Is it normal to have only lost 4 inches in 4 months post smart lipo?

Question

I received smart lipo on May 22, 2015 and I measured at 40 inches pre surgery. It is now 4 months post surgery and I am now at 36 inches. I haven't been wearing any compression garments since I was told by my surgeon to take them off a few days post surgery. When I went for my post op appointment my surgeon told me that all of my swelling is just swollen muscles. I feel like I should've lost more inches in that time frame. Am I doing something wrong or not doing anything that I should be doing?

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

The number of inches lost after lipo is variable and depends on how you measure it (calipers, tape, body scan, etc). It's more important that the visual result is something that looks appealing to you. Obviously, if you start with more inches of fat to remove, you can achieve more of a loss than if you're a Victoria's Secret model looking to add definition. In performing these procedures, the surgeon pinches the fat layers to make sure enough fat is removed to reshape the areas smoothly, but not so much that the skin gets damaged. Don't feel like you should have lost more inches. It's a meaningless number and not a valid endpoint.

Michael Orseck, MD · Answer

4 inches is a significant reduction in waist size after lipo.  hopefully, you can compare your before and after photos and see the dramatic difference!

Jared Mallalieu, DO · Answer

It sounds like you are doing very well after your laser liposuction. 4 inches is a significant amount to lose. You may end up seeing more improvement over the next couple of months as swelling can persist for 6-8 months after liposuction. Be well, Dr. M

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi nauticagirl360,To have lost 4 inches of waist (40 to 36) with SmartLipo is a very nice accomplishment and significant reduction. I suggest you focus more in the appearance and contour of that reduction instead of the amount of inches you actually reduced.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

It is most likely that your expectations were too high. Losing four inches from the waistline after any form of liposuction would be considered a major accomplishment. More than that for most people would not be realistic.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would not go by inches, rather by shape and overall contour appearance. Pl express your concerns to your PS

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I would not go by inches or cms lost but how the overall contour appears. If you are concerned, speak with your surgeon.

Is it normal to have only lost 4 inches in 4 months post smart lipo?

Answers (7)

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