Liposuction recovery — week by week

What healing actually looks like — week by week — for liposuction.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 0–3
   Drainage from incisions is normal. Compression garment 24/7.
2. Week 1
   Most return to desk work; pain manageable on OTC by day 5.
3. Weeks 2–4
   Lymphatic drainage massage accelerates results. Bruising clears.
4. Months 1–3
   Final contour begins to emerge as swelling subsides.
5. Months 3–6
   Skin retraction complete. Final result.

What's normal vs. what to call about

Some swelling, bruising, asymmetry, numbness, and tightness are expected in the first weeks. Sudden severe pain, fever above 101°F, drainage, spreading redness, or one-sided swelling that worsens after improving warrant a same-day call to your surgeon.

See liposuction results across the recovery curve on the main Liposuction page.