Recovery Tips for Smart Lipo Patients

Recovery Video

As soon as the doctor finishes removing the fat from the patient’s body and the incisions are closed, the patient is moved into another area to recover briefly from the procedure. A nurse may check the patient’s vital signs to make sure that all is well. It is wise to bring lose clothing to wear for the trip home. Indeed, it is advised to have several items of loose clothing on hand for the recovery process because inevitably, there will be some swelling in the body.

Immediately after surgery, many patients will need to have someone available to drive them home. Though some patients have only a small area of the body treated and return to work by themselves right away, if the extent of the procedure was such that patients could have discomfort moving around, or if the patient is still under the influence of a sedative, then it isn’t safe for patients to drive themselves.

The First Week

Some patients may feel recovered within 1 to 2 days after the procedure, but this will depend on the amount of fat that was removed from the body and the surface area that was treated.

The Recovery

  • Recovery times for Smart Lipo are generally in contrast to traditional liposuction.
  • Bleeding, swelling, and bruising are minimal.
  • No drains are required after Smartlipo.
  • Doctors recommend wearing the compression garments for 2 weeks.
  • Most patients are able to return to work in only a few days.

The body needs time to recalibrate its fluid needs after the removal of large volumes of fat and it also needs time to heal after tissues in the body are disturbed and redistributed. The bigger the change in fluid volume in the body and the larger the area disturbed by the surgery, the longer the recovery will take. Because Smart Lipo is less traumatic to tissues in the areas treated, it tends to take substantially less time for the body to heal following the procedure than it does for other liposuction techniques.

Your doctor will schedule check-up exams with you in the first few weeks after your surgery to make sure that the healing process is going as planned. It’s important to keep these appointments and get advice about when you can return to your normal daily routine.

Returning to Your Routine after SmartLipo

  • Follow the doctor’s instructions
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Avoid strenuous activities

Many patients are very excited to get back to their normal routine following SmartLipo surgery. Recovery periods vary depending on the amount of fat removed from the body, however. If you’re having several different areas treated with liposuction, then it may take you longer to get back to your daily routine. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions in this regard if you’re hoping to see good results from your surgery. By getting plenty of rest and allowing your body plenty of time to heal, you ensure better results from the procedure.

Expected Results

  • After the treatment, wear the compresion garments for at least two weeks.
  • You should refrain from hot tubs, ocean water, or bathtubs for 4 week's post treatment.
  • Antibiotics will be prescribed beginning one day before treatment and will continue for up to 10 days post treatment to avoid infection.
  • Light massage to the treated area can begin 10-12 days post treatment.
  • Continuous improvement may be seen over a six-month period.

Many patients are able to return to their normal daily routine immediately, but doctors may still advise against strenuous exercise for as long as a month. Some patients may need to take up to 7 days to rest after the Liposuction procedure before returning to their normal routine. Talk with your doctor about the time required for the initial recovery period to learn more about how long it will be before you can return to a normal daily routine.

Preparing for Recovery

It is wise to prepare for your recovery period, especially if you’re having a larger area or multiple areas treated with liposuction. Have some books, magazines, DVD’s, and puzzles on hand for the period of time that you will be “resting” at home. This will help you stay busy and make the time pass more quickly. Have loose clothing and healthy foods on hand to eat during this time. Drink plenty of fluids. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, get these prescriptions filled before your surgery.