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

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. 

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

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!

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.

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

How much swelling you have depends on the magnitude of surgery (how many body sites?  how many liters?), the amount of tumescent injected into your tissues, the type of liposuction (ultrasonic, laser, vaser, power assisted), and your overall health, as well as other factors.  Even with more limited procedures, it would be expected that you would still be swollen 4 weeks later.  For larger procedures, changes are notable even between the pictures I take at 6 and 9 months.  As for dieting, now is not the right time.  You need the calories to heal!  Hope you recovery continues to progress well. 

You most likely still have post op swelling, it can last for 6 weeks, avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks, or swelling may return, check in with your surgeon. Be sure to avoid salt and all salty foods. Stay hydrated. Good luck!

Jolie,Congrats on having the procedure.  You are still early in the recovery phase and swelling will continue to resolve over the next 3-5 months.  Facial swelling at 4 weeks is very strange.  You can try exercising, reducing salt intake and consider dieting as many patients are not as active immediately post op and can gain a few pounds.If these suggestions do not cause the facial edema to resolve in a week or two, consult your plastic surgeon or private doctor.  Stay away from water pills right now as they also have undesirable electrolyte issues.Good luck with continued healing.Dr T

At 4 weeks you are likely pretty swollen.   Most swelling will go down in about 6-8 weeks but you will likely have residual swelling for 4-6 months longer.