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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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by sashaperez in il

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (0)

Seroma after liposuction needs to be treated promptly.

Hard to tell without seeing you, but you may have seromas (fluid collections). This is one of the reasons we don't use ultrasonic liposuction.

Swelling after surgery

Swelling 3-4 weeks after surgery is totally normal. This is the time when the body is healing from the procedure. You need to give yourself a few months for the swelling to go away completely.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after multiple procedure

You had extensive surgery in the lower part of your body. abdomen, buttock lift, lipo to back. There is some disruption to the lymphatic system, which causes the prolonged swelling. Once you can tolerate it start massage, including a deep tissue massage or lymphatic drainage massage. My patients also use their bath tub with the water jets on those areas it will feel good and act as a massage.

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

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 your surgeon's instructions and you will see positive changes over weeks, not minutes. Good luck with your recovery.

Perioperative Massage Therapy

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 often an optimal situation. I do encourage patients that are significantly overweight or are at their maximum weight to demonstrate progress toward weight loss before plastic surgery... more

Early phase of healing, but rule out seroma

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.

NO

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 settle. Be patient. Think how great you will look this summer in your two piece!

Prolonged swelling after multiple body contouring procedures

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 compatible with the extent of your operation. It is not unusual to have swelling persist for several months and patients often do not experience decrease in clothing size until a minimum of... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Swelling is normal at this point...

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, and at all times, and be conscientious about following your surgeon's advice and keeping all appointments. Hang in there and be as patient as you can.