While recovery times can vary from patient to patient, most can typically have a SmartLipo procedure on a Friday and have the weekend to relax before returning to work with some soreness on Monday. I always advise giving yourself a couple of days to take it easy before returning to work.
In regards to strenuous exercise, I typically advise allowing a couple of weeks before easing back in to a workout routine, and until then self-limit.
If you feel pulling or straining with any activity, cease that activity immediately.
If your job requires that you lift 70+ pounds, I would consult your plastic surgeon, but anticipate taking off of work for 2-3 weeks. (Vu Ho, MD, Plano Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Most of my patients return back to work 1-2 days after Smart Lipo. Smart Lipo is less invasive and patients can return to normal activity quicker.
You will be swollen and sore as if you had a really good workout, but this subsides over the next week or two. (Saul Lahijani, MD, Los Angeles Physician)
Since SmartLipo is a minimally invasive procedure, there is less bruising and quicker downtime than traditional liposuction. Generally, patients need five days of recovery time before returning to physical activities. (Andre Berger, MD, Beverly Hills Physician)
If your work absolutely requires you to life those types of weights then two weeks is sufficient. If you can return to light duty and minimize lifting, then a couple of days is enough. You may find that wearing your compression garment to work even beyond a week or two makes life more comfortable! (Robert W. Benson, MD, Hammond Dermatologic Surgeon)
SmartLipo Recovery- How Long Before I Can Work Out?
Returning to normal light activities such as brisk walking after SmartLipo is possible a few days after your procedure.
This is sooner than standard liposuction due to the fact that there is much less swelling and bruising with SmartLipo.
Progressing to more strenuous activities such as lifting, spinning and other exercises which elevate your heart rate are possible a week after. Of course, listen to your body and don’t try to push through pain in the treated areas. (Scott A. Brenman, MD, FACS, Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon)
Downtime varies, but usually you should avoid strenuous activity for about one to two weeks after your liposuction. (Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)
Our patients with jobs that require driving to work and sitting at a computer or similar are out for 2 days, and for a job that requires heavy lifting with pressure against the abdomen, it might be 10-14 days, but probably less.
There is always some pressure, tingling and numb feelings, as well as some discomfort than can last for several weeks, but that shouldn’t keep you from going back to work. (Robert M. Lowen, MD, Mountain View Plastic Surgeon)