What happens after liposuction?

The treated area may feel tight, numb, uneven or firm at first. Small incision sites can ooze fluid, and bruising may change colour as it fades. The visible shape is not the final contour while swelling remains. Improvement is gradual, and the pace varies with the area treated, the amount removed and your general health.

Wear the compression garment for the schedule your surgical team gives you. Keep incision sites clean and follow instructions about bathing, dressings and prescribed medicines. Take gentle walks when advised, but avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and pressure on the treated area until cleared. Attend follow-up appointments so healing, fluid build-up and contour changes can be assessed. Do not judge the result from the first few days.

Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, worsening pain, pus, fever, a wound that opens or swelling that suddenly becomes one-sided. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or a painful swollen leg.

Ask when you may shower, drive, work and exercise; how long to use compression; which drainage is expected; and how to recognise a fluid collection or infection.