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Can Your Belly Swell Even 4 1/2 Weeks After Lipo?

I had surgery 4 1/2 weeks ago and I have not been able to go back based on distance. I had upper/lower stomach, flanks and back done. My belly seems to have gotten bigger/harder since I saw the initial results. Is this common? Could it be because my garment is too tight?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by DC Lipo in DC

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Duration of Swelling AFTER Liposuction of stomach, flanks and back

Liposuction, like all operations, is an organized injury done in a sterile environment. The body always responds with a varying degree of swelling which is maximal the first few days after surgery and then gradually decreases with time. Compression garments are used after liposuction to help diminish this swelling response but vary in their efficacy since they do not fit all people the same way and do not exert the same amounts of pressure. By a month after surgery you should NOT... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Abdominal swelling a month after surgery.

If the swelling and hardness is diffuse, then it is normal for many patients. It is not caused by the garment. If you have pain, localized swelling, etc. see your surgeon.

Toby Mayer, MD

7 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Liposuction swelling

Swelling after liposuction is common, and some hardness may develop as a part of the healing process. Usually this softens with time. Sometimes massage helps. Overtime things usually soften. It is definitely a good idea to seek follow-up with your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Belly swell even 4 1/2 weeks after lipo

It is possible to have late occurring swelling. Go see a local PS to re evaluate. Or call the treating surgeon to discuss and send him photos. From MIAMI DR. B

Persistent swelling after liposuction

There are many potential causes for this which cannot be diagnosed via email. While this could be due to your garments, it could also be due to a seroma and/or pseudocyst. You should seek evaluation by a surgeon and possibly consider an imaging study.

Swelling after lipo

First, distance not withstanding, your responsibility is to follow up, and comply with your post op instructions. Following these instructions ensures that you have the best chance of a safe and favorable outcome. See your doctor.

Swelling after liposuction

Swelling can occur for more than four weeks after liposuction but if there is any pain or change in your bowl habits or fever you must be seen. This is always the concern when someone travels a distance for surgery but is not willing to travel for follow-up. You need to ask these same questions of your surgeon! Please call them.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.