Why Do I Still Have a Big Belly Bulge After Stomach Liposuction?

Question

Most of the fat was removed, and I do not feel bloated or distended. Could this just be how my body is shaped?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It is difficult to say without before and after pictures.  It could represent remaining fat or weakened stomach muscles from weight gain and/or pregnancy, residual swelling or seroma just to list a few. 

	Dr. ES

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes, it could be the way your body is shaped or more likely it is reflective of your intra-abdomhinal or organ fat which is not treated by liposuction.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Bulging can be related to swelling or even scar tissue from the procedure. I would wait at least 6 months or longer after the procedure date to see if it improves. Also, make sure your weight is the same as it was preoperatively, as weight gain negatively influences results. The other reasons you could see bulging would be preexisting muscle bulging or skin excess.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If your surgery was just a couple of months ago you may see significant improvement in the months-to-come. If your liposuction was a while ago and you did see much fat removed, there is a possiblity that you may benefit by an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). See a board-certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

Is the bulge caused by saggy skin or is it something that is internal? Here are some causes of bulges:abdominal muscle separationloose skin seroma or hematomaYou should see your surgeon for an assessment to find out what the bulge is caused by. Muscle separation and loose skin can't be corrected by liposuction (a tummy tuck is more suitable) while a seroma/hematoma is a complication of surgery that requires medical attention.

Christopher J. Peers, MD · Answer

The deep (visceral) fat cells are not accessible. This would be what is deep to your muscles. Fortunately exercize and diet WILL benefit this area.

	That is why a combined approach of working out, watching what you eat, along with liposuction can get both what is above and what is beneath the muscle.  

	On the other hand, there may still be residual swelling from your procedure. Some liposuction methods still have swelling even 6 months later.

	Hope this helps

	Chris Peers MD

Olivia Hutchinson, MD · Answer

Some swelling is normal after abdominal liposuction, and may persist for several weeks after surgery. Liposuction only removes the fat above the muscle layer, and so the bulging you observe may be due to tissue laxity of the muscles themselves or else intra abdominal fat.

Why Do I Still Have a Big Belly Bulge After Stomach Liposuction?

Answers (7)

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