Next Steps

Follow-up care is typically the morning after the procedure. Further follow-up care may vary from practice to practice. The majority of improvement occurs within one to two months after a procedure, but, in some areas, such as the chin, results may be incomplete until six months.

If the tumescent liposuction method is performed, most surgeons will not need to suture the area closed (studies have shown that suturing the area closed prolongs recovery and leads to more scarring at the cannula entrances). If the surgeon has sutured the area, another visit is necessary to remove the sutures.

During the recovery process, patients are urged to keep their garments on for the full time recommended by their surgeon and to report any problems or issues to their surgeon. Additionally, it is very important that the patient not wear tight or constrictive clothes during the recovery phase, as these may act to push fat away from certain areas, eventually causing a groove in the area. Usually, it is advisable to wear looser fitting clothing for the first couple of months after the procedure.