Pre lymphatic bypass: What is recovery from liposuction like?

I'm 1.5 years out from DMX with 20 nodes removed and 1 year out from radiation. Although I've been diligent with care, I'm not able to contain the lymphedema in my arm and axilla/chest area and it's worsening. I recently had to switch to a glove from a guantlet due to finger swelling.

I saw a lymphedema plastic surgeon for the first time and was hoping to plan the bypass microsurgery. Unfortunately, he told me I need liposuction first, with skin removal. I'm lean but being in my 60's, my skin was loose to begin with, and now it has stretched more due to the swelling. It makes sense to me - any fluid is just going to gravitate to my saggy arm and I already have abnormal fat build up. Plus, I have a bulge of fluid filled tissue by my armpit / front of chest that no one has ever addressed. This blocks and attracts fluid, and fat build up, as well. I massage it daily to prevent fibrosis.

How painful and difficult is recovery for an older patient?