Why do I look almost exactly the same 3 months after lipo? (Photos)

Question

I had liposuction on August 2, 2018 and it's been over 3 months now and I look almost exactly the same. Did I waste my money?

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

bunsynoodle.  I appreciate your concern, however it can take as long as six months for complete recovery after liposuction. This includes reduction of all swelling and skin retraction. Try to stay patient and positive and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

Hang in there! We advise our patients to give it anywhere from three to six months to see the full results post liposuction procedure. After six months, if you still are unhappy, I would advise you to follow up with your surgeon. Good Luck!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You may still see changes in the next 3 months. If you still feel there is no change, have a discussion with your surgeon and compare before and after pictures. Good luck!

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You're still in the healing process. 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 lateer 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.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Without knowing all the details of the procedure, as well as pre-op photos- it's difficult to give the best answer. Liposuction is not a weight loss operation. It is best to arrive at ideal weight first prior to undergoing body connoting procedures. It appears that you may be a candidate for an abdominoplasty.

Darren Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I'm sorry you're not seeing the results you wanted to. You may still get there! I advise my patients that it can take 3-6 months to see the full results of liposuction, although there is usually a nice change after a couple weeks once the initial swelling has subsided. I would suggest going back to your surgeon and seeing what he or she says. If you are not happy with the answer, it is never wrong to get a second opinion from another board certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bunsynoodle,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a liposuction. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Its hard to make an assessment on results without a before and after side by side. If you do not feel you as though you see an improvement you may want to re discuss with your surgeon. You may do well with a second round of liposuction or an abdominoplasty. In person examination would be helpful as well.Best

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. You 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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It can take 6 months or more for swelling to resolve following liposuction.  I would give it some more time as you may not see final results for a year.

Why do I look almost exactly the same 3 months after lipo? (Photos)

Answers (15)

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