Liposuction in NYC: Consult to Recovery
“How long until I feel like myself again?” One of the most common questions I receive in the initial consultation for body contouring procedures such as liposuction, really any surgical procedure for that matter. From there, most patients’ questions center around the timeline of events, from consultation to follow-up appointments. As I have done in the past with breast reduction from consult to recovery, below you will find the basic chronology of the body contouring procedure, framed as a Liposuction FAQ session.
What is the Goal of the Liposuction Consultation?
The initial consultation is roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Our goal in this time is to listen to patient concerns to define the reasons for undergoing the procedure and hopeful goals for cosmetic enhancement. During the in-depth one-on-one consultation, I will conduct a physical exam and discuss medical history to better determine if liposuction is the right procedure for this particular patient. Following the exam, we will discuss the expected surgical outcome.
May I Bring Family and Friends to the Consultation?
Many patients ask if they may bring family or friends to help them absorb the information and help them feel more comfortable. For me, the consultation is all about the patient and understanding their goals, so if having someone there with them to help retain the information, ask the pertinent questions, and provide overall moral support, then I am all for it.
What’s the Next Step? Is there a Waiting Period?
The next step in the liposuction process is scheduling a date for the procedure and beginning the pre-testing for the surgery. We conduct some basic exams to help us determine if you are medically and physically capable of undergoing a surgical procedure, as patient safety is of the highest concern for myself and our entire practice.
How Can I Make Sure I am Prepared for Surgery?
My team covers a comprehensive pre-operative list to ensure you have the best experience possible. Some of the things you can do leading up to a procedure is refrain from aspirin products, stop certain medications, avoid particular vitamins, and add Arnica herbal supplement to your regimen.
Day of Surgery: What Can I Expect?
Presuming you would be coming to our office, you would arrive and be greeted by my surgery team to take you back for preparation. This would involve meeting with the Nurse, PA and the Anesthesiologist individually, then seeing me to review any final questions before the procedure.
Depending on the area being treated, the liposuction procedure takes approximately one hour. Recovery from liposuction is typically completed at home. After completion of the procedure, your escort will pick you up and take you home.
Liposuction Recovery and Follow Up Appointments
The day after the procedure, you will feel somewhat sore and immobile, which means you’ll have to prepare to take it easy and get plenty of rest. I normally want to see my patients 5 days after surgery for their first post-operative visit.
How Long Until I Feel Like Myself?
Recovery varies depending on how each patient heals. I’ve seen some patients back on their feet within 48 hours, while others require anywhere from 1-2 weeks. The determining factor is often the size of the area treated, and the extent of the procedure.
What Else Should I Know About Liposuction?
Because this is a surgical procedure, patients may experience swelling and bruising. Persistent swelling can interfere with your ability to notice the full results of the procedure, so I encourage my patients to be patient and focus on recovery first and foremost.
I Still Have Questions About Liposuction
If you are considering liposuction, but still have unanswered questions, please contact our NYC practice to schedule some time to come in and talk with our team. This decision does not come lightly, so we make ourselves available for patients no matter where they are in the decision-making process.
