Day 14: Fibrosis-prevention window.

Days 1 to 3

Soreness and leakage

You will feel sore and heavy through the torso, with the sensation of having done an extreme abdominal workout. Lipo incisions leak a pink-tinged anesthetic fluid for the first 24 to 48 hours — this is expected and actually protective. Walking short distances every hour or two is encouraged.

Days 4 to 7

First massage window

Leakage resolves and the garment goes back on snugly over foams. Lymphatic drainage massage typically starts between day 3 and day 5 with your surgeon's approval. Bruising peaks before it begins to fade. Fatigue is still meaningful — naps are part of the job.

Weeks 4 to 6

Transition and taper

Compression typically steps down from stage 1 to stage 2. Bruising is gone; numbness in patches continues to resolve. Most light cardio is cleared between weeks 3 and 4; strength training returns slowly. Massage tapers to once or twice per week.

Months 2 to 4

Final settle

Residual swelling quietly resolves over 8 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer in the lower abdomen. Scars at the small lipo incisions mature and fade. Patients who continue self-massage, hydration, and gradual strength work through this window lock in the cleanest final contour.