5 weeks post-op. Is the soft spot on my abdomen leftover fat that didn’t get liposuctioned? (photo)

Question

I’m 5 weeks post op from lipo. I have this soft spot on my stomach that doesn’t go away no matter how much I compress. Could it be left over fat? I also have a spot (is circled)on the skin that looks irregular (arrow)and hard could it be fibrosis? I get massages and self massage in between. And I also have a knot on my stomach. Not to hard and not soft. It came when my compression was uneven but know it won’t seem to go away no matter what I do. Is there something I can do for this?

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Inventive9972I appreciate your concern, however it is still early in your postoperative recovery journey. It appears from your description and photo that you are experiencing normal postoperative signs and symptoms after liposuction. All swelling and skin retraction needs to occur prior to full assessment of your results. This can take as long as six months. Try to stay patient and positive and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Having before and after photos would be helpful in responding.  Swelling can figure prominently into liposuction  The results are typically observed immediately following surgery, and then there is a period of swelling that can persist for 3 to 6 months and sometimes longer.  Try to avoid salt and drink plenty of fluids.  Give yourself more time to evaluate final results.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Schmid, MD · Answer

At 5 weeks you still have some swelling that will continue to improve.  Give it 3-6 months until you assess the final result.  In the mean time you are doing all the right things by continuing compression and getting massages. Follow up with your surgeon closely and continue the good postoperative care.

5 weeks post-op. Is the soft spot on my abdomen leftover fat that didn’t get liposuctioned? (photo)

Answers (3)