I'm one day post liposuction. Is it normal to have swelling after first shower?

Healing after liposuction k 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 later 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.

It is normal to have swelling for weeks after liposuction and it can worsen and fluctuate with exercise, heat, showering etc.  I suggest speaking to your physician if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

The swelling you describe is to be expected one day after liposuction. Generally, swelling after liposuction will peak at about 2-3 days after surgery.  Personally, I put all my patients into tight-fitting liposuction compression garments at the end of the surgical procedure and they are not allowed to remove it for 4 days.  Sponge bathing only for those 4 days. If the garment is removed before then it is very difficult and painful and sometimes impossible to get back on after a shower because of the swelling.  If they wait to the 4th day to shower the swelling has started to go down and removing the garment and getting it back on is far easier.  My patients wear this garment 24/7 for two weeks and then, depending on the extent of swelling, they can wear the garment more intermittently for another 4-6 weeks on average.  Some patients prefer to switch to a Spanx girdle at that point which may be a bit more comfortable.  Good luck!Thomas Taylor, MDPasadena, Ca

This is completely normal and you are extremely early in the process.   The amount of swelling you notice will really depend on your preop appearance, how much was suctioned and what area.  The compression garment keeps the swelling down and when you take it off your tissues will swell.   Depending on the factors mentioned above, it takes about 3 mos to see early results and 9-12 to see where you will ultimately be.  This does vary from person to person as we all heal differently.  If you have any concerns I would recommend talking to your surgeon about them.  Best wishes on a great result.

What you describe is typical.Expect maximum swelling over the next few days.Much of the swelling will dissipate over the next two weeks. By three months, your results will be close to final, and you can consider your results final at six monthsYou may also experience some lumpiness over the next month or so. This typically resolves over the next few months after that.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.