Limb and Lymph
Post-Surgery Recovery Plan

Your Post-Surgery Recovery Plan

This comprehensive plan guides you through the stages of healing after liposuction, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation, focusing on optimizing recovery and preventing complications.

General Post-Op Recovery Stages

This plan applies to liposuction, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation recovery. The goals are to optimize healing, reduce fibrosis, and prevent complications like seromas or swelling.

🔶 STAGE 1 – Immediate Recovery (0–2 weeks)

💡 Goals:

  • Minimize inflammation
  • Stimulate lymphatic flow
  • Prevent fibrosis and seromas
  • Control pain and bruising

✅ Recommended Treatments:

Treatment Frequency Details
MLD 3–5 sessions/week Gentle, superficial drainage toward intact lymph nodes (e.g., inguinals, axillaries)
Deep Oscillation Therapy 2–3 sessions/week Non-invasive, deep-reaching vibrational drainage to reduce swelling and bruising (ideal for very sensitive tissue)
Compression Garment (Stage 1) Full-time wear (23 hr/day) Stage 1 faja, surgical vest, etc.
Lymph Taping Optional (if bruising/edema) Light anchor on sides of incision or drain sites to offload tension, promote drainage

Note: Avoid direct taping over incisions or raw suture areas.

🟡 STAGE 2 – Recovery & Contour (2–6 weeks)

💡 Goals:

  • Support tissue remodeling
  • Minimize fibrosis
  • Improve skin adherence to fascia
  • Maintain results

✅ Recommended Treatments:

Treatment Frequency Details
MLD 1–2 sessions/week Focused on residual congestion or early fibrosis areas
Deep Oscillation Therapy 1–2 sessions/week Gentle scar mobility over fibrotic or tight zones
Compression Garment (Stage 2) 18–20 hr/day Softer open-bust suits, abdominal contouring garments
Lymph Taping As needed Taping over scar/fibrotic lines to break down adhesions

Note: Consider shifting taping technique to scar remodeling (re-evaluate weekly).

🟢 STAGE 3 – Long-Term Support (6+ weeks)

💡 Goals:

  • Prevent rebound swelling
  • Maintain contour
  • Support scar maturation
  • Promote functional return to activity

✅ Recommended Treatments:

Treatment Frequency Details
MLD (as needed) 1–2 sessions/month Maintenance sessions for clients with mild edema or lipo fibrosis
Deep Oscillation (targeted) 1x/2 weeks (if needed) Focused on areas of tension, early scar hypertrophy
Compression Garment (Stage 3) Daytime use or activity-based Light compression camisoles, bralettes, or abdominal wraps
Lymph Taping Scar-focused taping (as needed) Over healed incisions to soften, flatten, and desensitize

📝 Additional Notes & Contraindications

🚫 Avoid MLD or DOT if:

  • Uncontrolled infections
  • Active DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
  • Poorly healing or infected incision
  • Oozing/drainage not stabilized

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about post-surgery recovery stages and recommended treatments. Always follow the specific instructions and advice provided by your plastic surgeon and healthcare team, as individual recovery times and needs may vary.

Post-Surgery Recovery Guide | Limb & Lymph

Your Post-Surgery Recovery Guide

Understand the stages of healing and discover recommended products for a smoother recovery journey.

Liposuction Recovery

Stage 1: Initial Healing (0–3 Weeks)

This is the most critical phase for managing swelling and bruising. Compression garments help skin adherence, minimize fluid, and reduce discomfort.

Recommended Products:

High-compression early stage post-lipo garment

High-compression Powernet, triple-hook system, bathroom access. Best for first 10–14 days post-lipo or tummy tuck.

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Stage 2: Continued Compression (3–8 Weeks)

Swelling decreases; results become more defined. Consider slightly lighter compression or smaller size to support retraction.

Recommended Products:

Mid-thigh transition compression garment open-bust

Open-bust for layering with compression bra, mid-thigh contouring. Great as a transition piece between firm and light compression.

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Stage 3: Long-Term Support (8+ Weeks)

Most swelling is gone. Light compression or supportive shapewear can help maintain results during activity.

Recommended Products:

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Stage 1: Immediate Post-Op (0–2 Weeks)

Focus on swelling control and abdominal support. Firm binder or compression minimizes fluid and improves comfort.

Recommended Products:

Abdominal binder mid-high compression

Mid-high compression for abdominal surgeries (lipo, tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, C-section). Start here if sensitive to very firm compression.

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Stage 2: Active Recovery (2–6 Weeks)

Swelling continues to subside; keep wearing compression to support tissues and contour. Light walking encouraged.

Recommended Products:

Transition garment for tummy tuck stage 2

Open-bust layering, mid-thigh contouring—ideal transition between firm and light compression.

Buy on Amazon

Stage 3: Long-Term Contouring (6+ Weeks)

Return to normal activities; lighter compression can refine results and add comfort.

Recommended Products:

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Stage 1: Immediate Support (0–2 Weeks)

Surgical bra/compression stabilizes implants, reduces swelling, and minimizes discomfort.

Recommended Products:

Stage 2: Continued Healing (2–6 Weeks)

Swelling resolves; continue supportive, wire-free bras as advised by surgeon.

Recommended Products:

Stage 3: Long-Term Comfort (6+ Weeks)

Likely healed; surgeon will advise when to transition to regular bras.

Recommended Products:

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about post-surgery recovery stages and recommended products. Always follow your surgeon’s specific advice.