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

Question

I'm hoping this is normal, somedays there is no back fat and other days I clearly see a small roll on each side. it does seem to coincide with my abdomen though, those are also the days were my abdomen appears more bloated than flat. I had my abdomen and back treated. I'm 8 weeks post-op. Is this just swelling? I haven't been able to pinpoint why some days I'm swollen and other days not. Thoughts?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

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.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Fluctuations in volume after liposuction are common and to be expected in the first few months and are due to edema.#EdemaAfterLipo

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Because of normal variation in body physiology swelling will wax and wane in the short aftermath of liposuction. At eight weeks there still significant swelling. This wall improve with time.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your post. I would be patient if its only been 8 weeks.It is normal because you are swelling, this will improve with time. Make sure you are still using some compression garments, sometimes with foam compression over the area, and continue to do frequent, vigorous massages. At 3 months you will be approximately 70% of your final results, at 4 months about 80% and final results at 6 months. Be patient! Good luck :)

Asaf Yalif, MD, FACS · Answer

This can definitely be due to swelling from the procedure. Even though it may be difficult try to wear your compression garment and that will help improve/decrease the swelling. Remember final results from liposuction take months to achieve.If the swelling worsens or there are additional concerns you can always go back to your plastic surgeon so they can examine you.

Stephen E. Zucker, MD (retired) · Answer

Swelling can vary, depending on your position, fluid and salt intake,
and the time after your operation.If
you are only eight weeks postop, then you probably need to wait longer. Ninety percent of your swelling should be gone by six months
postop.It may be helpful to continue
wearing a girdle or another compression garment or shapewear.

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

Answers (8)