Power-Assisted Liposuction Recovery Time
Recovery time after power-assisted liposuction is similar to other liposuction procedures. Most patients will experience less bruising with this technique, but tenderness, swelling, and some soreness are expected. You should wear compression garments to keep your new contour in shape. The compression garments help promote a faster recovery. A compression garment applies pressure in the treatment area to prevent fluid buildup and increase your comfort throughout the healing process. Your doctor will inform you how many weeks you should wear the garments. Typically, patients are instructed to wear tight-fitting compression garments for three weeks following surgery.
Many patients rely on over-the-counter pain medications to manage any discomfort in the days following surgery. Some patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to help with the swelling. Every patient’s recovery timeline will vary. Your doctor at Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Clinic will provide in-depth after-care instructions following your procedure.
You should be able to resume normal, non-strenuous activities in around one week following your power-assisted liposuction procedure. Generally speaking, most patients must limit exercise to light cardio in the weeks following surgery. You should gradually work your way back to more intensive workouts like weight training, kickboxing, circuit training, running, etc. PAL is often a faster recovery than traditional liposuction, but you still want to give your body ample time to heal.
Below is a typical recovery timeline to help you plan your PAL procedure.
Immediately After PAL:
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- Bruising and muscle soreness
1-7 Days After Treatment:
- Swelling should begin to subside
- Do not get the treatment area wet for the first week
- Regular activity resumed as tolerated
1-2 Weeks After Treatment:
- Swelling should subside within two weeks
- You can introduce slightly more high-impact exercise
- Some swelling may last for up to six weeks
When Will You See Results?
Immediately after your treatment, you’ll be able to notice a significant improvement in your shape, but you may not see the final results for up to six months. You may not notice the more subtle nuances for three to six months or more. Your personal recovery time will also depend on how much fat you have removed, which areas of the body are being treated, and your natural genetic makeup.
How Long Will Results Last?
Your power-assisted liposuction results should be permanent. Once fat cells are removed, they’re gone for good. But please keep in mind new fatty tissue can grow back. For your best results, maintain a sensible diet and exercise regularly.
Talk to your doctor about the best way to maintain your weight following your PAL procedure. We’re always here to offer our advice so you can achieve the best possible results.
We’re always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about PAL or any of our other cosmetic procedures. Please schedule an appointment with our cosmetic surgeons to learn whether power-assisted lipo can help you achieve your body goals.