Two weeks post-surgery and recovery is well underway. Most patients are back at work, swelling is substantially reduced, and you're starting to see your results emerge.
The Two-Week Milestone
Congratulations on reaching the two-week mark. This is a significant milestone in your recovery. The acute healing phase is complete, and you're transitioning into the refinement phase.
What You'll Notice
Significant swelling reduction - you can see the contour changes from surgery
Minimal or no pain - most patients are off all pain medication
Fading bruising - most bruises are yellow or faint
Better mobility - moving naturally with minimal discomfort
Normal energy levels - feeling more like your pre-surgery self
Excitement about results - you can see the transformation beginning
Your Post-Operative Appointment
You'll likely have a follow-up appointment around the 2-week mark. Your surgeon will:
Examine the treated areas and check healing progress
Assess swelling and skin retraction
Check incision sites are healing properly
Answer your questions about results and recovery
Advise on compression garment wearing schedule
Discuss when you can resume exercise and other activities
Take progress photos for your medical record
Prepare for Your Appointment
Write down any questions or concerns before your appointment. Bring your own progress photos if you've been taking them. This is a good time to discuss realistic expectations for final results and timeline.
Return to Normal Life
By week 2, most aspects of daily life can resume, with a few important exceptions:
What You Can Do
Work - even physical jobs can often resume with modifications
Driving - if you're comfortable and not on pain medication
Social activities - dinner with friends, cinema, social events
Sexual activity - gentle, avoiding pressure on treated areas
Still Avoid
Strenuous exercise - no gym, running, HIIT for at least 4-6 weeks
Heavy lifting - keep under 10kg for another few weeks
Swimming - wait until incisions are completely healed and closed
Saunas and hot tubs - heat increases swelling
Sun exposure - UV can darken scars, use SPF 50+ on treated areas
Smoking and alcohol - continue avoiding to optimise healing
Compression Garment Update
You're still wearing your compression garment most of the time. Here's what to expect:
Continue wearing 24/7 for at least 4-6 weeks total (follow your surgeon's specific advice)
The garment may feel looser as swelling reduces - this is normal
Some surgeons allow removal at night after week 3-4
You might be able to switch to lighter compression garments
Don't stop wearing it prematurely - it's still helping shape your results
Understanding Your Results
This is when patients get excited - and sometimes concerned. Here's what's normal:
You'll See
Noticeable reduction in the treated areas
Improved body contours and proportions
Clothes fitting differently (often looser in treated areas)
Visible definition emerging
You'll Also Notice (Don't Panic)
Asymmetric swelling - one side may be more swollen than the other
Lumpiness or irregularities - normal as tissues heal and settle
Firmness - treated areas feel firm or hard to the touch
Numbness - altered sensation that gradually improves over months
Daily fluctuations - you'll be more swollen in evenings, after eating salty foods, or around your menstrual cycle
Patience Required
What you see at week 2 is NOT your final result. You're probably seeing about 60-70% of the final outcome. Residual swelling will continue to resolve over the next 3-6 months, revealing better definition and smoother contours. Trust the process.
Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Some surgeons recommend gentle massage or professional lymphatic drainage to help reduce swelling. Ask your surgeon if this is appropriate for you:
Gentle self-massage - light circular motions can help move fluid
Professional lymphatic drainage - specialist massage technique to reduce swelling
When to start - usually after 2-3 weeks, with surgeon approval
Avoid aggressive massage - don't knead or press hard on treated areas
Scar Care
Liposuction incisions are tiny (3-5mm) but still benefit from proper care:
Incisions should be closed and dry by now
They may appear red or pink - this will fade over months
Once fully healed, you can apply silicone scar gel or sheets
Protect from sun exposure with SPF 50+ for at least a year
Massage scars gently once healed to keep them soft and flat
Most liposuction scars fade to nearly invisible within a year
Diet and Lifestyle
Now is the time to lock in healthy habits to maintain your results:
Nutrition
Continue eating a balanced, nutritious diet
Limit sodium to reduce swelling
Stay well hydrated
Moderate alcohol if you choose to reintroduce it
Don't crash diet - maintain stable weight
Lifestyle
Get adequate sleep for optimal healing
Manage stress - cortisol can affect swelling and healing
Avoid smoking - it impairs final results
Be patient with yourself as swelling resolves
Common Concerns at Week 2
"I'm still quite swollen"
This is completely normal. Residual swelling takes months to fully resolve. You'll see gradual improvements week by week.
"One side looks different from the other"
Asymmetric swelling is very common. One side almost always swells more than the other. This evens out as healing progresses.
"I have lumps and bumps"
Firmness and irregularities are normal during healing. Your body is forming new tissue connections. This smooths out over 2-3 months. Massage helps.
"I'm numb in the treated areas"
Altered sensation is expected and can last several months. Nerves regenerate slowly. Most sensation returns within 6-12 months.
"I don't see much difference yet"
If swelling is still significant, results may not be obvious yet. Give it another 2-4 weeks. Changes become more apparent as swelling subsides.