targets fat without causing trauma to the surrounding tissue. This method creates a higher level of muscle definition and contouring. A tumescent solution is first injected into the treatment area to swell the fat cells and help numb the patient. The fat cells are then liquefied by sound waves before being suctioned out of the body by a cannula. The surrounding nerves and connective tissue are left intact and undamaged. These procedures are often characterized by quicker recovery periods.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is a method of fat cell removal that involves injecting the treatment area with a solution that swells the fat cells, making them easier to remove with suction. (2) The solution contains saline as well as epinephrine and lidocaine to help minimize bleeding and help numb the treatment area. After the fat cells swell, they are removed using a thin tube called a cannula. This method is one of the most common types of liposuction methods used to remove fat cells, and most other advanced liposuction methods include the usage of tumescent fluid.
SmartLipo
Laser-Assisted Liposuction, also known as SmartLipo, harnesses laser energy to help stimulate the production of collagen while also targeting fat cells. This method melts fat while simultaneously restoring elasticity to the treatment area. A laser is inserted through a small incision and heats fat cells in the treatment area. The heat melts and liquefies the fat, which is then suctioned out through a small cannula. The laser helps promote the growth of collagen in the skin, tightening the treatment area in addition to toning it.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) is a method of fat cell removal that utilizes a vibrating cannula to help break up fat cells. The cannula dislodges the fat cells by oscillating back and forth rapidly. This method often has a faster procedure time and is gentler on the tissue surrounding the treatment area. (3)
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) is a method of liposuction that utilizes ultrasound technology to help liquify the fat cells in the treatment area. A specialized cannula is inserted into the treatment area before emitting ultrasound waves. The waves then break down the fat cells before the cannula suctions out the liquified fat. This method is ideal for those with denser fat pockets. (3)
Personal Consultation
At the Advanced Body Sculpting Institute, we ask that each patient meet with a patient coordinator to begin their treatment journey. This meeting is a chance for our team to get to know you on a more personal level and understand your desired outcomes. After discussing the best treatment option for you, our expertly trained team can walk you through the preparation, procedure, and recovery phases of treatment. They will also provide you with a cost estimate for your procedure and possible payment methods. We encourage each patient to bring up any questions or concerns that they may have about the liposuction process.
To schedule your personal consultation, please call our Denver office at (303)708-8770 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible!
Cost of a Liposuction Procedure in Denver
The cost of your liposuction procedure can depend on several factors, including the areas being treated, the techniques and technologies being employed, and your aesthetic goals. Your treatment will be fully tailored to your needs.
To unlock the full cost of your procedure, please call our Denver office at (303)708-8770 or fill out our contact form. To learn more about financing your procedure, please visit financing.
FAQ
How long is the liposuction recovery period?
Most patients find that they can return to light activities within 4-7 days after their procedure, and desk work after 2 weeks. More substantial recovery can take 4-6 weeks.
Is the recovery period for liposuction painful?
It is normal to experience soreness and tenderness after liposuction. This can be managed by the pain medications the surgeon prescribed, and should substantially subside within a few days.
Is swelling normal after liposuction?
Yes, swelling after a liposuction procedure is perfectly normal! Swelling will begin to subside about a week after your procedure and will continue to diminish over time.
How long will bruising from liposuction last?
Bruising from liposuction should fade after 2-4 weeks of healing, but may take longer to completely disappear.
Can I exercise after liposuction?
Patients should avoid physical activity until 4-6 weeks after the procedure and high impact exercises until 6-8 weeks after healing. Consult with your surgeon before resuming more strenuous activities.
Can liposuction be combined with other treatments?
Yes, your liposuction can be combined with other treatments. Ask your patient coordinator about the possibility of adding other cosmetic treatments to your liposuction appointment.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf
- Wu S, Coombs DM, Gurunian R. Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2020;87(6):367-375. doi:https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.87a.19097
- Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
- Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:53-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024