A smooth recovery is crucial for achieving beautiful, lasting liposuction results. Dr. Margoles and her expert team will guide you through every step from your first postoperative hour to your final follow-up visit. Here’s a general recovery timeline to help you prepare and feel confident about what’s ahead.

• Immediately after surgery: You’ll spend about an hour in the recovery room, where Dr. Margoles’ team will monitor you as you wake up from anesthesia and offer pain solutions to manage discomfort.
• A few hours after liposuction: Once you’re fully awake, stable, and comfortable, you’re free to go home with a responsible adult to drive you. Dr. Margoles will provide detailed aftercare instructions to follow as you rest and begin healing.
• Days one to three: Expect swelling, stiffness, and moderate soreness around the treated areas. You’ll wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support contouring. In some cases, you may go home with a surgical drain to prevent fluid buildup. Pain medication and limited activity will improve your quality of life in this early stage.
• First two weeks: Pain typically decreases significantly during this time. Depending on your procedural plan and job responsibilities, you may feel well enough to return to work within the first week. Continue wearing your compression garment and stick to light activity only.
• Three to five weeks after surgery: Most patients feel little to no pain by this point. Swelling may linger but will gradually fade. You can begin light exercise around the fourth week, while avoiding strenuous activity.
• Six weeks and beyond: Your final contour should be visible by approximately the six-week mark. Dr. Margoles will let you know when it’s safe to resume vigorous exercise and full activity.