Is liposuction painful?

Dear reader,

Thank you for your question. Here at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, we use IV-sedation to sedate you and put you into a twilight sleep while the procedure is being performed. Before liposuction, we also inject into the areas a solution that is mixed with lidocaine and epinepherine. This anesthetizes the area locally and usually stays in for a couple of days, which helps with any discomfort. Pain medication is prescribed to keep you comfortable, as well as an antibiotic to prevent infection.

It depends on how many areas of liposuction you want that will really determine your discomfort level. Most people describe it as an achy discomfort that usually starts to subside between day three and five. Ice helps to reduce swelling, which will then alleviate any discomfort.

Most of our patients tolerate this procedure very well and are very satisfied with their results. We let patient's know they can return to their full activities after four to six weeks. It can take up to a full year for full results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012