Swelling Vs. Residual fat: How can I tell? A little over 3 months post Vaser Lipo (Photo)

Question

I have a pooch still that's really bothering me. It causes a division between my tummy and my pelvis and it's pretty defined to me. How can I tell whether it's still swelling or residual fat? It does get flat while I'm laying down but when I stand up it reappears. I can also pretty much pinch all of it down, so I think it's swelling but I would like confirmation. I see others are always so flat from the beginning but I know everyone heals differently. Thanks in advance!

Oscar A. Aguirre, MD, FPMRS · Answer

Hello...Thanks for sharing. First of all, I think you have nice results. Yes, healing varies among patients especially this soon out from surgery. What you are noticing could very well be swelling from surgery so I recommend being patient and defer final judgment till you're 6 months post op. Careful not to wear clothing that will press against this area as it may then leave a depressed area.Continue eating well and returning back to your exercise regimen.Best of luck,Oscar A. Aguirre, MDAguirre Specialty Care - Pelvic Surgery & Intimate Aesthetics®

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, 3 months is too soon for results because some swelling and bruising may persist for 6–8 weeks. It varies greatly between patients. Final #results can usually be seen 2-4 months later as the swelling continues to diminish and contours become more defined, but improvement will continue for 4–6 months as swelling and irregularities resolve.
Also, exercise is typically recommended after two weeks to minimize #adhesion between skin and deeper tissues. You can slowly begin walking, swimming, or riding a stationary bicycle.Be sure that you follow your surgeon’s instructions as to caring for yourself during #recovery (such as wearing garments or lymphatic massage), but if you have any concerns at all about your healing process, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon. 
Please do take note that liposuction results are generally permanent. If the patient gains a large amount of weight in the future, the area of liposuction will also gain fat but to a lesser degree. With massive weight gain, rippling may occur. The standard exercise with proper diet strategy is still recommended for maintaining good results of liposuction. 
I hope your concern was addressed.
#RealSelf100

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's common to have swelling post lipo, but if you have an concerns it would be best to consult with your surgeon to discuss the results as they would be best equipped to answer your questions. Non-invasive body treatments such as Vanquish combined with Venus can help you achieve a better final result post lipo.  Coolsculpting may help as well or another hi def body shaping procedure with a VASER 4D physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common for swelling to take several months after Vaser. Some areas also heal slower. It sounds like swelling- time will tell. Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended, re evaluate at 6,9 and 12 months during recovery will declare swelling vs residual fat. Massages and/or ultrasound treatments may help.

Swelling Vs. Residual fat: How can I tell? A little over 3 months post Vaser Lipo (Photo)

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