I am 15 days post op. I had liposuction on my full abdomen, flanks and mid and lower back. Any suggestions? (photos)

It's much too early in the game to pass judgment on the final product. As long as the trend is favorable remain patient.

It is very common to have bruising and swelling for weeks to months after liposuction procedures. What is most important is that you follow your surgeons post operative instructions and continue compression. If you are concerned, lymphatic massage and Velashape or Venus Legacy treatments can be used to improve the swelling and help the skin tighten. My patients start treatments right away and it improves the long term results. Speak to your physician if you are concerned. Best, Dr. Emer.

Great question.  Swelling comes from three different sources during the first couple of weeks after liposuction.  First, there is the generalized swelling over the area of the liposuction, which represents generalized inflammation of healing and is totally normal.  Secondly, your body tends to hold on to extra fluids in general (sometimes as much as 10-15 lbs) as a result of what surgery does to your hormones.  This is normal as well and starts to go away after 10 days to 2 weeks.  There is also the generalized bloating from a taking some of the pain medications which can contribute short term to some of what you are feeling and seeing.  Finally, there is what is called a seroma, which is a fluid collection, that, if present needs to be drained, as it can affect your final result.  If you are only having this on some days, it probably is not a seroma.  Temporary bumpiness (I call it migratory firmness, because it moves around) is normal.  Expect to see something near to your final results at about 16 weeks, thou it can be longer if you have had liposuction in the same area before.  By 8 weeks, when you first get up in the morning, you'll start to see a hint of your final result, but swelling tends to progress throughout the day at that point. 

Some lumpiness is expected at this point in recovery.There's really no way to tell based on your pictures and the timeframe what your final results will be like.Expect improvements over the next few months.It is unusual to not treat the upper abdomen when treating the rest of the abdomen.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.