Back to everyday life after liposuction
Imagine training really hard again after months off. The day after, you have strong muscle soreness. That is how liposuction feels in the first few days: as long as you lie still nothing hurts; movement and touching the treated areas are uncomfortable. What follows can be planned well.
- Socially presentable after about 2 days
- Desk work after 2 to 4 days
- Compression for 2 to 6 weeks
- Exercise from 2 weeks, depending on the area
A personal consultation with Dr. Saalabian or Dr. Arafat, without obligation.
How quickly are you back on your feet after liposuction?
After liposuction most people are socially presentable again after about two days and ready for desk work after two to four days; exercise is possible from two weeks, depending on the area, and the final result shows after three to six months.
How quickly it goes in your case depends on the number of areas and the volume removed. On the neck and face it takes a little longer to feel presentable, because swelling is more visible there.
- 11consecutive Patients’ Choice Awards
- 38DocFinder awards in total
- 3in-house operating theatres
- 1,800 m²of aesthetic medicine under one roof
The time afterwards at a glance
- Duration of surgeryDepending on the extent
- AnaesthesiaTwilight sedation or local
- StayUsually outpatient
- Socially presentableAfter about 2 days
- Desk workAfter 2 to 4 days
- Compression2 to 6 weeks
- ExerciseFrom 2 weeks, depending on the area
- Final resultAfter 3 to 6 months
- ShoweringFrom the first day
- BathOnly after 3 weeks
Guide values from the Kuzbari Centre. What applies to you we discuss before surgery and at the check-ups.
Healing day by day
Every body heals at its own pace. The following course shows what you can expect.
- Recovery room and the way home
After a short period of monitoring you usually go home the same day, accompanied by someone you trust. After larger procedures you stay one night with us. You wear the compression garment from the operating theatre onwards.
- Soreness and wound fluid
The treated areas are sensitive to pressure and fluid may still seep from the small access points. Showering is allowed from the first day. Short walks around the home and outside support your circulation.
- Back to the desk
After about two days most people are socially presentable, and after two to four days desk work is possible. The garment can be worn under your clothes.
- Swelling and bruising subside
Bruising and swelling decrease week by week. A bath, sauna and swimming wait until after the third week. Lymphatic drainage can speed up the process.
- Exercise and the end of compression
Depending on the area, you start exercising again from two weeks and build up gradually. You wear the garment for two to six weeks in total, depending on the area and findings.
- The final result
The last swelling disappears, the tissue softens and the contour becomes clearer. The final result shows after three to six months; the follow-up appointments are included in the price.
At your first consultation we discuss how many days you should allow for your procedure.
Compression and care
The compression garment is your most important companion in the first weeks. It presses the skin evenly against the tissue beneath, reduces swelling and helps the new shape to form smoothly. Two garments are included in the price so that you can change.
Wear it day and night and only take it off to shower. You care for the small access points with plasters, as we show you.
- Compression garment day and night, for two to six weeks.
- Shower from the first day; no bath, sauna or swimming for three weeks.
- Drink plenty and get up and walk early on.
- Lymphatic drainage as agreed; it helps against swelling.
- Painkillers as prescribed, no blood-thinning medication of your own.
- Keep your weight stable so the new shape lasts.
| Activity | From when | What to watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | From the day of surgery | Short distances, regularly |
| Showering | From the first day | Put the garment back on afterwards |
| Desk work | After 2 to 4 days | Garment under your clothes |
| Physical work | After consultation | Depends on area and volume |
| Bath, sauna, swimming | After 3 weeks | Access points must have healed |
| Exercise | From 2 weeks, depending on the area | Build up gradually |
Body contouring: consultation, procedure and aftercare honestly explained
What happens after you say “yes” to surgery? Dr. Ali Saalabian takes you through it — from informed consent and the pre-op talk to recovery, with early mobilisation and lymphatic drainage as an important part of aftercare.
The full episode: Aesthetic Insights 3 — The Designed Body · Episode page
What it looks like after healing
Photos after healing was complete, patients of Dr. Ali Saalabian. They show what was possible in a particular starting situation, not what is possible for you.
- Case 18097
before 
after 
The lower abdomen had always bothered the patient. Liposuction, side view.
- Case 9210
before 
after 
Stubborn deposits on the hips, flanks, abdomen and thighs that did not respond to exercise and diet. 360° body contouring with fat transfer.
- Case 15846
before 
after 
Fat deposits on both flanks and the abdomen. Liposuction, side view.
Photos of patients who consented to publication. Every body heals differently; a result shown cannot be transferred to anyone else.
I am the happiest person after liposuction with the best doctor, Dr. Saalabian. He did such wonderful work and I can recommend him 100%.
Who operates
The surgeon who operates on you also sees you at your check-ups. Dr. Ali Saalabian and Dr. Shawqi Arafat accompany you until the final result.
At the Kuzbari Centre since 2015, focusing exclusively on body contouring: liposuction, VASER, Renuvion, SAFE BBL and lifts. More than 2,000 liposuction procedures; he trains surgeons in his own academy. DocFinder 5.0 from 873 reviews.
View profile
At the Kuzbari Centre since 2024, focusing on body contouring and facial surgery. On the body he performs liposuction and lifts. DocFinder 4.9 from 142 reviews.
View profileFrom consultation to the last check-up
Consultation, preparation, surgery and aftercare all take place in the same building. If you wish, surgery can usually take place just a few weeks after the consultation.
- First consultation
Analysis of the problem areas, assessment of skin and connective tissue, treatment plan and written quote.
- Pre-op talk and safety check
Surgical plan, instructions, anaesthesia consultation and blood test. The results form the basis for clearance for surgery.
- Marking and surgery
Around ten minutes of marking while standing, then surgery in our own theatre suite – for as long as it takes to get the result right.
- Going home and recovering
Usually home the same day, one night with us after larger procedures. Showering from day one, desk work after two to four days.
- Compression, check-ups, result
Compression garment for two to six weeks, exercise from two weeks, depending on the area. The final result shows after three to six months.
What does aftercare cost?
Aftercare costs nothing extra: all follow-up appointments and two compression garments are included in the price of liposuction.
Liposuction of the abdomen, for example, costs €4,600 – 7,900. An additional night on our own ward costs €600 if it is not already part of the plan. The first consultation takes around 40 minutes and costs €90; if you decide to go ahead with surgery, the amount is credited in full.
Read on
- All about liposuction
- The liposuction process
- The most common problem areas
- Before and after photos
- LIPO-Score: test your suitability
Frequently asked questions about the time after liposuction
How do the first few days feel?
Like strong muscle soreness: at rest nothing hurts, but movement and touching the treated areas are uncomfortable. Painkillers help well, and after a few days it eases considerably.
When will I be socially presentable again?
After about two days. After liposuction of the neck or face it takes a little longer, because swelling is more visible there.
When can I go back to work?
Desk work is usually possible after two to four days. For physically demanding work we agree the timing individually.
How long do I have to wear the compression garment?
Two to six weeks, day and night; take it off only to shower. How long in your case depends on the area and volume.
When can I shower and bathe?
Showering is allowed from the first day. Wait three weeks for a bath, sauna or swimming, until the access points have healed.
When can I exercise again?
Walking is encouraged from the start. You begin exercising from two weeks, depending on the area and build up gradually.
Is lymphatic drainage useful?
Yes. Lymphatic drainage helps swelling go down faster and makes the first weeks more comfortable. We discuss when to start at your check-up.
When will I see the final result?
A change is visible straight away but masked by swelling. The final result shows after three to six months.
Whom can I reach if something happens after surgery?
After the procedure you receive the number on which your doctor can be reached outside surgery hours too. If you have a fever, increasing pain or shortness of breath, please get in touch immediately.
Does aftercare cost extra?
No. All follow-up appointments and two compression garments are included in the price of liposuction.
Your liposuction consultation
An analysis of your problem areas, a treatment plan and a written quote. The first consultation takes around 40 minutes and costs €90; if you decide to go ahead with surgery, the amount is credited in full.
Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm · Seitzergasse 2-4, 1010 ViennaArrange an appointment online now!
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Simply arrange your consultation appointment without obligation by telephone on +43 1 358 28 01 or through our online appointment booking. If you would like to ask us a question, you are welcome to click the «Ask a question» button and we will answer you as quickly as possible!
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