10 tips
for a successful recovery
WAL liposuction treatment of areas affected by lipedema (lower or upper limbs),
will enable you to return to a "normal" life, with reduced pain, heaviness, and spontaneous bruising.
Your legs will be toned/slimmed down. But before you see these results, your recovery period may be difficult.
Please note that this article is not intended for patients with varicose veins.
Here are our 10 tips for a successful recovery
In this article, we wanted to give you some advice to make the process as easy as possible. It is important to understand that post-operative effects vary from one patient to another.
Tip #1
Following the procedure, you will experience varying degrees of discharge for 2 to 7 days. To make this more comfortable, we recommend purchasingdisposable padsfor the journey between the clinic and your home, as well as for your bedding.
Tip #2
Postoperative edema begins immediately after the procedure. When you wake up, your legs may already have started to swell. To limit the onset of this edema, compression will be applied as soon as the procedure is over.
We recommend that youfollow the compression protocol:
Double compression (class III compression stockings + biflex/panty bands) for 5 to 10 days, day and night.
Simple compression (class III compression stockings or biflex/panty bands) for 10 days, day and night.
Simple compression (class III compression stockings or biflex/panty bands) for 15 days.
Simple compression (class II compression stockings) for 1 month.
The protocol?
This is a minimal protocol, and it is always possible to extend each stage. It is important to listen to your body and monitor the development of post-operative edema. There are several compression garments available depending on the areas operated on: biflex bands for the ankles, calves, and knees, and panties for the knees, thighs, and saddlebags.
For the first 10 days, you will be given a prescription for nursing care and will receive professional assistance inputting on the compression garment. After these 10 days, you can use certaindevicessuch as stocking aids andthe Sigvaris Rolly, which are available from pharmacies or medical supply stores.
Tip #3
Lymphatic drainage should begin 7 to 10 days after the procedure in order to restore tissue flexibility, improve sensation, and reduce post-operative swelling. Professionals who practice these techniques are not easy to find, so we recommend that you start looking for one before the procedure.
Tip #4
Swelling will be particularly noticeable in the joints (ankles, knees). We recommendapplying a cold packseveral times a day to reduce swelling and help manage pain.
Tip #5
Applying arnica gel or oil(previously stored in the refrigerator) once a day will help to relieve pain and soreness and promote the disappearance of post-operative bruising.Arnicacan also be takenorallyat the following dosage: Arnica 9 ch 5 granules 3 times/day for 10 days.
Tip #6
Walking may be difficult after the operation, as swelling in the ankles can sometimes be debilitating. To remedy this, you can do some gentlestretching exerciseswhile lying down. We recommend rotating your ankles in both directions and flexing and extending them for 5 minutes, once or several times a day, especially before getting up to walk around a little.
Tip #7
Hypotension may occur within 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. To avoid this, it is advisable todrink plenty of fluids(water, herbal tea, soup, etc.) andeat properly(do not start a diet immediately after the procedure). Diet plays an important role.
Tip #8
Postoperative anemia remains common, so we will continue youriron treatmentfor at least 15 days after the procedure. A blood test will be prescribed on day 7 to monitor this and adjust your treatment if necessary.
Tip #9
Walking is essential for a successful post-operative recovery, as it promotes natural drainage and good venous return. This contributes to your recovery.
Tip #10
Supportis an essential part of your recovery. During the first two weeks after surgery, it will be difficult for you to manage your professional activities, children, shopping, household chores, etc. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. It is therefore best to get help and plan not to work for two to three weeks after the surgery (it may be possible to return to work sooner if you work from home).
Final thoughts on this article, “10 tips for a successful recovery”
Recovery after WAL liposuction can take more or less time depending on the patient, but the key word for everyone ispatience!
Feel free to check out the testimonials from our patients and their successful recoveries!