How long does it take to heal after laser Lipo?

Question

I had laser Lipo on my lower stomach up to u my ribs nearly seven months ago (2/21/18) and still see fat pockets. My stomach isn’t smooth like I thought it should. I heard healing can take up to a year. Is there anything I can do to help this? Or is this normal?

Mark Edward Hennessy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. As you mentioned, some patients have to wait one year before they are able to see improvement. You should follow your doctor's recommendations regarding lymphatic massage, ultrasound therapy, downsizing of your garment, and diet and exercise. Hopefully, this finds you improving.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You may still have some residual swelling. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. Laser liposuction needs a combination approach to get the most improvement. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. However, a VASER liposuction procedure may be needed to get the most toned result. Best, Dr. Emer

Navin K. Singh, MD · Answer

Recovery time can depend on what areas and how many areas were treated. Swelling can take several months to subside. To help get rid of any residual swelling you may have, you can reduce your salt intake, continue to wear a compression garment, and keep massaging the area.

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

For most patients, swelling will be reduced by about 70% during the 1st month, 90% by the 3rd month, and usually swelling has resolved by the 6th month. Your doctor made some little opening holes to perform the LaserLipo and It can make a difference whether the doctor left the little holes open which allows more of the swelling to exit the body in the 1st 1-2 days prior to the treatment or the holes could have been closed which means the swelling reduction will occur internally and can take longer to resolve.  Sometimes the skin is still tightening (I have seen this take up to a year) and can be mistaken for residual fat and sometimes there still can be small areas of residual fat still present. I would strongly suggest returning to your treating doctor for recheck photos and to be assessed for what is causing the area of concern. Sometimes it is necessary to combine treatments to get the best results. The good news is that there are treatment methods such as CoolSculpting which can treat any residual fat pockets if present, as well as skin tightening methods if that is the problem, so you can achieve a smooth abdomen. Best wishes, Mary Beth Mudd

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
There are various possible causes of residual lumpiness following liposuction. As you are 7 months out, there may still be residual swelling (which can last up to a year). There could be residual localized pockets of fat. An uneven surface can be caused by oversuctioning. There could be lax skin.
If it is due to swelling, many individuals will respond to non-surgical ultrasound, radiofrequency energy treatments, and lymphatic massage.
If due to residual pockets of fat, a secondary procedure may be required after one year.
Express your concerns to your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

I recommend my patients wear their garment for weeks.  Also, massage the area as well as getting back into exercise within the first few weeks after surgery.  Follow up with your surgeon for an in person evaluation in the event you require revision surgery.

How long does it take to heal after laser Lipo?

Answers (6)

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