Air bubbles, drainage and if this is normal. (Photo)

Question

I got a bbl done in January. I obviously got lipo done on my belly, but I've been having problems with the left side of my belly. First I want to say that after surgery I had to get that side drained every week for 3 weeks. Now two months later it's still swollen and there's no fluid but it feels like air is in there. Is this normal? I was told by the office that it'll go away that it's just swollen. See pic below.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, Merida.  Congratulations on your surgery.  It is difficult to tell from just photos whether what you are experiencing is normal or not, and swelling definitely takes some time to resolve following liposuction.  However, given your description of a post-operative seroma that required drainage in the same area that you are experiencing an odd sensation and persistent focal increased swelling three months out, suggests that your course may not be going as expected.  It is possible that there still is some fluid that may have become located or trapped within tunnels, rather than a larger fluid pocket, that is causing the sensation of air bubbles.  Some patients do have slow-to-resolve swelling.  Physical exam, and possibly a radiographic study such as an ultrasound or CT scan, would help clarify further,
I would strongly encourage you to follow-up with your surgeon.  Best of luck, and I hope your issues get resolved and that you have a fantastic result!

Air bubbles, drainage and if this is normal. (Photo)

Answers (1)

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