Liposuction swelling - how long until it goes down?

Thank you for your question regarding the swelling and lumpy appearance you are experiencing after liposuction on your saddlebags and above your butt.

Swelling is a normal part of the recovery process following liposuction and can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, most of the swelling starts to subside within the first few weeks, but it can take up to three to six months for all swelling to resolve completely. During this time, it's common to experience fluctuations in swelling, especially with activity levels.

The lumpiness you are noticing can be due to several factors. It could be residual swelling, fluid accumulation, or the normal process of scar tissue formation. Sometimes, the uneven removal of fat or the body's response to the surgery can create temporary lumps or bumps. Numbness is also quite common and usually diminishes as the nerves recover over weeks to months.

Since you are six weeks post-operation, here are a few considerations and tips:

Compression Garments: Continue wearing compression garments as recommended by your surgeon. These can help reduce swelling and improve contouring.
Massage: Gentle massage may be advised to help reduce lumpiness and smooth out the area, but always check with your surgeon before starting massage therapy.
Follow-up Appointments: Keep regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress. They can provide personalized advice and interventions if any irregularities persist.
Patience and Care: It's important to give your body time to heal and adapt. Avoid strenuous activities that could exacerbate swelling.
If the lump feels like it moves and is particularly concerning or painful, it's important to discuss this with your surgeon. In rare cases, a seroma (a collection of fluid that builds up under the skin) might form and require medical intervention.

Recovery from liposuction varies, and while it can be concerning to see or feel unevenness, most issues resolve with time as the body heals. However, keeping in touch with your surgeon and addressing any concerns promptly is crucial to ensuring a smooth recovery process.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

You will see the results immediately. However, your shape and figure will continue to improve as your swelling decreases over the next several months. It can take 4-6 months for the swelling to settle down. I've even seen improvement in results at a year out!

Thank you very much for your relevant question. Of course there are interpersonal differences in the experience after liposuction surgery but as a rule of thumb you can say that recovery time will take somewhere between 1 to 3 weeks depending on the amount of fat removed and the areas treated. It is important to have Lymphdrainage massage especially in the first three weeks after the surgery to keep the swelling down. Swelling contributes mostly to the post operativ discomfort. Normally the maximum swelling will be after two weeks. Given that a compression garment is worn and the patient undergoes regular lymph drainage massage after six weeks normally 80% of the swelling has disappeared. However swelling can reoccur and be present up to 6 to 12 months after surgery. Wonderful rest of the day and greetings from the beautiful island of Jamaica.