Antibiotics to prevent infection may also be prescribed. To control swelling and to help your skin adjust to its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug, elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Your surgeon will likely request follow-up visits to review your progress. As with any surgery, it is also sometimes normal to feel anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following the operation. If there is heavy bleeding or increased pain, be sure to inform your surgeon.
Recovery is individual and varies from person to person.
After liposuction, however, you will begin to see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body almost immediately with additional differences occurring during the following 4 to 6 weeks as the swelling subsides. Although you may not feel like it, you should try to walk as soon as possible to reduce swelling and prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. Although most bruising and swelling will disappear within 3 weeks, some swelling may remain for 6 months and up to a year. The fat cells that are removed by liposuction do not grow back.