Smartlipo does give you a quicker healing time that traditional liposuction alone but you have to remember that you just had a surgical procedure 9 days ago. Most patients want to have a procedure done, lose the fat and look great the next day. We, as surgeons, also would like this but it can't always happen... more
How long does swelling from Smart Lipo last?
I had Smart Lipo done on my flanks 9 days ago, and I am still in a lot of discomfort. I'm experiencing a lot of itching, numbness, and some prominent swelling which gets worse as day goes along. I am more concerenced about getting better than seeing the result at the moment--it is inhibiting my work. When do you start feeling better? How long does the swelling last?
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4 posts
9 Dec 2008
My swelling went down in 3 weeks. Please continue to wear a garment I thought that helped with my results!
2 posts
21 Dec 2008
I have the same problem my procedure was done 12 days ago and feel like theres water in there. Its swollen and feel bloated..going to the doctor tommorrow to see what he recomends..I know he took a lot of fat out but still dont see any difference. im 180p male 5 11..think we just have to wait it out. It is frusturating, where are my abs! lol
92 posts
9 Dec 2008
I agree with all Dr. Liu said in his previous answer. I also see a difference depending on the area treated. Necks seem to have the least swelling and improve in 5-7 days. Flanks, outer thighs, backs, and hips start to show reduced swelling and improved appearance in about 2 weeks and continue to improve almost daily from there. Lower abdomens (especially in women) , inner thighs and arms seem to take a little longer generally in 3-4 weeks. Of course there is variation between individual patients, but these are realistic guidelines I recommend specialized medical lymphatic massage to most of these patients, and it really seems to improve both swelling and healing more quickly.
109 posts
9 Dec 2008
You will definitely be swollen for the first 2 weeks after the procedure. After the first 2 weeks though, the healing should start picking up rapidly as the blood vessels & lymphatic channels re-establish themselves. Despite it being minimally invasive, it is still a surgical procedure and needs to be treated as such. Smoking, being diabetic, having high blood pressure etc., can all slow down the healing process tremendously. I recommend gentle aerobic exercise (i.e. light jogging) to help the blood flow and get the lymphatic channels working again to decrease swelling. That being said, healing takes time no matter how healthy you are. You might also try Arnica or Bromiline as over the counter homeopathic supplements that can help decrease the swelling and increase the healing. Hope this helps! Alex Liu, MD