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

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 eliminated. If it isn't, this can develop an area of persistent scar tissue that can remain as a bulge. So removal of excess fluid in a "pocket" or pseudobursa beneath the skin is important, or else the bulge you see now may persist.

I'd recommend seeing your surgeon sooner than your regular scheduled appointment; even if things are fine, knowing this rather than waiting and finding out a seroma should have been evacuated is always a good thing. Call your surgeon and schedule an appointment ASAP. Best wishes!

Thank you for submitting your question. A photo would be helpful. Swelling (lumps and bumps) after liposuction will last for many weeks after surgery. Final results take 6-12 months. Continue to use your contour garment, minimize activities, and lymphatic massage help with the swelling. Discuss your concerns with your Plastic surgeon.

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.

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.

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 retention. This is why it is advisable to have a well fitting compression garment. The compression will help to reduce post-op swelling. If you weigh yourself post-op, you will likely be heavier than you were before surgery.  This increase is often related to post-op swelling. You can expect to have significant swelling over the initial 2-3 wks with progressive improvement through the third month. Make sure you visit with your plastic surgeon to be sure that you don't have a seroma. Otherwise, wear a well fitted compression garment. I encourage all of my patients to resume active fitness throughout their recovery, but be sure to review your plans with your surgeon. Best of luck. Dr. Renucci