How Long Does It Take for Bloating After Liposuction to Go Away?

asked 5 months ago by San francisco3525 in San francisco
Latest answer by J. Jason Wendel, MD
Question viewed 124 times
Tags: bloating, swelling

I had liposuction of my flanks, abdomen, and lower back done two days ago, and have noticed my legs and ankles have gotten very puffy. is this normal? How long should it take for this bloating to go down? Is it possible that this is not bloating at all and fat has just transfered to other parts of my body?? thank you!

6 answers to How Long Does It Take for Bloating After Liposuction to Go Away?

Swelling after liposuction

It takes a minimum of three to six months for the swelling to resolve after liposuction in the areas liposuctioned. It takes almost a year for all of the swelling to resolve. The swelling in your ankles is likely a natural response to surgery. If you have pain, discomfort or more swelling in one leg versus the other, return to see your surgeon immediately to make sure that you do not have a blood clot in your leg.

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after Liposuction?

Thank you for your question. The swelling 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 point you will see the final results. Best Wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Swelling in legs and feet after liposuction

Swelling, or bloating as you phrase it, is a given after liposuction. What you are seeing at your ankles and lower legs may be related to a constrictive or tight garment which is impeding the fluid outflow from these areas. You should discuss this situation with your surgeon. some modifications may be able to be made. It can take several weeks for much of the swelling to subside and up to one year for it to maximally resolve.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Bloating after Liposuction

It is not unusual to have swelling or bloating of the lower legs and ankles in the first few days after liposuction. In most cases this will resolve with time and elevation, and does not represent fat that has shifted or moved from other parts of the body. However, do check with your surgeon. If your compression garments are too tight, they can sometimes aggravate this swelling. It may also be beneficial to limit your salt intake as this too can... more

Vincent D. Lepore, MD
San Jose Plastic Surgeon

Swelling and liposuction

Swelling after liposuction is normal. This usually is worst during the first week or two and then subsides over the first few months. Acitivity may make it worse.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Some swelling after liposuction is normal, BUT...

You should call and let your surgeon know what is going on. I always encourage my patients to get in touch with me if they have any concerns, at any time. Every patient gets my cell phone number after surgery - it provides ease of mind for both of us. Depending on the technique that your surgeon used, there is often a lot of fluid is used for liposuction, and as your body tries to deal with the extra fluid, some of it can end up in areas like the legs and ankles, due to... more

Angeline Lim, MD
Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

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