Lipo 360, also known as circumferential liposuction, is a procedure that removes fat from the waist, back, abdomen, sides, and buttocks. It helps create a more contoured, slimmed-down appearance all the way around your midsection.
Many patients wonder when they’ll start to feel “normal” again after undergoing lipo 360. Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most people can expect to feel back to their usual selves within 4-6 weeks. However, it may take 3-6 months to see the full results as swelling goes down completely.
Here’s an overview of what to expect during your recovery and when you can expect to feel normal again after lipo 360:
First 1-2 Weeks
The first week or two after lipo 360 will likely be the most uncomfortable part of your recovery. Here’s what to expect:
– Bruising, swelling, and soreness around the treated areas. This is normal and will subside over the next few weeks.
– Wearing a compression garment around the clock to minimize swelling and promote healing. This may feel tight and uncomfortable at first.
– Difficulty standing upright completely. You may feel hunched over due to soreness. Move carefully and slowly.
– Pain and discomfort. Take any prescribed medications as directed to manage pain.
– Fatigue. Your body is using a lot of energy to heal. Rest as much as possible.
– Restricted activity. Avoid anything strenuous for at least 2 weeks. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.
– Emotional ups and downs. Mood changes are common after surgery due to physical discomfort, medication effects, and sudden change in body image.
While you may not feel “back to normal” during the first week or two, know that the discomfort and limitations are only temporary. Take it easy on yourself mentally and physically.
2-4 Weeks
By 2-4 weeks after surgery, you should start turning a corner in your recovery. Here’s what to expect during this time:
– Pain, bruising, and soreness start improving. You’ll likely be able to stop taking prescription pain medication.
– Tiredness and fatigue gradually decrease. Your energy levels start to improve.
– You can start getting back to light activity like short walks, household chores, and desk work. No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise yet!
– Swelling decreases but may still be present. You can likely switch to a less compressive garment.
– Post-op depression may lift as you start feeling more like yourself. Make sure to avoid isolation and ask for support if needed.
– Scars may start itching. This is a sign of healing. Avoid scratching them.
– You may return to work if your job is mostly sedentary. Let your employer know about any restrictions.
During weeks 2-4, you can expect to feel noticeably better than the first week post-op. Simple activities will become easier. However, you may still feel soreness and fatigue, so don’t overdo it.
1-2 Months
By 1-2 months after lipo 360, most of the effects of surgery will have resolved. Here’s what you can expect:
– Pain, discomfort, and soreness are minimal. You can likely discontinue pain medication.
– No need to wear compression garments. Swelling has gone down significantly.
– Energy levels are back to normal. You can resume regular activities and light exercise.
– Scars are still red or purple but should fade over the next few months. They may feel itchy or numb.
– Swelling continues to go down and results become more visible. But final results still take 3-6 months.
– You can return to work full duty and most other normal activities. Avoid contact sports or heavy lifting.
– Emotional ups and downs stabilize as you regain strength, energy and start to see improvements.
At the 1-2 month mark, most patients report feeling 80-90% “back to normal.” Your body will still be healing, but you can expect to feel much more like yourself again. Make sure to gradually increase activity and avoid overdoing it.
3-6 Months
Within 3-6 months after lipo 360, your final results are taking shape, swelling has fully resolved, and you can return to all normal activities. Here’s what to expect:
– Discomfort, stiffness, swelling, and soreness are gone. You should feel completely back to normal.
– Scars continue to fade and flatten. Numbness around scars may persist.
– No need for compression garments. Your results are now fully visible.
– You can resume all regular activities including exercise, lifting, and sports. Take it slow to avoid injury.
– Your mood, energy, confidence, and overall well-being have stabilized.
– Weight loss from surgery has stabilized, but you may continue losing if combining with diet and exercise.
– No more post-op visits are required unless directed by your surgeon. You’ve completed recovery!
At the 3-6 month mark, you can rejoice because your recovery is essentially complete! You’ll feel back to your usual self both physically and emotionally. Make sure to protect your investment by maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Tips for Recovering Faster
While everyone recovers on their own timeline, you can help speed things along. Here are some tips for a faster, smoother recovery:
– Walk daily as soon as possible to boost circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent blood clots. Start small and gradually increase duration.
– Drink plenty of fluids and eat a high protein diet. This supports healing. Avoid alcohol for at least 3 weeks as it can increase swelling.
– Take ibuprofen or other recommended anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling and discomfort.
– Get plenty of rest. Your body needs extra sleep post-surgery to heal. Nap daily if needed.
– Wear compression garments 24/7 as directed. This reduces swelling and encourages new blood vessel formation.
– Avoid sun exposure on scars until fully healed. The sun can damage them. Wear SPF 30+ if you’ll be outside.
– Perform light mobility exercises to prevent stiffness. Go for a short walk and do shoulder rolls, knee lifts, neck stretches, and ankle pumps daily.
– Do not smoke or vape! Smoking severely impairs wound healing and can lead to serious complications.
– Attend all scheduled post-op visits with your plastic surgeon. They will monitor your progress and recovery.
– Practice good wound care. Keep incisions clean and watch for signs of infection like fever or oozing.
– Connect with a support group or friends who have had lipo. They can offer recovery tips and emotional support.
– Be patient with the process. Allow your body proper time to heal before resuming full activity.
Following surgeon’s orders closely along with these tips will promote the best, fastest recovery. But don’t forget – every patient is different!
What If I’m Not Feeling Better?
In most cases, patients begin feeling back to normal within 4-6 weeks after lipo 360. But some people take a bit longer to recover based on factors like:
– Extent of surgery – More fat removed means more recovery time needed.
– Overall health status – Medical problems like diabetes or obesity can delay healing.
– Genetics and age – Youth and good genes tend to equate faster recovery.
– Activity level – Overexertion may prolong the healing process.
If you’re more than 6-8 weeks post-op and are not feeling better, be sure to follow up with your plastic surgeon, especially if you have:
– Increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or oozing from incisions
– Fever, chills, nausea/vomiting
– Shortness of breath or leg pain that could indicate a blood clot
– Severe emotional changes like depression or anxiety
Rare complications like infection or blood clots require prompt medical care. Your doctor can also check for seromas (fluid pockets) or areas of fat necrosis that may need treatment to improve healing.
Be patient, but don’t hesitate to call your surgeon with any concerns after lipo 360. Most people do recover fully within 2 months. But additional time, treatment, or surgery may be needed in some cases for the best results. Stay in touch with your care team.
When Can I Return to Normal Activity?
Recovery is a gradual process after lipo 360. It’s important to ease back into exercise and other strenuous activities. Here are general timelines, but always follow your surgeon’s specific guidelines:
After 2 weeks:
– Light walking, stretching
– Desk work
– Gentle household chores
– Stop wearing compression garment if approved
After 4 weeks:
– Increase walking duration
– Add light cardio like stationery biking
– Some weightlifting with limits on weight
– Stop prescription pain medication
After 6 weeks:
– Daily activities with no restrictions
– More rigorous cardio like elliptical
– Swimming and other light sports
– Begin scar massage when incisions close
After 8 weeks:
– High intensity exercise like aerobics classes
– Running, weightlifting resume without limits
– Contact sports like basketball or soccer
– Sexual activity resume
After 3 months:
– No activity restrictions remain
– Scars have maximum tensile strength
– Results are visible but continue improving up to 6 months
The purpose of slowly increasing activity is to allow your body adequate time to heal after the trauma of liposuction. Rushing back to normal life too soon can impair wound healing and cause complications like seromas. Take it step by step. Once your doctor gives the all-clear, you can get back to all the activities you enjoy!
Conclusion
The road to recovery after lipo 360 has its ups and downs, but most patients begin feeling normal within 1-2 months post-op. Full healing takes 3-6 months for the swelling to resolve and results to become visible. With patience and proper care, you’ll get back to your usual self before you know it. Take it easy, attend follow-ups, and communicate any concerns to your surgeon. Before long, you’ll be enjoying your beautiful new figure!