Limb and Lymph
Post-Surgery Recovery Guide

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 are essential to help the skin adhere to the new contours, minimize fluid retention, and reduce discomfort. Expect some soreness and limited mobility.

Recommended Products:

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 will gradually decrease, and you'll start to see more defined results. Continue wearing compression garments, possibly a lighter compression or a smaller size, to support skin retraction and ensure smooth contours. Light activities can usually resume.

Recommended Products:

Stage 2 Compression Garment

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 significant swelling should be gone, and final results are becoming apparent. Your surgeon may advise continued use of light compression or supportive shapewear to maintain results and for added comfort during physical activity.

Recommended Products:

Tummy Tuck Recovery

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

This initial period focuses on controlling swelling, supporting the abdominal muscles, and promoting skin adherence. A firm abdominal binder or compression garment is crucial to minimize fluid buildup and provide comfort.

Recommended Products:

Tummy Tuck Stage 1 Compression

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

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Stage 2: Active Recovery (2-6 Weeks)

Swelling will gradually subside, and you'll begin to feel more mobile. Continue wearing your compression garment diligently to support the healing tissues and maintain your new abdominal contour. Light walking and gentle movements are encouraged.

Recommended Products:

Tummy Tuck Stage 2 Compression

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 Contouring (6+ Weeks)

By this stage, most of the initial healing is complete, and you're likely returning to normal activities. Your surgeon may recommend continued use of a lighter compression garment or supportive shapewear to refine your results and provide ongoing support.

Recommended Products:

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Stage 1: Immediate Support (0-2 Weeks)

A surgical bra or compression garment is vital immediately after surgery to stabilize the implants, reduce swelling, and minimize discomfort. Avoid strenuous activities and follow all post-op care instructions carefully.

Recommended Products:

Stage 2: Continued Healing (2-6 Weeks)

Swelling will continue to resolve, and your breasts will begin to settle into their final position. Continue wearing a supportive, wire-free bra as advised by your surgeon to ensure proper healing and implant stability.

Recommended Products:

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

By this point, your breasts should be largely healed, and you can typically resume most normal activities. Your surgeon will advise on when you can transition to regular bras, though continued use of supportive, comfortable bras is often recommended.

Recommended Products:

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about post-surgery recovery stages and recommended products. 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 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.