Analysis and Recovery Guide for Skin Smoothness After Liposuction

Will the area where fat has been removed be smooth?

During liposuction, the cannula creates "tunnels" within the fat layer at the extraction site. After recovery, these "tunnels" become lower than the unextracted tissue, creating depressions. This phenomenon is common after "dry liposuction." How can this be avoided? "Wet liposuction" should be used during the procedure, employing a thinner cannula and avoiding the use of thicker, more porous cannulas. Patiently and meticulously following the pre-operative markings, and evenly extracting fat in layers, will prevent unevenness.

During fat extraction, using a thinner cannula within a well-filled fat layer and in a solution containing hemostatic agents minimizes bleeding. When using wet liposuction with a doubling technique, extracting fat from a well-filled fat layer using a 4mm diameter cannula... If the tunnel created after liposuction is 4mm, its diameter will only be 2mm after the swelling subsides. It will then appear smooth on the outside.

What are the side effects of liposuction?

As I mentioned earlier, the function of subcutaneous fat is not directly related to other systems in the body. Liposuction of a localized area will not cause dysfunction in other systems. Of course, areas where fat was not removed will not lose fat due to fat removal from other areas.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that traumatizes normal tissue. People use this trauma as a price to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing figure. Due to the surgical trauma, there may be some bleeding in the surgical area after surgery, and the skin may exhibit the following:

(1) Bruising: Generally disappears after 7-15 days;

(2) Swelling and numbness: Disappears after about 20-30 days;

(3) Induration: Located under the skin, not visible externally, but can be felt as a hard lump, which dissipates in about 90-180 days. Why are pressure bandages applied after liposuction?

After liposuction, doctors often apply pressure bandages or require the patient to wear elastic garments for approximately 7-30 days. Initially, these bandages or garments help prevent bleeding from the surgical area, providing hemostasis and pain relief. Later, they help prevent excessive growth of postoperative nodules, thus shortening recovery time.

Do not loosen these pressure bandages without your doctor's permission. Doing so can hinder hemostasis and pain relief, delay recovery, and may even lead to complications such as hematoma and wound infection.

How long does it take to recover after liposuction?

Like other surgeries, liposuction requires a recovery period. Generally, except for liposuction of the cheeks, neck, and upper buttocks which do not require restricted activity or rest, other areas require at least 24 hours of bed rest. After 24 hours, you can engage in some simple and appropriate activities depending on your individual condition. After the stitches are removed in 7 days, there are no restrictions on movement, and you can participate in light outdoor activities. Although there may still be some bruising and swelling at this time, there will be no complications.

Moderate exercise and a good mood are beneficial for postoperative recovery.

After 3 to 6 months, the surgical site will have healed ideally, generally achieving the appearance desired by both you and your doctor before the surgery.

If you need to undergo liposuction again in the same area due to unevenness or other reasons, you should wait at least one year.