Skin retraction following liposuction? (Photo)

Question

I am a 40yr old woman and had liposuction to my inner and outer thighs one week ago. I am currently wearing my compression garment 24 hours day only taking off to shower or wash the garment and plan to continue this for a further 5 weeks (6 weeks post op in total) my skin in these areas is still bruised and swollen as expected. However, it looks very flabby and loose. Should I expect it to improve over the course of the next month?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You are doing the right things.  Wearing the compression garment correctly and snugly 24/7 for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery along with early recognition and draining of fluid collections can help prevent irregularities of liposuction.  The skin can tighten after liposuction as the swelling continues to resolve.  At 3 to 6 months, much of the healing is over.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello luciamzExcess skin would usually shrink back over the area of the body, liposuction is used to reduce volume not tighten skin.  We now have a number of non surgical devices such as ThermiSmooth radiofrequency and VelaShape3 to help tighten skin after liposuction for patients who will benefit from this additional care. You should contact or visit your PS about this concern.#postop #retraction

Kian J. Samimi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You are doing the right thing by wearing your compression garment.  This will help the swelling go down quicker and encourage the skin to retract.  The process of liposuction often promotes the body to develop collagen and improves elasticity.  However, these areas can retain swelling for 6 months or longer.  It is going to take some time before you see the final result.

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Wearing compression is the right thing to do.  The action of the cannula removing the fat causes collagen to grow therefore increasing the amount of skin retraction.  You will definitely see retraction over the healing period which is generally 4-6 months.Best, Ariel Ostad MD PC

Skin retraction following liposuction? (Photo)

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Answer: Skin retraction post liposuction

Answer: Skin retraction post liposuction

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Skin retraction following liposuction? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin retraction post liposuction

Answer: Skin retraction post liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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