4 Weeks Liposuction Post Op., Am I Still Swollen Or Are These My Final Results?

Your history strongly suggests
the presence of significant residual swelling. Patients undergoing liposuction will inevitably develop swelling
following this procedure. During the
procedure, the liposuction cannula is passed through the subcutaneous
tissue. This causes disruption of the
lymphatic channels and cellular injury, which causes swelling.Significant
improvement in swelling can be seen in the first three weeks following surgery,
with the majority gone in about three months.Small amounts of swelling may persist for up to a year following
surgery.We
generally recommend the use of compression support garments for about three
weeks following surgery.We also recommend
a low-salt diet before and after liposuction.Exercise is usually started early in the post-operative period, and we
want patients to ambulate as soon as possible following surgery. Massage
is also helpful.It decreases swelling
by mobilizing retained fluid following liposuction.All of these steps help to minimize the
duration of swelling following liposuction.In
your case, your swelling is probably normal and should resolve with time.Compression, massage, ambulation and low-salt
intake will hopefully help you get there sooner.

Thanks for your question. Healing after liposuction is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. 

Thank you for submitting your question.  A photo would be helpful.  Your only 4 weeks after surgery.  Swelling after liposuction will last for many weeks after surgery.  Final results take 6-12 months. Continue to use your contour garment, minimize activities, and lymphatic massage help with the swelling. Discuss your concerns with your Plastic surgeon.

Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. See your plastic surgeon and let them know any concerns you have.

Recovery for liposuction is relatively quick, but bruising and swelling can remain up to two or four weeks. Residual swelling lasts for several months, but it's usually not very apparent. See your surgeon to discuss your results.

Maximum swelling is usually within about three to five days after your surgery, and the majority of it along with bruising goes away in two to three weeks. You may feel some firmness, though, for a few months afterward. You can assess your results at three to four months after surgery. You may not "feel" swollen anymore, but you may be. If you have concerns, please talk to your surgeon. Best of luck!

Absolutely, you can see more improvement after a month through the six month period as collagen increases and contracts the looser tissue that is created after tunnels of fat are removed with liposuction.  Gravity makes the swelling fluids settle in the pubis and it's the last to see the swelling leave.  Be patient and excited about your result. WEar the compression garment if one was recommended. Followup with your surgeon.

I agree with the other assessments, 4 weeks after liposuction you can still have a lot of swelling in the tissues. I always recommend waiting 4 to 6 months before you see final results. If I understand correctly, the 200cc's was removed just from the pubis. If this is right, then that is a good amount of fat to be removed. 200 cc's for all of the areas would be a very small amount. BUT, if it was just from the pubis region - this is the area that will remain swollen for the longest time, and will take the longest to reach a final result. From your photo - you look really great after the treatment. If, at 6 months, you are still concerned, be sure to go back to your doctor. For my patients, I always want to see them back at 4-6 months to look at results and address any concerns. Some patients do need small touch-ups.

4 weeks after surgery is too early to get worried.  Your swelling will continue to go down over the next several months.  If you have any specific concerns, please post pictures or go see your surgeon so they can assess your recovery.

 

Good Luck.

You still have swelling at four weeks, so you need to be patient before you will see your final result. This may take up to six months as the skin needs time to shrink and contract. Wear your garment as directed by your plastic surgeon and follow up as directed.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno