11 days after lipo and i look huge. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

I had liposuction in my abdomen, upper, abd lower back 11 days ago. I didnt swell up this much until day 5 and now i look like I'm 3 months pregnant. Is this normal? Its very hard to sleep at night because of the discomfort of my stomach being so big. My first 5 days didnt look like this at all.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Post operative swelling shouldn't be "excessive" and could be due to an underlying issue. To assist with post liposuction swelling, I would suggest lymphatic massages and RF treatments at this time. Do not assess the final outcome till 12-24 weeks. Please seek an expert for best post-operative care.  Best, Dr. Emer

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After
liposuction surgery, I advise the patients to take one week off from work. You
would need full time help with your children for that first week.  At that
point we take out the stitches and the patients may return to work, but may not
engage in any strenuous activity. At one month, the patients start low impact
cardio. At two months they can engage in more strenuous physical activity. The
compression garment is worn for at least 6 weeks.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for
your question.Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.The best way
to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a
board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative
plastic surgery.

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, as you become more active sometimes the swelling increases, but it is best you call your plastic surgeon to discuss and possibly be examined to make sure there is nothing more serious going on.    Good Luck.

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

Patients swell to varying degrees after liposuction and it can be uncomfortable.  Maximal swelling typically takes place in that first 1-2 weeks after surgery and then slowly subsides over several months.  Compression garments will help.  Keep your diet free of excess sodium (salt).  If you notice that the swelling seems very uncomfortable towards the end of the day, you may have been very active and on your feet with the swelling becoming the worst at the base of your abdomen.  You may benefit from resting and lying down with your feet up.  Certainly see your surgeon if there are ongoing concerns especially of infection (fevers, redness, pus-like drainage) or a true fluid collection.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

You are going to have various periods of intense swelling that can be very uncomfortable. It starts first right after surgery and then about 1 week after it starts again. No worries , continue wearing the post op garter and stick to your diet an drink lots of water. Best of luck

11 days after lipo and i look huge. Is this normal? (photo)

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