Still swollen 6 mo after lipo, should I wear compression garment? (photos)

Question

I was not really fat before my surgery, I just had a little contouring. Despite 6 months having passed since surgery-I am still swollen on my lower back and when I sit and lean forward I have rolls. I've read that compression garments help with swelling but not with stretched skin. I had the most amount of fat in my gut and my gut is super tight (no rolls and no skin to pull)...so what should I do? I do look more shapely after I take off my compression...does that mean I should keep it on?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend patients wear their garments 6-18 months after. For after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. I recommend Vanquish to all my post-liposuction patients, which you can have now.  After liposuction, I also recommend exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. We start treatments 3-4 weeks after liposuction.  It really appears like you got a good result with liposuction but have loose skin, which can be improved with these body treatments. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry,  I am a big believer in compression wear in reducing swelling but I agree I do not think it will reduce any of the loose skin further.

Alexander George, MCh · Answer

Thank you for your query. It is unusual to find swelling that persist  6 months after liposuction. Use of compression garments therefore will not be very helpful 6 month after liposuction. You could try alternate non invasive methods for skin tightening as I don't feel that surgical options are warranted.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling can last up to an year sometimes. You can wear garment also. Most important is to talk to your PS and evaluation see if it is really a swelling or not.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

If you truly are and remain swollen after six months then I would recommend the use of a compressive garment but in my practice I normally see swelling resolution by six months in nearly every patient.  I am not sure why my experience is different from the other surgeons, but wonder if you had more aggressive techniques including either ultrasound or laser technology that require a longer recovery.Discuss your recovery with your treating surgeon since that physician knows what is normally expected with the technique that he/she uses.  Best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd

Still swollen 6 mo after lipo, should I wear compression garment? (photos)

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Answer: Swelling after Lipo

Answer: Swelling after Lipo

Answer: Still swollen 6 mo after lipo, should I wear compression garment?

Answer: Still swollen 6 mo after lipo, should I wear compression garment?

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Still swollen 6 mo after lipo, should I wear compression garment? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Swelling after Lipo

Answer: Swelling after Lipo

Answer: Still swollen 6 mo after lipo, should I wear compression garment?

Answer: Still swollen 6 mo after lipo, should I wear compression garment?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.