After your operation, the treated area will be bandaged and stitched and we will give you pain relief medication. You may need to wear elastic compression clothing and a compression bandage for the next two to three weeks to reduce swelling (only taken off to clean and shower).
You might need to stay in overnight if you have had a general anaesthetic.
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you're ready to go home.
Pain relief
We'll give you pain relief medication immediately and when we discharge you, as this type of operation can result in discomfort and swelling for a few days. If you need them, continue taking painkillers as advised by the hospital. You might also be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
You will be able to leave as soon as your condition is stable.
When we discharge you we'll talk to you about whether your stitches and dressings need to be removed and we'll make an appointment to see your consultant again before you leave the hospital.
Recovery time
Some of the side effects of liposuction are bruising, swelling and inflammation of the treated areas.
If you had a large area treated you should take about 10 days off work to recover and avoid strenuous activity for up to four weeks.
Any numbness that you might feel should go away in six to eight weeks. Continue to use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain from bruising or swelling.
At your follow-up appointment, your surgeon will advise you when you can resume your normal activities.
End result
It will take you around two weeks to recover from the operation and as much as six months to see noticeable results as the treated area settles down.
How your loved ones can help
Once you're ready to be discharged, you'll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as you won't be able to drive. You should also ask them if they can run some light errands such as shopping for you as you won't be feeling up to it.
Looking after you
Even once you've left hospital, we're still here for you. Your consultant is likely to want to see you after your operation, a follow up appointment will be made for you before you leave the hospital.
On rare occasions, complications following liposuction can occur. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns, we're ready to help.
