How long after liposuction are pain and swelling normal?

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 subside. I've even seen results continue to refine over the first year!

Hello and thank you for posting your question. Five days is very early, so you are well within the norm. Swelling, discomfort and or pain will vary patient to patient. It will depend, most importantly, on the amount of lipo done and on post-op care.
Most of my patients can return to work after about a week or so, sometimes even less. That is not to say there is no discomfort and swelling, but it is just very manageable after a week. Some swelling can last for months. Technically speaking, there is some swelling (usually minimal) even after 6 moths. It could take up to a year before tissue is back to normal. 
Compression garments help avoid and control swelling as do lymphatic massages. Every surgoen has their own handbook on this, so make sure to ask your plastic surgeon about massages and garments.
Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Thank you for your question. Bruising and swelling tends to go within 3 weeks. Swelling will continue to go down over time. Final results will show within 6 to 12 months.