Lower back and abdomen swelling after multiple procedures

I had Ultrasonic Liposuction 3 & 1/2 weeks ago in my mid-section, back, arms, and inner thighs. I also had a butt lift, breast reduction, and breast lift. I had been working out for a good year before the procedure, and had lost about 221 lbs. I'm 5'3" and weighed 140 lbs before my surgery. Since my surgery, I've lost a total of 10 lbs so far.

I was just wondering why am I still swollen in my lower back and lower half of my abdomen? Is that normal? I have no bruising left on my body and I'm still wearing my garment. Is this something I should be concerned about?

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6 answers to “Lower back and abdomen swelling...”

A: You had a lot of surgery - it will take time for the swelling to resolve

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

You had a lot of surgery -- it will take time (several months) for the swelling to resolve. Hopefully your surgeon is following you closely and can examine you for other possible issues such as seroma. However, I am not surprised that you are still swollen after so much surgery. Just be patient and follow... more

A: Perioperative Massage Therapy

By Nick Slenkovich, MD - Denver Plastic Surgeon

Congratulations on your successful lifestyle changes and weight loss. Did you really lose 221 pounds in 1 year? That is impressive, and is even beyond what is often seen after bariatric weight loss surgical procedures. Undergoing body contouring surgery after successful lifestyle changes and weight loss is... more

A: Early phase of healing, but rule out seroma

By Hisham Seify, MD, PhD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

You had multiple procedures and you are still in the early phases of healing. I would recommend that you check with your surgeon. If you do not have a rapidly enlarging swelling, you are okay.

A: NO

By Christopher L. Hess, MD - Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

The minimal time for acute healing is 6-8 weeks. You had a significant amount of work done. The garment must be worn for at least 6 weeks. But depending on your preoperative appearance it may be needed for longer. For most surgeries it may take up to 6 months for the swelling to subside and the tissues to... more

A: Prolonged swelling after multiple body contouring procedures

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You should of course discuss this with your surgeon to ensure that this is not a problem which requires intervention such as a seroma (treated with aspiration) or infection (necessitating antibiotic therapy or drainage). Having said that, given the magnititude of your procedures, this sounds normal and... more

A: Swelling is normal at this point...

By Armando Soto, MD - Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Hi there- Given the nature of the procedure you underwent, swelling in the areas of suction 3 1/2 weeks after surgery is entirely to be expected. Even with modern ultrasonic assisted liposuction, swelling in the tissues may take 2-3 months to completely resolve. I would continue to wear your garment snugly,... more