How Long Does Healing Take?
Edited by Guy Slowik MD FRCS. Last updated on June 28th 2011
Everyone heals at different rates, so the following points are general guidelines only for healing from liposuction:
- If you had stitches, they will usually be removed within the first week after surgery.
- Bruises take three weeks or longer to fade after liposuction and about six weeks after ultrasound-assisted liposuction.
- Swelling can take six months to disappear but begins to recede after the first week.
- Numbness in the treated area nearly always goes away in three months, often sooner.
- Wait until your wounds heal before you have sexual intercourse.
- In most cases, you may resume your normal activities within a few weeks. However, avoid strenuous exercise for a month.
How Soon Can I Return To Work After Liposuction?
How much time you will need to take off work depends on your general fitness and the extent of your surgery. Most people who have a small area treated may return to non-strenuous work within several days or a week. If you have a larger area treated, you may need up to three weeks of rest before you may return to work. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction may require two weeks of recovery without work.
