Swelling or Weight Gain 3 Weeks After Lipo?

It sounds like swelling. You should wait for a few weeks for the swelling to subside, then you'll be able to see your improvement. In the meantime, it's important that you walk around a bit, drink lots of water and not eat too much salt. These things can help reduce water retention.

your swelling is probably fluid and not fat. Do watch your diet and resume your compression garment if you have stopped or didn't wear one at all. It may take weeks to see less swelling and up to six months to see more retraction and tightness.

Your swelling and lumps will improve over time.  Continue to use your compression garment.  Your absolute final contour may take six months to show.  

Dr. ES

It is normal to gain fluid weight after liposuction. This can be aggravated by your menstrual cycle variations. Occasionally this may be an indication of a seroma which means to be drained. Rarely, physicians may prescribe water pills (diuretics) to help eliminate the fluid. There may be other reasons and therefore you should discuss this with your surgeon

Liposuction usually results in some temporary 'hardening" of the fat operated on. "This goes away over a month or two. It is important to be strict about the diet after liposuction. This is a marvelous opportunity to change eating habits and start on a new life of healthy eating. A poor diet will only lead to the need for more lipo.

Some weight gain may be due to swelling and other weight gain may be due to inactivity.  Give it some time to heal and wait until you can get back in shape at the gym.

When you have had surgery there is swelling that can mimic weight gain so check with your doctor about this.  

However, it is critical for a patient who wants to be happy with their lipo results to be strict with their diet and exercise after surgery.  No way will you like the results if you are actually gaining weight by eating poorly.