Clothes Don't Fit After Lipo and Fat Transfer? (photo)

Question

Hi doctors, I recently had lipo done on my sides and flanks, and fat transfer to my buttocks. I know that I must still be swollen, as my lower back and flank area is quite numb, but I am a little worried because none of my pre-op jeans fit. Can you please assure me that I am swollen and that if fat was liposuctioned from my sides and flanks, that eventually my jeans will fit even looser around the waist than before? I also had a breast lift/augmentation, if that is relevant. Thanks in advance!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Bruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. This will affect the fit of your clothes. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. And yes your jeans should eventually fit much looser.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

After any surgical procedure, you will have post-operative swelling. This can last several weeks to months and may affect the fit of your clothes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thanks for some photos. What does "recently" mean?? A few days, weeks, or months??? If early in the postoperative phase of days to weeks THAN it is swelling. Most swelling leaves by 3 months. I recommend lymphatic massages and external ultrasound.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question,

	 

	You should expect considerable swelling following a liposuction and fat transfer procedure. In review of your pictures it is pretty clear you are very early in the healing process.  Second, since I am not privy to the amount of fat you had transferred to your buttocks, its hard to say how much swelling you should expect in that region. If a considerable amount of fat has been transferred, though, I would concur with my colleague and say that pant size may change once the swelling has resided due to the increased volume  secondary to the fat transferred.  At this point, though, give your body time to heal.

	 

	Kindest Regards,

	 

	Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still swollen but, when fat is transferred into the buttocks area, I'm not sure why you would think that this wouldn't alter your size in jeans.  While your jeans may be looser around your waist ultimately, that doesn't mean that they will fit in the tush so you may need to do some shopping.

Clothes Don't Fit After Lipo and Fat Transfer? (photo)

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