Recovery after liposuction requires as much care as the surgery itself. This guide will help you make your procedure comfortable and safe, with steps like using a compression garment and dressing, nutrition, pain management, and gentle walking. It also includes practical tips on swelling, bruising, wound care, and signs to watch for in emergency situations. Proper care can help you maximize your results and speed up recovery.
A urinary catheter is usually placed during surgery for use on the first day. The catheter will be removed after you ambulate.
When you wake up from surgery, you will have drains and a suitable dressing, wearing your compression garment. These drains will be measured and recorded by our nurses every morning after surgery in the hospital. Once the amount of fluid in the drain reaches the appropriate level, the drain will usually be removed within a few days. Drain removal is not painful and is easily performed.
Bruising and swelling around the surgical site are normal. This bruising and swelling will gradually decrease over time.
If bruising is extensive, you will be given Hirudoid or Arnica cream and shown how to apply these creams to the bruised areas.
After surgery, avoid applying gentle pressure to the area and wear your compression garment regularly as instructed; this will help reduce swelling and accelerate healing.
Dietary Recommendations
During the first 24 hours after surgery, consume light, easily digestible foods such as jelly, soup, or puree. It is important to consume as much water or liquid as you can tolerate without feeling nauseous.
You can begin eating liquids approximately four hours later, and solids after six to eight hours.
Be careful to avoid constipation. High-fiber foods will help with this.
A protein-rich diet will accelerate tissue healing. Aim for approximately 2 g/kg of protein daily.
Drinking plenty of water, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated will support your post-operative recovery and help reduce swelling.
Pain Management and Antibiotics
The first two days after surgery are the most painful. Patients may complain of pain, particularly at the drain exit sites. This pain is caused by the sutures securing the drain and usually disappears quickly after the drain is removed.
Your doctor will prescribe pain medication if necessary, depending on your pain level. It is important to take your medication as prescribed and not skip doses.
The anesthesia team may administer blood thinners depending on your risk during and after surgery.
Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection; be sure to complete the prescribed course and do not stop the medication prematurely.
If you experience severe pain, fever, increasing redness, or unexpected changes at the drain site, contact your doctor immediately.
Dressing and Lymphatic Massage
Your post-operative dressings will be applied by our nurses during your stay in your country.
Lymphatic massage helps speed up the removal of post-liposuction swelling and prevent potential complications during the healing process; your doctor or physiotherapist will demonstrate its use.
Upon returning to your country, if there are no complications or complications, remove the old strips after your first shower, gently dry the wound area, and apply new strips to the incision line.
You can use the strips until the 14th postoperative day.
After the video consultation on the day, the strips will be completely removed, and if necessary, silicone tape or scar cream can be used.
Be careful not to press on the strips and keep the area clean; this will improve wound healing and scar appearance.
Bleeding and Pain
Mild bleeding or leakage may occur after surgery and for several weeks; this is generally normal.
If bleeding is severe, blood transfusions may be required in the hospital.
A small amount of bloody discharge from the drain sites is normal in the first few days after surgery and after drains are removed.
Edema, swelling, and widespread pain in the surgical area are expected.
However, if you experience severe, stabbing pain concentrated in a single spot, notify the attending nurse or patient coordinator immediately.
If you notice redness, warmth, or unusual bruising along with severe pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Exercise and Activity
Strong sports and exercise are prohibited for the first six weeks after surgery. However, it is recommended that you begin taking short, light walks two weeks after surgery; this improves blood circulation and reduces swelling.
Emboli are one of the most feared complications of liposuction surgery. To prevent this, your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medications and apply compression stockings to your legs if necessary.
Emboli can develop despite all precautions. If you or your family has a history of embolism, be sure to inform your doctor. One of the most important mechanisms contributing to embolism is prolonged immobility.
Dizziness and a feeling of light-headedness are common when first standing up. To prevent this, sit on the edge of your bed for a while and look straight ahead when getting up.
It is not advisable to walk upright or stretch when getting up in the first few days; walking slightly forward is helpful due to the tension in your abdominal area.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided for the first four weeks after surgery; this period is sensitive for healing and may increase the risk of complications.
Scar Care
Post-operative scars may initially appear red or pinkish and tend to appear slightly raised; this is a normal healing process.
Over time, scars begin to fade and generally flatten and become less noticeable within 6-12 months.
The healing process for scars can vary from person to person; in some patients, scars may be more noticeable or darker.
If the patient exhibits abnormal wound healing or hypertrophic scarring/keloid formation, corrective treatment may be necessary under the evaluation of a doctor.
Direct sun exposure of scars increases the risk of hyperpigmentation; therefore, protect the scar line from direct sunlight for at least 12 months after surgery and wear sunscreen with SPF 30+ when outdoors.
If your doctor recommends it, silicone gel or silicone tape can be applied to the scars starting two weeks after surgery.
If you wish to cover healed scars with makeup, you can usually use hypoallergenic camouflage makeup after the stitches have been removed and the scabs have fallen off (approximately day 10).
Emergencies
If you experience any of the following symptoms after surgery, contact your doctor or emergency medical center immediately:
High fever (>38.5°C) or chills: This may indicate an infection. If a fever is accompanied by fatigue, chills, or general discomfort, report it immediately.
Excessive pain or vomiting: Severe pain that persists despite painkillers or persistent vomiting may indicate a problem in the surgical area or your general health. In these cases, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Excessive swelling, redness, tenderness, discharge, or foul odor in the surgical area: These symptoms may indicate an infection or a hematoma. Caution is warranted, especially if the swelling is unilateral and rapidly increasing.
Profound bleeding: Bleeding from incisions or drain sites that does not stop even with direct pressure for 20 minutes requires immediate medical attention.
If these symptoms occur, call the emergency hotline or seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention reduces the risk of complications and speeds up recovery.