Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how manageable the discomfort is after liposuction. During the procedure, anesthesia ensures you won’t feel pain. Afterward, you may experience soreness, tightness, or bruising in the treated areas, similar to the sensation after a vigorous workout. Prescription pain medication and compression garments will significantly reduce discomfort, and most patients find they are able to return to normal activities within a week.

You’ll have 3–4 key appointments: your initial consultation, your pre-op visit, your surgical appointment, and at least one follow-up visit to monitor healing. Additional follow-ups may be scheduled as needed, based on your progress or if you have any questions.

Although you may experience swelling after your procedure, the improvement in your body shape will be visible soon after.

After the swelling has decreased in four to six weeks, improvements will be even more apparent. About three months after the procedure, the final results will be apparent. The incisions usually fade into very small, thin scars that are not obvious. Although your excess fat is removed with liposuction, it does not prevent future weight gain. To maintain your new, contoured appearance, you’ll need to follow a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise.

Thanks to Dr. Craft’s conservative and painstaking approach, scarring is typically quite minimal. Incisions are artfully placed in areas where they will be the least conspicuous. The openings for a cannula are much smaller than those used for tummy tucks or other plastic surgery procedures, so the marks fade quickly. Medical-grade scar creams can also be beneficial after liposuction.

Most surgeons recommend resuming exercise within 3 to 6 weeks after liposuction. Light physical activity, such as walking, can be restarted within 1-2 days. This can help boost circulation, reduce the risk of complications, and elevate your mood. The most important thing is never to push yourself too hard and to listen to your body as much as possible. You’ll gradually regain your strength and stamina, and by week 6, you’ll be able to perform heavy lifting and aerobic exercises.

Absolutely. Liposuction is often paired with other cosmetic procedures to achieve optimal results. Many patients combine it with a tummy tuck, breast enhancement, or a mommy makeover for a more comprehensive transformation. Men may pair it with procedures like gynecomastia surgery or abdominal etching to refine their physique. Combining surgeries can save time and recovery periods, but whether it’s the right choice depends on your goals and overall health, which Dr. Craft will evaluate during your consultation.

Liposuction is considered safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, such as Dr. Craft. Still, as with any surgery, there are risks to be aware of. These include bruising, swelling, fluid accumulation, temporary numbness, contour irregularities, or scarring. Rare but more serious risks include infection, blood clots, or complications from anesthesia. At CraftMD, patient safety is the top priority, and every step is taken to minimize risks and ensure a smooth recovery.

The best liposuction surgeon is one who possesses strong credentials, extensive experience, and a keen eye for body contouring. Look for board certification, patient testimonials, and before-and-after galleries to confirm expertise. Dr. Randall Craft stands out in Phoenix as a Harvard-trained, double-board-certified surgeon with a reputation for combining advanced surgical skills with a highly personalized approach.

• Stomach
• Hips
• Waist
• Flanks
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Lower back
• Male chest
• Bra rolls
• Upper arms
• Knees
• Calves
• Ankles
• Neck
• Chin
• Cheeks

Unfortunately, liposuction is mainly a fat removal procedure rather than a skin-tightening one. If the patient has a good amount of elasticity, the skin will naturally retract after treatment. Those concerned about sagging skin can seek out one of our strategic plastic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty, a body lift, or a mommy makeover.

See our information on RENUVION above.

Following a healthy diet and exercise regimen after liposuction is essential to maintain your newly sculpted physique. Don’t skip meals, and try to eat breakfast each morning to start your day off with protein. Instead of choosing packaged or processed foods, opt for nutritious options like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Eliminate sodas and high-sugar beverages, as these can quickly exhaust your calorie limits. Stay properly hydrated and follow an exercise program that you enjoy. Always try to take the stairs and opt for an active lifestyle rather than a sedentary one. Prioritize your sleep at night, as this can significantly support your metabolism and overall well-being.

Once the fat cells are removed, they cannot grow back. However, fat can return to other untreated areas of the body, which is why it’s so important to manage your weight after liposuction. The more weight that you gain, the less likely you are to see your results, although you will always look better than if you had never undergone liposuction at all. Dr. Craft can discuss with you the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery, allowing you to continue enjoying your sculpted, slim figure and enhanced confidence levels.

At CraftMD, your recovery is just as important as your results. That’s why we include specialized lymphatic massage as part of your aftercare when you undergo liposuction with Vibrasat Pro and Renuvion.

Lymphatic massage is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps your body naturally reduce swelling and flush out the fluid that can build up after surgery. It’s not painful — most patients find it relaxing and even soothing.

• Reduces Swelling and Bruising
  By encouraging fluid movement, lymphatic massage helps your body heal more comfortably and quickly.
• Smooths Out Results
  Gentle massage reduces the likelihood of firmness, lumps, or unevenness as you recover, resulting in a more polished final look.
• Supports Skin Tightening
  When combined with Renuvion®, lymphatic massage helps your skin contract evenly around your new contours.
• Promotes Comfort and Relaxation
  Many patients report that lymphatic massage not only speeds up healing but also improves their overall well-being during recovery.

We believe recovery shouldn’t be an afterthought. By combining gentle fat removal (Vibrasat Pro), skin tightening (Renuvion), and targeted aftercare (lymphatic massage), we deliver the smoothest results, the quickest recovery, and the most comfortable experience possible.