What to Expect From 1 Month Liposuction Results

Liposuction is the most effective cosmetic procedure at removing fat from the body. 

The procedure involves small incisions made near the target area where fat will be removed. Through these incisions, your surgeon will insert a thin hollow tube made of metal (called a cannula). And using varied techniques, they will dislodge and suction out the excess fat. Finally, they will close up the incisions, and you’ll be on your way to a slimmer, sleeker you.

When exactly you will be able to enjoy your results from surgery is something patients inevitably want to know more about. Naturally, everyone is anxious to get back to their daily routines and to start shopping for new clothes and showing off their new figures.

Below, we’ll take a look at what you can expect from your liposuction recovery timeline. Specifically, we’ll be looking at 1 month liposuction results.

How Long After Lipo Will I See Results?

According to the typical liposuction results timeline, most patients will see significant results after one to three months of recovery. This timeframe will vary, depending upon several factors. 

For example, those patients who’ve had a significant amount of fat removed will tend to have a longer recovery time compared with patients who’ve only had a moderate or small amount of fat removed. Likewise, patients who rigorously follow their aftercare instructions will end up with more efficient recovery experiences. 

If patients exert themselves too much, do not wear their compression garments as directed, or decline to follow through with other post-surgery instructions, they not only risk harming their health, but they may end up extending their recovery time and compromising their liposuction results.

What to Expect From Your 1 Month Liposuction Results

At consultation appointments, it’s common for patients to ask what to expect 4 weeks after liposuction (or around the 1 month mark). They may be planning a vacation or event around this point in time, and they want to know that they’ll be able to show off their new figure.

To get a rough idea of what to expect after around a month of healing, take a look at some 3 weeks after liposuction photos and 4 weeks after liposuction photos. 

Here, you’ll immediately notice a reduction in bruising and a slight reduction in swelling. However, some residual swelling will still be present. Generally speaking, you’ll be able to see an improvement in the overall shape of the area, but the patient’s full results will usually not yet be realized.

Also keep in mind that your compression garment will still need to be worn during this time. Most patients will need to wear this garment for around two to three months after liposuction. Usually, the soonest you can stop wearing your compression garment all the time is around the six-week mark. Even after this point, you’ll need to wear it for at least part of the day. 

With this in mind, if you are planning an event or a vacation one month after liposuction, you may want to delay it a bit further. A general recommendation is not to plan anything big until at least three months after your liposuction procedure. While you should feel adequately healthy and active before this time (and the bruising and most of the swelling will be gone), you won’t fully see your results until at least the three month mark.

How Long Will I Be Swollen After Lipo?

Swelling is usually the final side effect of liposuction to go. Initial swelling will dissipate within the first week, allowing you to feel relatively normal and return to work fairly quickly. 

After that, wearing your compression garment will help to eliminate the rest of the swelling over time. Still, it may take as long as six weeks to two months for the vast majority of swelling to disappear.

What Happens After 2 Months of Liposuction?

Around two months after liposuction, you will no longer be wearing your compression garment 24/7. However, you will likely still need to wear it for part of the day. The majority of swelling and bruising will have dissipated at this point as well. You’ll have a bit more swelling that hasn’t gone away yet, but you should see that subside in the weeks to come.

Most patients are no longer restricted from exercise after two months of lipo recovery. However, always confirm with your surgeon when you can return to physical activity as doing so too soon may compromise your results.

Why Does It Take Months to See Liposuction Results?

It’s important not to expect instantaneous results from liposuction. This is an invasive surgery that requires incisions. The tissues, muscle, and fat will be greatly affected by the physical removal of fat cells from the body. It will take time for your body to heal. 

During this time, symptoms such as bruising, swelling, and inflammation are normal and to be expected. This is your body reacting to the surgery and progressing through the stages of healing. You need to let this happen naturally.

If you try to jump back into your normal routine too soon, avoid taking care of your incision sites, exert yourself too much, or attempt to hurry along the recovery process in other ways, you put yourself at risk. Likewise, you probably won’t be able to enjoy the full extent of your results when they do come. 

Be patient — you’ll see your liposuction results with time!

Will I Have Scars After Liposuction?

Yes, but liposuction incisions are extremely small, which means that the resulting scars will be minimal. 

Of course, as with all things related to surgery, every patient is different. Not only will your dedication to proper aftercare influence the visibility of your scars, but your specific skin type and scarring tendency will also play a role.

Talk to Us About Your Personal Recovery Timeline

Want to learn more about the recovery experience for liposuction and when you will see results? Contact Hill Country Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation appointment. We want to help you look and feel your best — call today!

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-expect-after-liposuction