Recovering from Liposuction: Tips and Timeline

Table Of Contents

Liposuction Recovery: 24–48 Hours After Surgery
Liposuction Recovery: Week 1
Liposuction Recovery: Week 2
Liposuction Recovery: Weeks 3 to 4
Liposuction Recovery: Weeks 6 to 12
Liposuction Recovery: Three to Six Months and Beyond
Support Garments vs Compression Garments
Tips to Support Liposuction Recovery
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Liposuction Recovery: Frequently Asked Questions
Further Reading

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires a period of recovery and adjustment as the body heals and settles. While the procedure itself is often completed as a day or overnight stay in hospital, the healing process continues for several weeks and may take several months before the final outcome is fully visible.

Each person’s recovery experience is different, and timelines can vary depending on factors such as the area treated, the amount of fat removed, overall health, and the body’s individual healing response. The information below provides a general guide to what many patients may expect, however, post-operative instructions from your own surgeon always take priority. For A Closer Look at Liposuction Surgery with Dr Gary Kode visit our previous blog.

Dr Gary Kode performs Liposuction surgery in accredited hospitals in Melbourne, with consultations available in both Melbourne and Launceston. He carries out all stages of the procedure personally from the first consultation and surgical planning, to the operation and post-operative reviews. This provides continuity of care and allows every step to be tailored to the patient’s anatomy, goals and medical requirements.

Liposuction Recovery: 24–48 Hours After Surgery

Immediately after Liposuction, patients are monitored in hospital while the effects of anaesthesia wear off. Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the treated areas are to be expected. Prescribed and over-the-counter medication will be provided to help manage discomfort.

Patients will need someone to drive them home after surgery. Patients will also need assistance with basic tasks during the first day or two. Rest is important, but light movement (such as walking around the house) is usually recommended to support circulation and reduce stiffness.

Dr Kode does not typically close the incisions with sutures. Incision openings are usually around 4 mm and are left open to allow for drainage.

Depending on the treatment area a support garment may be applied after surgery. Unlike traditional compression garments, which can lead to uneven pressure, support garments are used to provide constant, light support during early healing.

Liposuction Recovery: Week 1

Early Recovery

Swelling and bruising are usually most noticeable during the first week. These changes are part of the body’s healing process as it responds to the surgery. Patients are generally advised to take prescribed or recommended medication to manage discomfort during this phase. Any drainage from the small incision sites is expected and usually decreases over the first few days.

A follow-up appointment is often scheduled during this period for Dr Kode to review healing progress, assess the incision sites and discuss the ongoing use of support garments. This appointment also provides an opportunity for patients to ask questions and receive guidance specific to their recovery.

During the first week, it is important to prioritise rest and allow the body time to recover. Short walks around the home are suitable to support circulation, but patients should avoid activities that raise blood pressure or put strain on the treated areas. Most individuals feel comfortable performing light daily tasks such as preparing meals or moving around the house, but rest periods remain essential.

Activities that involve bending, lifting, or placing pressure on the treatment area should be avoided. Dr Kode reminds patients that every recovery progresses differently, listening to the body and not rushing physical activity can support the recovery process.

Liposuction Recovery: Week 2

Reduced Discomfort and Increasing Mobility

Swelling and discomfort continue to ease as the initial healing phase progresses. Bruising may start to fade, though some firmness, numbness or sensitivity in the treated areas can persist. These sensations are part of the body’s healing response and generally settle gradually over time.

During this stage, patients often feel more comfortable moving around and may resume some daily routines. People with desk-based or less physically demanding jobs may feel ready to return to work, depending on their comfort levels and the extent of the procedure. Those with occupations that involve heavy lifting, prolonged standing or physical exertion may require additional time away before resuming full duties.

Support garments are typically still worn throughout this period to provide light, even support and assist with swelling. Dr Kode prefers supportive garments over traditional compression garments, as these allow the treated areas to settle without applying excessive or uneven pressure.

Patients are advised to continue avoiding strenuous activity and to listen to their body when determining how much movement feels comfortable. While recovery milestones can be outlined generally, individual factors such as overall health, the treatment area, and the body’s healing rate influence the pace of recovery.

Liposuction Recovery: Weeks 3 to 4

Gradual Return to Routine

During weeks three to four, many patients notice a steady increase in mobility and comfort. Swelling continues to reduce and bruising usually fades significantly. Some residual firmness, tenderness, or numbness may still be present in the treated areas. These sensations are part of the body’s ongoing healing response and can take several weeks or even months to resolve.

While early changes in body shape may begin to be noticed, it is important to understand that the final outcome will not yet be apparent. Internal healing continues beneath the surface, and tissues are still settling during this period.

Patients may begin to resume light physical activity depending on individual recovery progress and Dr Kode’s assessment during follow-up. Dr Kode emphasises that recovery timelines differ from person to person. Factors such as overall health, the amount of fat removed, and the specific areas treated all influence how the body responds. Patients are urged to monitor how they feel day to day and progress at a pace that feels comfortable.

Support garments are generally still recommended at this stage, particularly during daytime hours, as they can assist with swelling management and provide support to the healing tissues. The duration of garment use varies depending on the areas treated and individual healing patterns and will be reviewed as recovery continues.

Liposuction Recovery: Weeks 6 to 12

Ongoing Healing

By this stage, most patients are able to resume their regular daily routines, including work and light to moderate exercise, depending on comfort levels and their individual rate of healing.

Swelling is generally significantly reduced by this stage, though some may still be present and can take several more weeks to dissipate. Bruising has usually resolved and the treatment area generally starts to feel more comfortable.

Support garments may no longer be required during this phase, depending on progress and Dr Kode’s advice. Some patients may choose to continue wearing them for additional comfort, especially when exercising, but this varies from person to person.

Although the outer appearance may appear largely healed, internal healing continues for several months. The tissues beneath the skin continue to adjust and settle as the body recovers. Some areas may still feel firm or slightly numb, and altered sensation can persist for a period before gradually resolving.

Patients are usually able to participate in more strenuous physical activity after review and discussion with Dr Kode. It is still advisable to build up activity levels slowly and to monitor for any discomfort or swelling.

Liposuction Recovery: Three to Six Months and Beyond

Gradual changes continue as swelling subsides and the body adjusts. The treated areas typically begin to settle as residual fluid decreases and tissues adapt to their new shape. Skin tone and texture may also continue to change during this stage as healing progresses.

Scars usually lighten and soften over time, becoming less noticeable as recovery continues. Full scar maturation can take 12 months or more. It is important to protect the scars from sun exposure and following Dr Kode’s aftercare guidance to optimise healing.

Final results are generally visible between six and twelve months after surgery, once internal healing is complete and any remaining swelling has resolved.

Support Garments vs Compression Garments

While many surgeons use compression garments, Dr Kode prefers support garments that apply even, light pressure. Compression garments can apply uneven pressure, which may interfere with healing, cause discomfort or lead to irregularities. On the other hand, support garments provide structure and support without excessive pressure.

Garment use and duration will be discussed during consultation and reviewed at each post-operative appointment.

Tips to Support Liposuction Recovery

Every patient’s recovery experience is different, and healing timelines can vary depending on several factors. The following tips are general only and do not substitute medical advice:

Follow your surgeon’s guidance: Listen and adhere to the specific instructions provided by your surgeon and their team. These are tailored to your procedure and individual healing.
Take medication as directed: Use prescribed or recommended pain relief and antibiotics exactly as instructed to help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
Maintain movement: Light walking after surgery helps support circulation and reduce stiffness.
Wear your support garment as advised: A fitted support garment helps manage swelling and provides comfort and structure during early healing.
Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals: Adequate water intake and nutritious foods assist the body’s healing processes.
Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both can interfere with circulation and slow recovery.
Care for incision sites: Keep the area clean and dry, follow wound care instructions and avoid applying products not approved by your surgeon.
Listen to your body: Everyone heals at a different pace. Rest when needed, and don’t rush back into activities before you feel ready.
Protect healing skin from sun exposure: Avoid direct sunlight on the treated areas. UV can interfere with the body’s healing process and affect the long-term appearance of scars.
Attend all scheduled reviews: Regular post-operative appointments with Dr Kode allow him to monitor progress and address any questions or concerns that arise.

Always contact your surgical team if you have any concerns or notice unexpected changes during your recovery.

When to Contact Your Surgeon

Patients should contact their surgical team if they experience any of the following:

Increasing redness or heat around incision areas
Unusual swelling or sudden increase in discomfort
Persistent fever
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Any change that causes concern

For more information visit our Risks of Cosmetic Surgery and Complications page.

Liposuction Recovery: Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Swelling Last After Liposuction?

Some swelling settles within the first few weeks, but low-level swelling may continue for several months. Final results may take up to a year to develop fully.

How much does Liposuction cost in Australia?

The cost of Liposuction in Australia varies depending on several key factors, including:
– Surgeon’s Fees: These are determined by the surgeon’s experience, qualifications, and the complexity of the procedure.
– Hospital and Facility Charges: Costs for operating rooms, recovery areas, and hospital stays.
– Anaesthetist’s Fees: Charges for the professional administering anaesthesia and monitoring you during the procedure.
– Post-Operative Care: This includes follow-up visits, dressings, and any necessary garments.

Because so many variables apply, a detailed quote from your specialist surgeon after a consultation is needed to understand what your specific case will cost.

Can I lose 10kg with Liposuction?

Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. It is a surgical method designed to remove localised areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. While some fat is removed during the procedure, the amount is usually limited to a few kilograms for safety reasons. Removing larger volumes of fat can increase the risk of complications.

Liposuction can help alter shape and proportions in targeted areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, or neck. However, it does not replace a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Patients should have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve in terms of appearance, rather than weight loss.

Dr Gary Kode assesses each patient individually to determine whether liposuction is appropriate for their goals and anatomy.

What are the downsides of Liposuction?

Potential downsides and limitations of Liposuction can include:
– Changes in sensation: Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the treated areas may occur. These usually dissipate over time but can persist in some cases.
Uneven or irregular results: Liposuction removes fat from specific areas, but some irregularities in shape, asymmetry, or unevenness can occur depending on individual healing and tissue response.
Poor scarring: While scars are typically only 4mm in length they may take months to fade and can remain visible in some cases.
Limitations in fat removal: Liposuction is intended for localised fat reduction, not overall weight loss. Large-volume fat removal carries higher risks and is not recommended.
Potential complications: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, blood clots, or reactions to anaesthesia.
Recovery period: Full recovery can take several months, depending on the areas treated, the volume of fat removed, and individual healing factors.

Dr Gary Kode discusses all potential risks and limitations during a consultation. He makes sure patients understand what liposuction can realistically achieve and whether it is suitable for their individual circumstance

How Long Does Liposuction Last?

Liposuction removes fat cells from the treated areas. Once these cells are removed, they do not grow back. However, it is important to understand that remaining fat cells in the body can still expand if there are significant changes in weight. Maintaining a stable weight is important for long-term results.

Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise, and it does not prevent future weight gain in untreated areas. The appearance achieved after surgery can be long-lasting when patients follow a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and suitable habits.

Dr Gary Kode discusses realistic expectations and factors affecting the longevity of results during the consultation, helping patients understand what outcomes are achievable for their body and circumstances.