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Discouraged by Lipo Swelling, Will It Go Down? It's Been 4 Weeks.

I am 4 weeks out from tumescent lipo of the abs and hips today. I went to a top surgeon in NYC but my problem is that 4-5 days after the procedure I looked amazing, I had the waist I always wanted. Within about five more days I puffed up and I don't look much better now than I did before the procedure. I am freaking that I wasted money and I don't understand how I could have looked that good after 4 days and like this after 4 weeks.

Doctor Answers 5

September 2nd, 2014

Swelling After Liposuction

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It can be discouraging when delayed swelling occurs. Most of the swelling will be gone in 2-3 weeks, but some firmness can last for a couple of months. You can assess your results at about the three or four month mark. You can try massaging the area with your surgeon's advice.

Just keep following your surgeon's post-surgery care instructions to help facilitate your recovery. 

Learn more: https://www.edelsteincosmetic.com/

Jerome Edelstein, MD
January 20th, 2012

Swelling after liposuction is normal.

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Any type of liposuction is going to cause swelling in the area that was treated.  This swelling may take several months to fully correct and contour to the final result.  If you liked the results in the early days after surgery there is a very strong chance this is what your final result will look like.  Be patient and follow up with your doctor so he can examine you to be sure there is no underlying bleeding or fluid collection.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD
January 5th, 2012

Swelling

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please give it some time.  liposuction is tremendous blunt trauma to the body. it takes a long time to see the final results.  you are still early in the recovery process. wear your support garments and be patient

Jonathan Saunders, MD
Newark Plastic Surgeon

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January 4th, 2012

Liposuction and 4 weeks

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If you liked the results just after surgery, then more than likely you are experiencing swelling. Commonly it can last several months.  Give it time.

Steven Wallach, MD
January 4th, 2012

You should definitely see much of liposuction result at one month.

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Hi.

The sequence of event you describe is most unusual.  If the swelling you describe is localized, you could have had some bleeding.  See your surgeon right away.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired)
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.