I was pretty much back to normal in a month... my recovery was so quick that I almost doubted I had actually had lipo, and the swelling seems to be almost all gone too. Every time I look in the mirror I have this slim waistline and I am so happy about it. My pants and skirts are loose at the waist now, and everyone I meet asks how I lost so much weight... it went in so much that people actually notice, so I really think surgery was the right call...♥ And there is absolutely no hardening of the skin either!!! Doctor, you are the best!!