Liposuction Recovery in Miami — Week-by-Week

Week 0 (surgery day and first 48 hours)

• Rest with head and legs elevated
• Compression garment continuous
• Tumescent drainage from access sites is expected
• Prescription pain medication as needed
• Hydrate aggressively
• Short walks every 2–3 hours to prevent DVT

Week 1

• First lymphatic drainage massage at day 3–5
• Off narcotic pain medication by day 5–7
• Return to desk work at day 5–10 for most patients
• Continue garment continuously except for showering

Weeks 2–3

• Light cardio (walking, stationary bike) begins
• Continue lymphatic massage 2–3× per week
• Transition from stage-1 to stage-2 compression garment
• Driving without narcotics is safe

Weeks 4–6

• Resume strength training with modifications
• Swelling substantially resolved
• Stage-2 garment part-time
• Scar management (silicone tape or gel) begins

Months 3–12

• 80–90% of final contour visible at month 3
• Residual swelling clears over 6–12 months
• Incisions fade to fine lines with sun protection
• Weight stability preserves the result

Warning signs — call your surgeon

• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Unilateral calf pain or swelling (possible DVT)
• Shortness of breath or chest pain (possible PE)
• Expanding hematoma
• Spreading redness or foul-smelling drainage
• Skin discoloration progressing to blistering

Frequently asked questions

How long is liposuction recovery?

Most patients return to desk work in 5–10 days, resume cardio at 2–3 weeks, resume strength training at 6 weeks, and see 80–90% of the final contour at 3 months. Residual swelling can continue improving for up to 12 months.

How long do I wear a compression garment?

Stage-1 garment continuously for 3–4 weeks; stage-2 for another 4–6 weeks. Compression drives skin retraction, reduces swelling, and improves contour.

Do I need lymphatic drainage massage?

It is widely recommended. A typical Miami postoperative package includes 5–10 sessions starting at day 3 and continuing through week 4–6.

When can I fly?

Short domestic flights (under 4 hours) at day 7; longer flights at day 10–14. Flying too early increases DVT risk. Get written clearance from your surgeon.

When can I go swimming or use a hot tub?

Ocean and pool swimming after incisions are fully healed — typically 3–4 weeks. Hot tubs at 6 weeks.

Is drainage from incisions normal?

Yes. Pink-tinged tumescent fluid drains for 24–72 hours from access sites; this is expected and does not indicate bleeding.

When can I sleep on my stomach or back?

After Lipo 360, sleep on your back with pillows under knees for the first 3–4 weeks. Stomach sleeping is permitted once tenderness resolves, typically week 3–4.

What's normal vs. warning signs?

Normal: bruising, swelling, tightness, tumescent drainage, temporary numbness. Warning: fever >101°F, unilateral calf pain, shortness of breath, expanding hematoma, spreading redness, foul-smelling drainage. Call your surgeon immediately for any of these.