4 weeks post op lipo. I feel as if I gained weight and my face is puffy. Am I still swollen?

Question

I am wondering if I am still just swollen from the lipo? How do I get the swelling down? And I am wondering, if I should embark on a diet, (What should I cut out of my diet) and if so, what would be the best option? Or is it too soon?

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After liposuction, there is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The later phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. It's best to follow your surgeons specific advice post-operatively. We typically have our patients wear compression garments on the areas we did liposuction to help the skin and underlying tissues re-adhere as well as reduce swelling.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, you have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. 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. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Jolie_1,Thank you for your question. You are still early in the post op healing phase, and swelling will continue to get better with time. This can take up to six months. In regards to your facial swelling, check with your operating surgeon. Swelling in the area that was operated on is common, however it is odd that your face is puffy. This may be due to decreased activity, or even salt in your diet. Best of luck with your healing!

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!Four weeks is very early. It is likely you can start exercising regularly - ask your surgeon. Healthy diet. low salt will potentially bring puffiness down. It's best to try to get to a healthy lifestyle and allow for time.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Swelling can figure prominently into liposuction after a few weeks.  If you can maintain your weight, then you will not gain additional fat just because of liposuction and the results will be long-lasting.  The areas that are liposuctioned are less likely to become large, and any additional increases in fat weight will redistribute.  To be sure, all of the effects of liposuction on lipid metabolism have not been worked out.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

4 weeks post op lipo. I feel as if I gained weight and my face is puffy. Am I still swollen?

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Answer: 4 weeks post lipo and puffy

Answer: 4 weeks post lipo and puffy

Answer: 4 weeks post op lipo. I feel as if I gained weight and my face is puffy. Am I still swollen?

Answer: 4 weeks post op lipo. I feel as if I gained weight and my face is puffy. Am I still swollen?

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4 weeks post op lipo. I feel as if I gained weight and my face is puffy. Am I still swollen?

Answers (9)

Answer: 4 weeks post lipo and puffy

Answer: 4 weeks post lipo and puffy

Answer: 4 weeks post op lipo. I feel as if I gained weight and my face is puffy. Am I still swollen?

Answer: 4 weeks post op lipo. I feel as if I gained weight and my face is puffy. Am I still swollen?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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