Liposuction swelling for up to 6 months

Christopher L. Hess, MD answers: Liposuction swelling

I had my saddlebags removed six weeks ago and one of them looks lumpy and looks like if I have something in there that moves. I also had liposuction above my butt, I'm still numb and I now I have a lump. Will this go away? How long does it take for swelling to go away?


Christopher L. Hess, MD
7 months ago
By Christopher L. Hess, MD - Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction is a very traumatic procedure for the tissues.  The lymphatic tissues, or the tiny vessels that remove fluid from the tissues, are significantly damaged during liposuction.  It is this reason that the swelling lasts so long.  These tiny vessels need to reestablish themselves to remove this fluid. 

This can take up to 6 months.  However, significantly noticeable contour irregularities that need to be addressed will be visible sooner.

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