Lumps and Swelling After Tumescent Liposuction

asked 3 years ago by hillr in sarasota fl
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 3,831 times
Tags: abdomen, love handles, lumps, recovery, side effects, swelling

I had tumescent liposuction on my stomach and love handles 18 days ago. On day 16, I became swollen and sore, almost so much that it looks like I did not have the procedure. I also noticed some hard lumps around where my pants fall. Are all these normal? Does it get worse before it gets better? I almost feel like I'm in more pain than I was right after the procedure. I am getting my arms done in a couple of weeks and am wondering if the same thing will happen.

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10 answers to Lumps and Swelling After Tumescent Liposuction

No, this doesn't sound normal

This is not normal for most liposuctions. When pain and swelling occur 2-3 weeks later it is usually from too strenuous exercise or over doing it too quick and rarely, underlying infection. Also sometimes localized seromas (fluid collections in a ball) can form which need simple aspiration with a needle and syringe which your doctor can do easily. Please follow up with your doc to check it out and keep wearing your garment until he tells you differently. Good Luck!

David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

Are you wearing a garment?

Hello, Pain and swelling usually peaks after a few days. It usually then gets better each day. I would be concerned about: 1. possible infection 2. possibly having done too much too soon. Make sure you are still wearing your compression garment and check in with your doctor. You don't want to start a new round of surgery if your previous one is going in the wrong direction.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after Liposuction?

Thank you for your question. 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. Some “lumps” are occasionally seen after liposuction surgery. Massage of these areas may be helpful. Best Wishes. more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Tumescent Lipo

Swelling is common after lipo, and this takes weeks to resolve. Lack of compression also prolongs the edema. At the 6 week mark, things should be getting better. Thank you for your question and good luck with everything.

Vivek Bansal, MD
Danville Plastic Surgeon

Swelling normal after liposuction

Liposuction patients often experience worsening of swelling 2-4 weeks after the procedure. Furthermore, I counsel patients that their skin might "harden" during this time, a process called induration. This is normal and predictable, with the skin softening and tightening at 2-3 months. Final liposuction results should not be assessed until at least 3-6 months following the procedure.

Melanie D. Palm, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

Lumpy Bumpy after liposuction

Swelling and the "lumpy-bumpy" after liposuction is quite common for 3-6 weeks before it improves. Give it some time. Some surgeons advocate the use of massage in various forms but this is not universally practiced. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Wear compression garments after liposuction

Minor lumps and bumps are very common after liposuction. Use of compression girdles post-operatively can significantly improve this. I often recommend compression girdles for a minimum of 6 weeks. The majority of these bumps will resolve over time. Ask you surgeon on your next visit if the swelling is abnormal.

Gregory Pippin, MD
New Orleans Facial Plastic Surgeon

Lumps after tumescent liposuction

Patients who received tumescent liposuction should expect a recovery process that consists of swelling, mild drainage, and possibly some uneven results within the first two weeks. This is because when we perform liposuction, we always add fluid to the area we are going to treat to allow us to remove the fat safely and effectively. This fluid will be pushed out of your body either through the urine or through the small incisions from the liposuction. While your body is removing this... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction healing

I have seen lumps and bumps even weeks after tumescent liposuction. It is very often part of normal healing and all goes away with time. If you suddenly got swollen, there could be what is called a seroma, or collection of fluid, that has developed. Often these can be drained to speed healing so you may want to check with your physician. Sometimes as you feel better and increase your activity, there can be a small increase in swelling that is temporary. If any fever, pain, discharge or skin... more

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD
Charlotte Dermatologist

Lumps and Bumps After Liposuction

Lumps and bumps after lipo are not unusual in my experience, even a few weeks down the road. In your case, the swelling could be from several causes, including too much early activity, not wearing a compression garment, and prolonged sitting. I include a lymphatic massage for all of my clients because I think it speeds healing and reduces swelling. I also keep them in compression garments 24/7 at first. The other doctors mentioned possible infection, and certainly any patient who develops... more