sides. Most patients
think the worst is over after about a week to ten days. Directly after the
operation the area is soft, but then the swelling begins and over the next
few days the area gets firmer and harder. It gradually softens up again,
but it may be somewhat bothersome for several months.
If a lot of fat was removed, the patient may feel exhausted for the first
few days after the operation and should get plenty of rest. After operations
on the legs, the patient should frequently spend time lying down with the
legs elevated, but the legs should be moved and exercised even if the patient
remains in bed. Walking may be somewhat difficult after the lower part of
the body has been operated on, but it is nevertheless important to exercise
moderately (even though long walks are hardly recommended for the first
few days).
The elastic bandage on the area should be left in place day and night for
the first three weeks, and removed only for showers, which can be taken
after one or two days. These precautions do not apply to liposuction of
the face or neck, where the swelling subsides more rapidly. A bandage is
needed here for only a couple of days or so. Massage or endormology may
speed up the recovery.
