Back fat comes and goes after liposuction. Is this just swelling?

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear about your back swelling.  Depending on our diet, water intake, extent of surgery, and our activity level, fluctuations in swelling after surgery will be common for several months.  Though these episodes will not effect your long term results, continued use of a compression garment may limit the number of episodes of swelling you experience. 

It is common for swelling to fluctuate over the weeks due to a variety of factors such as water intake, patient metabolism, and activity levels. Swelling can last for up to six months, so it is important to be patient and wait for final results.

Swelling form liposuction can last a year.  At this point I would be doing venus legacy or velashape treatments.  Of you are concerned that all the fat wasnt removed (and typically it is not all removed some is left behind to give a natural apperance) you can do ultrashape or liposonix to get a subtle improvmeent in fat as well.  Best, Dr. Emer.