How to properly care for the calves after liposuction
Dec 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Han Xuefeng
Introduction
In general, post-operative care after liposuction for calf slimming includes wound care, wearing compression pants, moderately elevating the lower limbs, closely monitoring the recovery process, and adjusting the diet. It is also important to maintain a moderate exercise routine, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, exercise the leg muscles, enhance muscle strength and blood circulation, and prevent the reaccumulation of calf fat.
Generally, postoperative care after liposuction for calf slimming includes wound care, wearing compression pants, appropriately elevating the lower limbs, closely monitoring the recovery process, and adjusting dietary habits. Liposuction for calf slimming involves making small incisions in inconspicuous areas of the calf, inserting specialized liposuction tubes, and using negative pressure suction to precisely remove excess subcutaneous fat tissue, thereby reducing calf fat content, reshaping the calf contour, and achieving the desired slimming effect. The usual reference price for calf liposuction is 3000-8000 RMB per session, with visible improvement typically seen within 3-5 months after surgery. However, symptoms such as redness, swelling, and warmth may occur. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Wound Care
After surgery, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry, and to replace the dressings regularly as directed by the physician to prevent bacterial growth and subsequent infection. If the wound accidentally gets wet or contaminated, bacteria may enter the incision, causing localized redness, increased pain, swelling, or even pus formation, which can delay wound healing and affect postoperative recovery and leg aesthetics.
2. Wearing Compression Pants
Postoperatively, patients should wear professional medical compression pants as instructed by the physician. These pants provide continuous and even pressure, which not only helps reduce postoperative leg swelling but also aids in shaping, promoting skin adherence to the underlying tissues, preventing skin laxity or sagging after liposuction, and creating a tighter, smoother leg contour.
3. Elevating the Lower Limbs Moderately
During rest, moderately elevate the lower limbs slightly above heart level to promote blood and lymphatic return in the legs, thereby reducing leg swelling. Keeping the legs in a dependent position for prolonged periods may cause blood to pool in the calves, worsening swelling and prolonging recovery time.
4. Close Observation of Recovery
After surgery, closely monitor the condition of the calf, including skin color, temperature, presence of abnormal pain or numbness, and whether swelling is worsening. If severe bruising, loss of sensation, or abnormally pronounced swelling occurs, it could indicate intraoperative vascular or nerve injury or the development of an infection, requiring prompt notification of the physician for appropriate management.
5. Adjusting Dietary Habits
The postoperative diet should be light and nutritionally balanced. It is advisable to consume more protein-rich foods such as eggs, milk, and fish to promote wound healing. Intake of high-salt, spicy, and greasy foods should be reduced to prevent worsening edema or gastrointestinal discomfort, which could delay the overall recovery process.
It is recommended to undergo the above procedures at a qualified hospital under the guidance of a professional physician to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Maintaining regular, moderate physical activity in daily life, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and exercising calf muscles can help strengthen muscle power and circulation, preventing the reaccumulation of fat in the calves.
