Liposuction healing

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD answers: Lumps and swelling after tumescent Liposuction

I had tumescent liposuction on my stomach and love handles 18 days ago. On day 16, I became swollen and sore, almost so much that it looks like I did not have the procedure. I also noticed some hard lumps around where my pants fall. Are all these normal? Does it get worse before it gets better? I almost feel like I'm in more pain than I was right after the procedure. I am getting my arms done in a couple of weeks and am wondering if the same thing will happen.


Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD
22 days ago

I have seen lumps and bumps even weeks after tumescent liposuction. It is very often part of normal healing and all goes away with time. If you suddenly got swollen, there could be what is called a seroma, or collection of fluid, that has developed. Often these can be drained to speed healing so you may want to check with your physician. Sometimes as you feel better and increase your activity, there can be a small increase in swelling that is temporary. If any fever, pain, discharge or skin change happens, go see your physician immediately to make sure an infection has not occurred.

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