Did abdominal liposuction not work on me? (Photo)

Question

Upper and lower abdomen liposuction 13 days ago. Result looks ok when laying down and in garment, but when taken off at sat up looks like no lipo was done and looks like I have a spare tire. Is this from not enough fat taken, swelling or excess skin and tummy tuck should have been done instead? I asked this specifically before surgery and was told I had good skin laxity and shouldn’t worry. I have worn my garment religiously exactly as instructed. What can be done to remedy this?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. You likely have swelling, which can last 3 to 6 months after your procedure. It will take 6 to 12 months to see the final outcome.
I recommend following up with your physician about their suggested after care protocol. I have my patients wear compression for 3 to 6 weeks straight and then overnight for 3 to 6 months after their procedure. I suggest adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding Vanquish for further fat removal; truSculpt iD, Exilis, Forma, and Venus Legacy for additional skin tightening; and Cellutone / ZWave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance.
Ultimately, if you are unhappy with your results, please speak to your physician and ensure that he/she was a full body VASER Hi-Definition liposuction physician with extensive experience in contouring and body shaping -- and not just traditional fat reduction. You can always get a revision procedure by an expert if needed. Best, Dr. Emer

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.13 days after Liposuction is not enough time to express a valid opinion. To reduce abdominal and belly button swelling, I recommend daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy 5 times at week for the next two months, and wear a postoperative girdle for two months at least.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Swelling can figure prominently into liposuction  The results are typically observed immediately following surgery, and then there is a period of swelling that can persist for 3 to 6 months and sometimes longer.  Try to avoid salt and drink plenty of fluids.  Give yourself more time to evaluate final results.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  You're still in the early stage of healing. 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.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and
welcome to our forum!
Congratulations
on your recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will
initially totally obscure the operative result. In addition, your skin will take time to remodel to accommodate the decreased volume. The
purpose of a compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to control
swelling. We usually recommend its use for the first 4-6 weeks after the
procedure. 60-80%
of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder
slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
Continue
followup care with your plastic surgeon...
Best wishes...

Steven Bailey, MD · Answer

Thank You for your question. It is a little to early to tell. Give your skin a chance to contract. Be compliant with compression and follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon. 
Best Wishes,
Steven H Bailey MD

David Finkle, MD · Answer

It takes 2-3 weeks after liposuction for the swelling to START to subside.  Most of my patients after 2 weeks are larger/bigger than before the procedure due to the swelling.  So, you are too early to judge the results of your procedure.  Give it 3-6 months, you will even see results up to 1 year after your procedure.  In the meantime follow the advice of your surgeon regarding postoperative care.Good Luck!

Mark Soldin, MBChB · Answer

Many thanks for your query.At 2-3 weeks everything is swollen and no assessment of outcome can be made.Let all the seeing go away over a six month period and then reassess.You will always however have folds of skin when bending forward - everyone does - this will still be present in the long term and is no reflection on the surgeon/ procedure that you had.BestMark

Foued Hamza, MD · Answer

You need to be patient to see the results, you are only 2 weeks after the procedure and it takes at least 6 months to the results to be stable 
I advise you to follow your surgeon's guidelines and see him for a follow up consultation to assess the results

Did abdominal liposuction not work on me? (Photo)

Answers (11)