What can I do to help my flanks compress after liposuction? 7 weeks post-op. (Photos)

Question

I got lipo done on my chest, back, abdomen, and flanks. I am in week 7 of my recovery period and my happiness levels goes from happy to not so much. I realize that I'm only 7 weeks into this and I'm trying to be patient but it is hard when you look at yourself daily. I was wondering if my flanks are still swollen or if at 7 weeks all the swelling is gone and I'm just healing.I wear compression 23 hours daily with foam ab board and a binder. I want my sides to go down any advice would be great.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Healing after liposuction 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 later 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. I  have my liposuction patients wear a compression garment (faja) covering all treated 24/7 except to shower for 4 weeks post op.  This helps ontrol swelling as the compression on your tissues helps your body to reabsorb the edema fluid that accumulates in the tissues after any procedure. This can take quite some time to happen without help from the compression garments.  It also helps improve  contour.  Compression helps to keep the tissues adherent to the underlying structures while healing, this can help prevent the wrinkled skin appearance that can happen when the tissues heal in ways we don't want them to.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You may still have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

At 6 weeks out you certainly still have swelling, and from your photos you can see how the swelling improves every week.    In my opinion, time is the only thing that is going to make it better.   You can wear as much compression as you want, but I do not believe it will change your end result, although it may provide some comfort while the tissues are still swollen.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

liporookie.  I completely understand your concerns, however it is still relatively early in your postoperative recovery. It takes at least 3 to 6 months for all swelling to resolve.  At this stage, I think you can stop wearing the compression garment and allow nature to take it’s course. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

What can I do to help my flanks compress after liposuction? 7 weeks post-op. (Photos)

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