Postoperative recovery and complications

As with all medical procedures, recovery varies quite dramatically between
different patients. The following notes will give you some idea of what is normal. However many patients will get very little in the way of postoperative swelling or discomfort whereas others will get quite a lot.

Laser liposuction is a surgical procedure, albeit minor surgery, and therefore there will be some discomfort in the area after the procedure. This is due to inflammation, which is the body's response to having had something done to it. This is maximal in the first week and hence this is when we advise use of the compression garment. The area is quite swollen in the first week because of the local anaesthetic and inflammation. The swelling continues in some people for a
few weeks as the inflammation continues as the body eat away the dead fat
cells.

Most people do not need any painkillers but some people do take paracetamol or aspirin to reduce the discomfort and inflammation. If there's no bruising, aspirin is very effective. If there is bruising however, aspirin should not be taken as this can increase the bruising.

Occasionally, hard tender lumps can be felt in the treated area. These are inflamed pockets of dead fat cells and the body's immune system (white blood cells) undergoing the scarring process. Very occasionally there can be some bruising although as the laser closes blood vessels as it works, this is not often seen. Bruising is more common in people taking aspirin or who are prone to
bruising.

Very rarely, there can be skin burns caused by the laser. They can be very tender but will always heal with time. If you think you have a skin burn, you should contact Absolute Aesthetics immediately.