Pain, Fluid Pockets Normal Months After Liposuction?

I'm two months post-op liposuction on upper/lower abs, flanks, saddle bags, banana roll....when I exercise and do any kind of jumping motion, it feels like I have water balloons in my lower back that bounce up and down. It's really uncomfortable.

Is this normal?? My stomach is also still tender...it feels like a long time to still be having these issues.

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pain seroma side effects

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by tradawg in Groton, MA

Doctor Answers (5)
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Persistent discomfort weeks after Liposuction is possible

Dear Tradawg, Much depends on the size of the liposuction you had and to some extent, how it was done. Gererally, it takes many months for the body to heal following a liposuction. However, comfort should increase rapidly after the first 10 days. Be aware that there are two standards of care for liposuction: Tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia with microcannulas and liposuction under general anesthesia. Tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia is the type of liposuction... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Water collections after liposuction

It is very rare to develop a seroma after traditional liposuction, but on the other hand it is probably more common with Vaser or laser lipolysis. Check with your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Seroma after liposuction rare complication.

Hi. It is quite normal to have a little soreness for 4 months after liposuction. But if you really have "water collections", that can lead to permanent deformity and needs immediate treatment.

Fluid retention from Liposuction relatively rare

While some residual swelling and pain can persist for several months after liposuction, fluid pockets are relatively rare. I personally have had fluid collections in the form of a seroma occasionally form after liposuction, but with appropriate treatment they have resolved.

Pain after Liposuction can last for few months

First, determine that you do not indeed have fluid pockets or seromas. If not, then the pain can be simply a matter of persistent post-traumatic inflammation of the multitude of nerves particularly in and around your back muscles and bones. This should subside over time. You might ask your surgeon about taking a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen.