Patrick Hudson MD, FACS

In the recovery room you will be watched closely for any additional bleeding or other problems. At this time it is common to receive IV fluids. In rare cases a blood transfusion is used. As soon as you are recovered from the anesthetic and sedation you may be transferred or discharged. Most patients remain in the recovery area for 1-3 hours.

Because the operation is usually performed as an outpatient you will probably go home the same day as your surgery. When larger volumes of fat are removed, for example with ultrasonic liposuction, admission overnight may be needed. Some surgeons admit the patient when greater than 5000 cc of fat are removed.

Your doctor will want to see you some time during the first week after surgery, to be certain there are no early complications such as infection. At that time your general recovery will be checked, but it will be too early to assess whether or not you are going to get a good result.

Many doctors then see their patient about a month to six weeks later. By this time it is possible to get an idea of the outcome although the final result will not be seen for many months.For this reason it is common for you to see the doctor again about 6-12 months after surgery to check the final contour and the appearance of scars. At this time, it is important for you doctor to know whether or not you are happy with the outcome and whether the results reached your expectations.

Most people are up and about within a few days and can return to many normal activities by the end of a week. Heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for between 2-4 weeks. You can probably return to work within a few days but you will not be fully healed fo several weeks.

You will need to wear a compression garment for between 2-6 weeks.