One of life’s greatest feelings is seeing your dreams come true, like finally getting that Lipo 360 you’ve been longing for. And now, just hours after your procedure, you’re already seeing the best possible results. The next step? Focus on your recovery and follow all the recommendations from your amazing plastic surgeon.
At Avana Plastic Surgery, we will guide you through the entire process. The key to making everything go smoothly is to stay well-informed, know what to expect, and prepare as well as possible for a calm and spectacularly beneficial recovery.
Lipo 360 Recovery Timeline
There is no fixed timeline for this kind of recovery process, as the exact duration depends on each patient's physical characteristics and health conditions. Thanks to our experience, it is possible to establish a general timeframe for what you can expect during the postoperative period:
- During the initial stage (one to three days), it's normal to feel discomfort due to swelling, stiffness, and bruising. You are required to wear a compression garment 24 hours a day and take the antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
- After the first week, your body begins to adapt, and it's recommended to walk gently to avoid the formation of blood clots. The swelling starts to decrease, and if your surgeon approves, lymphatic drainage sessions will begin.
- After the second week, you will continue wearing the compression garment and may shower and resume some light household activities. You’ll continue with massages and experience a significant reduction in pain.
- Between the third and fourth week, you’ll begin to see the first results of the procedure and incorporate light walks into your routine. Continue wearing the compression garment for fewer hours per day.
- During the second and third months, you gradually return to daily activities, and your newly sculpted silhouette becomes more visible. You may return to the gym, but avoid high-impact exercises until sensitivity disappears.
- Your body will have almost completely healed from the fourth to sixth month, and you'll be able to see the final contour. Scars will be almost unnoticeable, and the compression garment will no longer be necessary.
If you follow all your surgeon’s instructions, stay hydrated, and maintain a protein-rich diet, you can speed up the recovery process. At Avana Plastic Surgery, we will be with you at all times and make sure you have all the information you need within reach.
Common Sensations After Lipo 360: Pain and Discomfort
In the first few hours, pain and discomfort are to be expected, as well as sensitivity and pressure in the areas of incision, extreme swelling, and muscle stiffness. You may also endure discomfort when coughing, laughing, or walking, along with some burning and tightness. All these symptoms will gradually subside as long as you strictly follow the postoperative instructions from your surgeon.
After Lipo 360, it is essential not to make sudden movements, to stay hydrated, and to eat properly to improve the healing process. Completely eliminating alcohol and tobacco consumption will also help your recovery and allow the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers to be more effective.
Swelling and Bruising After Lipo 360
During the first few hours after the procedure, you might feel overwhelmed upon seeing the bruises on your body, especially in the treated area. All these reactions are a completely normal part of the recovery process from what is undoubtedly a complex surgical treatment. In the case of swelling, some of its characteristics include:
- Rapid progression.
- Temporary asymmetry.
- Feeling of pressure or stiffness.
- Spongy or firm consistency, depending on your stage of recovery.
- Prolonged duration.
- It migrates from one area to another.
- Wide distribution.
- Sensitivity to touch.
- Improves with rest and use of the compression garment.
- Absence of severe redness.
On the other hand, bruising is due to the rupture of small blood vessels during fat removal. Depending on your physical traits, bruises may change color as they progress and usually fade gradually after two to three weeks. Some of their characteristics include:
- Intense and changing coloration.
- Widespread location.
- Mild sensitivity or burning sensation.
- Irregular shape.
- Early appearance.
- Compatible with lymphatic drainage.
- Expected asymmetry.
- Limited duration.
- May reappear slightly.
- Do not represent a warning sign.
The key to your recovery is to be patient with your body as it undergoes a long process of internal adjustment and adaptation. After the first few weeks, your symptoms will begin to subside, and with the support of our medical team, you’ll be able to go through each stage and start showing off that figure you had long dreamed of.
How to Sleep Properly After a Lipo 360
A poor sleeping posture can interfere with the natural drainage of fluids and cause unwanted build-ups. Likewise, it may delay internal healing and increase pain or affect the final shape of the body contour. If you keep the room cool and take the painkillers prescribed by your surgeon, you’ll minimize any possible risks. With that in mind, we also advise you to:
- Sleep semi-sitting or on your back.
- Avoid lying on your stomach or entirely on your side.
- Avoid hard and completely flat surfaces.
- Keep your torso elevated during the first two to three weeks.
- Use pillows or support cushions.
Rest is a fundamental part of your recovery, mainly because while you sleep, your body actively works to speed up healing, reduce inflammation, and regenerate tissues.
Compression Garments: Importance and Recommendations
At Avana Plastic Surgery, we pay special attention to this part of your post-op care. A Lipo 360 treats the entire midsection of the body, including the abdomen, lower back, upper buttocks, and flanks. The goal is to sculpt a balanced and harmonious figure, and for this reason, wearing compression garments is an essential measure to maximize results. In that sense, some of the benefits are:
- Support and comfort.
- Shaping of the body contour.
- Reduction of swelling.
- Decrease in bruising.
The length of time compression garments should be worn depends on your medical team's specific instructions. Generally, the recommendation is to wear them permanently for the first three to six days. After that, their use is gradually reduced to just a few hours per day, again following your surgeon's guidance.
Physical Activity and Sports Practice After a Lipo 360
An active lifestyle can positively impact the quality and longevity of your Lipo 360. However, your return to the gym or any other form of physical activity must be gradual and safe. In most cases, patients go back to their whole routine after the first three months. This may include moderate or high-intensity cardio such as running, abdominal exercises, and progressive strength or functional training.
You must go at a comfortable pace and listen to your body. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to contact us. At Avana Plastic Surgery, we are always at your disposal because we believe that your transformation doesn't stop in the operating room—it continues with the healthy habits you build every day.
