When Will I See My Procedure Results? Liposuction Results Week By Week

As you look forward to achieving your body’s ideal physique, you’re probably eager to know how long you may have to wait until you see the liposuction results. 

Before you go into Vaser liposuction procedure or fat transfer, you’ll need to know what to expect from your procedure overall, the recovery process, and how to maintain your body’s new image. While liposuction is an excellent way to sculpt your body, it cannot be used as a complete substitute for a healthy diet and exercise regimen. 

From how long recovery should take to when you will see visible results, learn what to expect each week after your procedure.

How long after lipo will I see results?

Like most surgeries, the time it takes for results to show varies from one individual to another. But as a rule of thumb, most people will see their final results three months after lipo removes unwanted fat. 

Over time, the swelling will go down. Then you will see the results.

How long until liposuction swelling goes down?

You will find the areas where your surgeon removed fat are somewhat swollen right after your liposuction procedure. By the end of the first week, the initial swelling should have reduced slightly, but it can take as long as six weeks for the swelling to go completely. 

Your plastic surgeon will likely advise you to wear a compression garment during your recovery to reduce swelling as best possible while you recover.

Liposuction results week by week

After Surgery

Directly after surgery, you will likely feel a little sleepy if you received sedation, and you may feel some pain and discomfort. Liposuction procedures are usually outpatient procedures, so you should be clear to go home the same day. 

Your board-certified surgeon will discuss the best options for your specific case. Just make sure you have someone with you who can drive you home because you might feel a bit sleepy too. 

Although only local anesthesia is usually needed, you may have received sedation to help relieve pain or reduce anxiety. 

24 Hours

The first day after your surgery, you will likely feel sore, but your doctor will have prescribed pain medication to relieve that. Make sure you follow instructions to rest and take your medication as prescribed to reduce any pain or discomfort as much as possible. 

You will need to make sure you wear your compression garments to reduce swelling. You may also have some drains in places where there are incisions; this is entirely normal. They’re used to prevent fluid build-up around the incision, so your recovery is as quick and painless as possible.

48 Hours

Much like the first 24 hours, you will need to limit your activity on day two after surgery. Your doctor may advise that you arrange childcare if you have kids and take time away from work. It’s a great idea to cook some meals ahead of time to reheat if you don’t have someone to help you get something to eat. 

Don’t forget to stay hydrated too. Looking after yourself at this stage is vital to a smooth recovery. You’ll need to continue keeping up with the pain medication and wearing your compression bandages, usually until three days post-surgery.

First Week

By the time you arrive at a week post-surgery, you will be past the most challenging part of your liposuction recovery. You should notice that you experience significantly less discomfort than you did during the first few days. You can usually return to working from home. Your compression garments will still need to be worn, generally for another week. You should reduce your intake of pain medication so that you only take it when needed.

First Month

Around four weeks post-liposuction should be when you stop experiencing pain or discomfort. There may be minor residual swelling, but you will start to see the liposuction results. 

You may still have some bruising around the incision sites. However, it should be fading well. Your surgeon will usually advise you to start light exercising again at this point while still avoiding heavy lifting and other strenuous activities. You can also return to work as usual.

Talk to your surgeon and confirm this if you have a particularly physically demanding job.

First three months

Between six weeks and two months after the procedure, you should be able to see your final results of liposuction. There may be some lingering swelling or bruising, but it shouldn’t be significant enough to prevent you from seeing a significant change in your appearance. 

The areas where your surgeon removed fat cells will look tighter and smoother than before. Your liposuction recovery timeline will inform whether you can return to your usual activity level, including more intense exercise and heavy lifting. 

You may find that your scars remain visible at this stage but are minimal and easily unnoticeable. Keep them out of the sun or apply sunblock on them, keeping them well-moisturized to improve their appearance over time.

Getting the most from your liposuction results

As with any plastic surgery, you will need to take care of your body to achieve the best long-term results. Liposuction results last with a healthy lifestyle. While lipo removes fat from specific areas, it does not prevent the future gained weight from affecting the same places in the future. 

To get the most out of your procedure, maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine after you are cleared to do so following surgery.

Learn more recovery tips. Or, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified liposuction doctors today.