“10 Tips To Have A Mild Liposuction Recovery Period” by Virginia Cunningham
by Health Blogger Virginia Cunningham
A journey to a new and improved self is not without a few a bumps in the road. The recovery period after liposuction is far from pleasant, but you can speed up the process by taking care of yourself and allowing your body to heal. If you recently underwent a procedure, shorten the amount of time you are swollen and in pain with these tips below.
1. Drink plenty of water. Water is crucial post-op and during the recovery period. Drinking plenty of water will help keep the swelling down, and the liquid prevents dehydration from the fluid loss from the procedure.
2. Eat apples and pineapples post-op to reduce bruising. Don’t bother with arnica (it doesn’t work) for bruising—try eating apples and pineapples instead. It might be in baby food or mashed form at first as you transition from liquids and soft foods to a regular diet, but apples and pineapples are good sources of bromelain and quercetin—which have anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain, in particular, is believed to be good reducing bruising and swelling after surgery.
3. Try a daily or weekly lymphatic drainage massage. A highly recommended bodywork procedure, lymphatic drainage massage is an excellent complement to liposuction. This massage can help reduce scarring, swelling, and decrease recovery time. It also helps your body get rid of the excess fluid that accumulates post-op, leading to swelling and discomfort. Lymphatic massage also can boost the immune system, helping your body ward off infection. You can even give yourself a lymphatic drainage massage at home as part of your daily recovery routine.
4. Use aromatherapy to help boost the immune system and ward off depression. Some essential oils used in aromatherapy are known to be anti-pathogenic, which can help keep bacteria and viruses at bay while you’re more vulnerable to infections.
Depression occasionally occurs in some patients post-op. Aromatherapy, using essential oils like grapefruit and peppermint, can help lift the mood and keep those doldrums at bay. Added bonus: peppermint essential oil might help alleviate the nausea that affects some post-op patients.
Combine aromatherapy with massage for even faster recovery (once the incisions have healed). Not only will the two together help you relax, but massage improves circulation for quicker healing.
5. Wear your compression garment. Yes, it’s uncomfortable and unsightly, but there’s a reason everyone is given one. It will help reduce the pain and swelling, by aiding with drainage, while guiding your body back into its normal shape. Ideally, you should wear the compression garment 24 hours a day for the first week or two; then wear it for 12 hours a day for the two weeks after.
6. Take a walk. While you will need to take it easy during post-op, recovery does not mean lying around all day eating bon-bons. Some light exercise will speed up the healing process. The complete absence of physical exercise can lead to soreness, and more dangerously, a blood clot in your legs or lungs.
But avoid intense cardio or weight-lifting exercises—exertion like this can lead to increase in swelling at best, or tear the healing wounds at worst. Try a brisk walk instead—it will improve circulation while boosting your mood and immune system.
7. Eat clean. For the first few days, you might be restricted to liquids and gradually be allowed to work up to soft foods. However, once you’re allowed to transition to a normal diet, that does not mean consuming junk food. Your body needs nutrients to properly heal. Blueberries, salmon, and green tea are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and the building blocks your body needs during recovery.
8. No soaking in water! Even though a soothing bath sounds like just the thing you need to relieve your aching body, soaking in bathtub, hot tub, or pool increases your risk of infection and slows the healing process. Opt for massages to help alleviate some of your discomfort instead of sitting in a tub.
9. Avoid drugs all sorts, including NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. These types of medication thins the blood and can increase swelling and bleeding. Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine are off the list too, so no post-work drinks, smoke breaks, or morning coffees.
10. Above all else, rest! Liposuction is still surgery, after all. Don’t try to be a superhero and power through your regular routine after your procedure. Take time to slow down and let your body heal. You’ll have plenty of time to flaunt your new figure once your body has fully recovered.
Follow the tips to make the recovery period less painful and protracted, and soon you’ll be able back to your normal routine.