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Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

When Can I?

When can I go back to work?

Recovery from liposuction surgery varies from person to person and depends as well on the procedure or procedures done. It also depends, of course, on the type of work you do. You can return to a sedentary job sooner than you could to a very active job. You should allow about five days to one week to recover before going back to work at a sedentary job and about three weeks to return to a labor intensive job.

When can I tan my body?

You need to wait. Tanning before the scars have matured can result in hyperpigmentation or causing the scars to be darker than the surrounding skin and, therefore, more visible. If you have to get out in the sun, be sure to cover up the scars with clothing or tape to prevent them from tanning. If you want to be really sure, wait at least a year until the scars have matured.

When can I begin having sex again?

Well, there is sex and there is sex. Your body will know better than anyone else when you are ready. It's probably best to wait ten days to two weeks—and take it easy at first.

When can I fly in an airplane?

Although they are rare, complications following liposuction surgery can occur. It is important that you be in the area, near the doctor's office, for the first week, so that she can address any problems that come up. Physically, after the first couple of days, flying should not pose a problem, but we need to make sure that you're past any possible complications.

When can I take a vacation?

After your liposuction surgery, you will need a period of recovery. You will be sore and likely dealing with some level of pain, with the help of pain medicine, of course. Some patients have less pain and some have more pain. In addition, you need to be past the period when complications might occur. The last thing you want is to be away from the doctor and have problems occur. The doctor recommends that you not plan a vacation until at least one month after the operation. By then, you should be well down the road to recovery.

When can I start jogging again?

Jogging is particularly hard on your skin, bouncing it up and down. Remember, your body is trying to heal just under the skin. Wait at least six weeks or until the doctor tells you you can start jogging again. And remember to wear your elastic garment for extra support.

When can I ride horses again, jump on a trampoline, jump rope, etc?

All of these activities have a lot of up and down action. The advice above for jogging holds for riding and jumping as well. Wait at least six weeks and remember to wear your elastic compression garment.

When can I go swimming, or water skiing, or snow skiing again?

Normally, you can start swimming after about a month.

Water skiing, of course, involves swimming and the above recommendations for swimming apply. Both forms of skiing, however, have the added risk of falling and causing physical injury to your body before it's had a chance to heal and strengthen. It is best to wait at least three months, but be sure to check with the doctor if you're within six months of liposuction surgery.

When can I scuba dive after liposuction?

Scuba diving, of course, involves swimming and the recommendations for swimming also apply. Other than that, there should be no additional concerns over scuba diving. The increased pressure at depth will not affect the treated areas.

When can I ride a roller coaster?

The main factor is healing. Roller coasters are OK once you're healed. They subject your body to as much force as jogging and riding. Wait at least three months till you're well healed and the danger of the internal scars tearing is past.

More Liposuction FAQs

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San Antonio Plastic Surgeon Virginia Pittman Waller MD