How to Determine Fat from Swelling After Liposuction? (photo)

Question

Hello and thank you for your time! I had abdominal, waist and hip liposuction 4 days ago. I realize final results take time, but I can't tell if the feshiness I feel on my stomach is due to swelling or residual fat. If swollen, would the skin feel hard or soft? Does everyone experience swelling? And relatedly, the lower abdomen above the pubic area is a bit saggy, is there a chance that this will firm up over time? I am 49 years old and did not have an "apron" of fat originally. Thanks!

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

all NORMAL! keep ur binder on if you wanna see results sooner than expected and follow all instructions to the dot. it can take 6-8 weeks to see the results. sometimes even longer so hang in there

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Maximum swelling is usually within about three to five days after your surgery, and the majority of it along with bruising goes away in two to three weeks. You may feel some firmness, though, for a few months afterward. You can assess your results at three to four months after surgery.Massage can start at a week or ten days after surgery. You can use your hands or a soft paint roller for about 20 minutes once or twice a day.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling i quite common after liposuction and it will take several months for the tissues to adjust to the changes. This includes all the sensations that it sounds like you are feeling now. If you have concerns, you shoudl contact your surgeon.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Put that binder back on!  Stop obsessing!  Of course, swelling is par for the course but you aren't helping yourself by wondering and being noncompliant.  It will take time for the swelling to resolve and months before the final result can be assessed.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Only the one after photo, no before. And ONLY 4 days? Allow healing time!! With any type of liposuction there will be swelling. The amounts of swelling depends on a few factors. Your health, the type of liposuction, the aggressiveness of the surgeon to name a few. Best to call your surgeon to discuss these issues.

How to Determine Fat from Swelling After Liposuction? (photo)

Answers (5)