Liposuction of Abdomen 3 1/2 Weeks Ago. Bloated and Defined Swelling. When Will I See Final Result? (photo)

asked 6 months ago by PB in Toronto in Toronto, ON
Latest answer by J. Jason Wendel, MD
Question viewed 423 times
Tags: 3 weeks post-op, final result, normal, pooch, swelling

PAL liposuction of abdomen done by a PS 3 1/2 weeks ago (Nov 2011). My abdominal area looked like a "3" if you looked at me sideways. Had 1150 ccs of fat removed. 1st day was great, I had the flat belly I always wanted. 2 weeks into my recovery I got my period (which always makes me bloated). The bloated feeling continues today and I noticed that the "belly pouch" is back(smaller). PS told me that this is normal and to wait until my next visit (end of Jan 2012). Will it get flatter again?

10 answers to Liposuction of Abdomen 3 1/2 Weeks Ago. Bloated and Defined Swelling. When Will I See Final Result? (photo)

Bloated and swollen after liposuction--this is normal.

You are only 3+ weeks post-op, and you were kind enough to mention that you looked "great . . . the flat belly you always wanted" the day after surgery. So you absolutely know the excess fat was removed! Since you didn't "suddenly" re-grow all the fat that was removed, you KNOW what you see now is swelling. The important question is whether or not this swelling is within the tissues (like a saturated sponge) or if there is a collection (seroma) that should be... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after liposuction

Be patient. The shape you saw on postop day one should return after the swelling resolves. Liposuction is very effective at removing significant volumes of fat from unwanted areas. While the incisions for liposuction are very small and well concealed, the area of treatment is typically widespread. Along with the fat removal and manipulation of the deeper tissues comes postoperative edema (swelling). All of the tunnels created from the fat removal are susceptible to swelling/fluid... more

John Renucci, MD
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon

Swelling 3 weeks after liposuction

Give it some time and be patient. It takes a minimum of 3-6 months for the majority of the swelling to resolve after liposuction. It takes almost a year for all of the swelling to go away. Give it some time.

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after liposuction

If your belly looked great at day one, and now looks bloated, it is likely that when the swelling comes down it will look nice as well. Give it some time.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after liposuction

Be religious about wearing your compression garment if are not currently doing so. After the first week post-op I have all my patients do lymphatic drainage.

Jeffrey Hartog, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.lookandfeelbetter.com

Liposuction swelling

Make sure you do not have a seroma which may require needle drainage by your surgeon. Also, ensure that you are wearing your compression garment all the time except while showering. In addition, activity levels also have a significant role in the amount of swelling. Continue to work with your docotor and you will have a great result over time! All the best, Sean Lille, M.D.

Sean T. Lille, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction of Abdomen 3 1/2 Weeks Ago. Bloated and Defined Swelling. When Will I See Final Result? (photo)

Based upon your posted photo, I believe it is residual swelling/edema. But without in person examination very hard to advise if not enough was done. I agree with extra compression and external ultrasound with lymphatic massage.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Swelling is normal

This is very normal to have significant swelling after liposuction as long as there is not fluid collection or a seroma..Your doc can tell. Be patient, wear the compression garment and dont exercise.

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Results after tummy tuck

Most swelling will be out by 3 months and it can improve for up to a year. So try and be patient.

Michael A. Fiorillo, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction Results?

Thank you for the question and picture. Only direct examination will allow a physician to determine if you have a fluid accumulation ( seroma) present. If this is not the case, you are experiencing swelling which is part of the healing process. I ask my liposuction patients to wear a compression garment for 4 weeks post op surgery to help with the swelling. The swelling can take months to subside and even longer for skin to “redrape". At that... more