4 months PO BBL and my swelling has not improved - What can I do? (photo)

Question

I am concerned about the swelling in my abdomen area and flanks. It’s hasn’t really improved at 17 weeks P.O. I wear my faja, foam, boards 23/7. Low sodium diet. I just started wearing my faja with a waist belt and nothing seems to help the swelling. I am drinking plenty of water and I haven’t worked out yet

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Recovery from BBL is patient dependent. Much of this depends upon the amount of liposuction performed and the amount of fat transferred. I have observed that between 4 and 6 weeks the buttocks tend to stabilize in volume.  Usually by 3 months, the swelling is minimal and totally resolved by 6 months.  Suggest that you follow up with your PS to discuss your concerns.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Healing after liposuction and BBL is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. Best is to discuss specifically with the operating surgeon so that he /she can take a look.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation is normal.
I suggest my patients to try the lymphatic massages and to use a full body compression garment, 24/7 for the first 3 months, and after that, for 12 hours a day for 3 more months, to get the best results.
It is important for the compression garment to be very tight, for it to help with the swelling, after surgery. Please, follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Scott Chapin, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically speaking, it takes 6 months for the swelling to resolve. However, the recovery process is different for each patient. Many factors impact the recovery process, including the amount of liposuction performed and the amount fat transferred, and each surgeon has their own recovery protocol for patients. Many patients combine lymphatic massage with wearing their garment as instructed for a faster recovery. Normally, 5 to 15 treatments are performed between 2 weeks and 6 months post-procedure. I recommend discussing your concerns with your surgeon.

Raffi Hovsepian, MD, FACS · Answer

Different recovery protocols are present for different patients. On average patients may consider a form of lymphatic massage; if they do, they usually require 5-15 treatments as early as 2 weeks and as late as 6 months; meaning your recovery depends on the amount of fat removed from liposuction, the areas liposuctioned, and the amount of fat transferred to your buttocks.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear DesireK,Pre-op photos would have helped a lot in evaluating your results.  Post op swelling usually resolves by the 4th month, but subtle improvements are seen for up to one year.  I have my patients wear a garment for only one month, and they are allowed to return to the gym at that same time.Post-op swelling can only be evaluated in person.  You know you still have swelling if there are dents or lines present after you take off pants or a belt leaving an indentation that later disappears.Return to your surgeon for their input.Dr T

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I'm curious what gives you the idea that you were swollen?  Most patients see final results at three months after liposuction. Swelling that persists longer than that is usually very subtle. I suggest talking to your provider if you're not pleased with the results.  Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.

John E. Nees, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Congratulationson your recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which willinitially totally obscure the operative result. Thepurpose of a compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to controlswelling. We usually recommend its use for the first 4-6 weeks after theprocedure. 60-80% of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.Unfortunately, there is no preoperative photo for comparison, but your photos demonstrate decreasing swelling with improved definition of the abdominal muscles, when compared with the one week postop photos. The lateral view suggests flattening as well. Swelling resolves slowly. You are not healed yet. Continue followup care with your plastic surgeon...If not satisfied at 6 months (allowing for subsidence of swelling and the hypervascularity of healing), you may consider a secondary revisional procedure. 15% of cosmetic procedures can benefit from a touch up.Best wishes...

4 months PO BBL and my swelling has not improved - What can I do? (photo)

Answers (8)

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