Is it normal to weigh more one week after lipo than you did before the procedure?

Question

8 days ago, I had lipo on my inner and outer thighs, knees and mid-section with a fat transfer to the buttocks. I am still 5 lbs over my pre-op weight. Is this normal, or should I be retaining less water/weight at this point. I know this is a process, but I am eager to know if I still have some weight loss in store for me?

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Yes, it is fairly common to notice a small weight gain after liposuction. This is often due to a combination of swelling, water retention, and lack of movement. Be patient and keep up a healthy lifestyle through your recovery and you should notice the weight drop off eventually. Keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but rather helps define the contours of the body and reduce small areas of fat resistant to diet and exercise.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Because of swelling in retention of body water in general many patients after liposuction may actually weigh more temporarily. As swelling resolves this situation will reverse itself.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Absolutely, it is normal to weigh more initially, after liposuction. Liposuction is a traumatic event in which swelling and inflammation occur. Also, IV FLUIDS  were utilized during the procedure and during the tumescent liposuction. There is an electrolyte shift going on. The weight is unimportant, how you look in the mirror is more telling ! The weight will change over the next few weeks as things stabilize out. It takes awhile to see the final result from liposuction. At around 6 weeks you are at about 80% of your final result, at 3 months about  90-95% and 6 months or longer to see final result. Hope this information helps !

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

During the liposuction procedure, your surgeon
injects fluid into your treatment site to help numb and dissolve the fat. Some
of this fluid remains in your system after your procedure and over time your
body will naturally break it down. The combination of post-surgical swelling
and post-procedural fluid means that after liposuction, the number on the scale
is often temporarily higher than it was before your surgery. Your inflammation
and water retention should decrease within several weeks and you should return
to your pre-operative weight or slightly below it.

George John Alexander, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Usually I advise having patience during
surgery healing.  Typically at 8 days,
patients retain fluid and have swelling that should go down over time. I understand
you are anxious to see your results but healing is a process. For the best
results, follow your surgeon’s recommendations and discuss your questions with
their office staff.

Is it normal to weigh more one week after lipo than you did before the procedure?

Answers (5)