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Uneven Swelling on Love Handles After Liposuction?

I had a Liposuction 3  weeks ago (May 26) on my love handles. I noticed that my right love handle is gone, but the left one is not gone completely. I know I'm still swollen because I feel sore and lumpy on both sides. I still have bruising on my left love handle, but it looks fatter.

Did my doctor left some fat in this area, or is this just swelling? I believe the doctor had to work on one side more than on the other (not sure which side though), would that cause the uneven swelling?

Asked 32 months ago by soca2103 in richmona, VA

Read my review "Uneven Swelling of Love Handles After Lipo"

Sort 10 expert answers by:
+1

Tumescent Lipo

Swelling asymmetry is common after lipo as people sleep on one side or need more work on one side. At the 6-8 week mark, you should be getting more symmetrical. At that time consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for more guidance.
Vivek Bansal, MD
Danville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Liposuction results?

Thank you for the question. At 3 weeks postop it is still too early to evaluate your final results. I ask patients to wait at least 2 to 3 months to assess the results of the procedure. It may take several months later for the skin to “redrape". I would suggest continued follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling after liposuction

Swelling after liposuction can persist for weeks. The final result will probably not be realized for 6 months. No two areas swell the same, so uneven swelling is the norm. Be patient, it should smooth out with time. Endermologie treatments can help to smooth the swelling and improve the results of your procedure.
David Finkle, MD
Omaha Plastic Surgeon
+1

Uneven swelling three weeks after liposuction

Uneven swelling can be seen after liposuction depending on pressure of the garment, sleeping position, uneven bruising. Asymmetry over the hip can also be influenced by limb length discrepancy. The short answer is it is really too soon to tell. Rest and follow recovery instructions and give it three months. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD
Des Plaines Plastic Surgeon
+1

Love handles,

It depends upon the asymmetry you had prior to liposuction. When one side is bigger then other the difference is not only in the fat content but overlying skin as well. Best thing to do is to undergo lipomassage on the side concerned. It iwll help that side to catch up with the other.
Sanjay Parashar, MD
Dubai Plastic Surgeon
+1

Uneven swelling after liposuction

After liposuction surgery, patients can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and mild drainage. Your body is currently undergoing a recovery process after the surgery. It will take months until the swelling has resolved and you will achieve your final results. During this healing time, it is possible that you will have uneven results in an area of the body. Your best plan of action is to wear your compression garment at all times during this healing process. The garment will apply... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

It's too early to tell on this

It takes about 4 to 8 weeks to see the final results of liposuction, so don't worry yet.  It may still be naturally swollen, so this may be completely normal so far. On the other hand, if it is painful or warm, please contact your doctor as you may need treatment for an infection or collection of fluid.
Joel Schlessinger, MD
Omaha Dermatologist
+1

Time Heal All

Three weeks isn't enough time to make any conclusions about your result. There is still a modest amount of swelling and if one side had to be worked on more than the other it may have more swelling. At three weeks post op I have my patients go from wearing the garment 24 hours per day to 12 hours per day during the day. If you still have significant asymmetry after 6 months then you should discuss it with your surgeon. I would not even consider a revision until 6-8 months after... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+1

Uneven swelling after liposuction

 Uneven swelling after liposuction can be normal anatomical differences between the two sides,  uneven removal of fat, or just uneven swelling. You should give it some time and if you are concerned talk it over with your doctor and review your pre-op photos.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Give it time

It is too early to tell what your final result will be. It is not uncommon to have one side more swollen than the other after liposuction. I would give it at least three months and even six, preferably, to see your final result. If after six months there is still a marked difference I would then ask your Plastic Surgeon to see what can be done. In most cases additional liposuction will correct the asymmetry.
Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon
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