LIPOSUCTION: A RECOVERY GUIDE

Liposuction is one of the UK’s most popular cosmetic procedures and removes areas of unwanted fat from the body. The three most common methods are tumescent, water jet and laser.

Traditional liposuction is an invasive procedure and should be fully researched before you commit to the surgery. It is crucial to know what to expect before and during the procedure, which you can find out in our liposuction guide via this link.

But how much do you know about what to expect after liposuction? Common questions include:

• How long does it take to recover from liposuction?
• How can I speed up liposuction recovery?
• What are the signs that my liposuction has gone wrong?
• What can I do if my liposuction has gone wrong?

In this guide, we explore the answers to these liposuction recovery questions and the other key pieces of information that you should know if you are considering or have just undergone the procedure.

If you've had liposuction surgery that has gone wrong , then our team of solicitors can help you, learn more about making a liposuction claim here

1) WHAT HAPPENS 24 HOURS AFTER LIPOSUCTION?

Immediate recovery from liposuction varies according to the size of the area that was treated, the type of surgery you had and your individual circumstances. Many operations are carried out under general anaesthetic, in which case you will need to recover from the effects of the anaesthetic and this sometimes means that you must stay in hospital overnight.

If you are discharged on the same day as the procedure you will need to have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours. Be sure to pack loose, comfortable clothing to wear on the journey home.

Your surgeon might prescribe antibiotics for the wound and/or painkillers. It is normal to have tenderness and swelling in the part of the body where you had liposuction immediately afterwards, but if this becomes excessive or you are concerned that it is abnormal then contact a medical professional immediately.

Stitches - if you had them - are typically removed after the first week, unless the surgeon used dissolvable stitches. The NHS states that you should be able to resume contact sports or physical activities at around 4-6 weeks post-surgery.

It could take up to six months for the full effects of the procedure to be revealed, once any swelling and bruising has completely subsided.

2) DO I NEED TO WEAR COMPRESSION GARMENTS?

You will be fitted with compression bandages or elasticated supports for the appropriate areas after your surgery. You will also have dressings to cover the entry points and wounds from surgery.

Compression bandages and compression garments will help to get rid of swelling and bruising. The length of time that you wear these for is dependent on the nature of your procedure; it can be several weeks or months.

You are likely to be given specific garments to wear by your surgeon, so that they target the precise area that they have treated. It is important to wear these and follow instructions from your surgeon, so that the affected areas are properly supported during your recovery.

You can remove these garments and bandages when you shower, but check what guidance your surgeon can offer regarding how soon you should wait before submerging the wound in water. Typically, you should avoid showering or bathing for the first week after your procedure.

3) IS LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY PAINFUL?

It is normal to feel a certain level of pain and tenderness immediately after liposuction. You are likely to have swelling and bruising for up to six months after the procedure.

The level of pain to expect from liposuction will depend on how extensive the surgery was, what body part it focussed on, the size of the area and your own unique circumstances.

Bruising, lumpiness, numbness and discolouration of the skin are all common side effects that can last up to six months after liposuction. If you experience bleeding or signs of infection - such as pus, a temperature, redness, or excessive pain or swelling - contact a medical professional immediately.

If you experience any pain in your chest, it could be a sign of a blood clot and you must seek urgent medical attention.

4) HOW CAN I SPEED UP LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY?

To minimise risks and aid recovery, it is important to get your body moving gently soon after surgery. Your surgeon is likely to encourage you to walk about as soon as possible, to aid blood flow and minimise the risk of clots.

You should aim to keep moving every few hours to ensure fluid is circulating around your body, but take care not to over-exert yourself, as that could hinder your progress.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet will aid recovery and prevent fat from returning. You should drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy weight to give your body the best chance of a speedy recovery.

Be sure to attend regular check-ups with your surgeon after you are discharged. They will ensure that the wound is healing well and that your general health is stable.

Once the first phase of recovery is over and the full results are visible, you should aim to stay fit, avoid fatty and processed foods and keep to a healthy exercise regime, to maintain the results of the procedure and avoid excess fat building up in other areas.

While the above will aid recovery, there is no quick-win way to speed up the process. Over-exertion can do more harm than good, and it is crucial to rest and take care of yourself for the weeks and months following liposuction.

5) WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS FROM LIPOSUCTION?

Recovery from liposuction can be a long and uncomfortable process. A degree of bruising and swelling is normal, but if you are concerned that your pain is becoming excessive or the bruising and swelling is abnormal, then it is important to consult a medical professional as soon as possible.

According to the NHS, possible complications from liposuction include:

• Lumpy and uneven results
• Bleeding under the skin (haematoma)
• Persistent numbness that lasts for months
• Changes in skin colour in the treated area
• A build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) from the fluid injected into the body
• A blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Damage to internal organs during the procedure

Any type of operation also carries a small risk of:

• Excessive bleeding
• Developing a blood clot in a vein
• Infection
• An allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

6) WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT MY LIPOSUCTION HAS GONE WRONG?

It can take up to six months for you to see the final results of your procedure, but if after this time these are not what you expected, then you should contact the clinic where you undertook the surgery and discuss this with them in the first instance.

While being unhappy with your results does not necessarily mean that your liposuction was botched or went wrong, the following signs may indicate that something has gone wrong due to medical negligence:

• Poor body shape or contour deformity
• A failure to warn you about potential nerve damage or numbness
• Bumpy and asymmetrical skin after the fat has been removed

7) WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY LIPOSUCTION HAS GONE WRONG?

You may be entitled to claim for liposuction compensation if your surgeon or clinic failed to meet a certain standard. This could result in financial compensation to contribute towards reconstructive surgery and the emotional impact that the case has had on your life. It could also prevent the surgeon or clinic from making similar errors with patients in the future.

For a full guide on what to do next if you believe your liposuction was botched due to negligence on the part of the surgeon or clinic, read our report: Cosmetic Surgery: Knowing your rights if something goes wrong.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you to find out whether you are entitled to make a claim. Get in touch with us today to discuss your circumstances by calling freephone on 0808 252 7178, or arrange for us to call you back by using our online contact form.

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.