Does Liposuction in One Area Cause Swelling in Another?

Question

I had liposuction one week ago on my abdomen and back. Of course my stomach has swelling, but I've noticed that my thighs and calves are much thicker now. Does liposuction of the abdomen and back cause swelling in the legs?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Dear QTPie,

	The swelling from liposuction can drift down into your hips and thighs.  This is just simply the effect of gravity.  The swelling will resolve.  Your plastic surgeon should be carefully observing all the swelling to make sure that it is reasonable and resolving appropriately.

	Enjoy your journey,

	Dr. ES

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

After liposuction, gravity will move the abdominal swelling to the pubic area, groin and thighs.  There might be generalized swelling for other reasons including the fluids that were given to you. If you are wearing a compression garment that stops at the mid thighs, then your calves might be swollen because of the restriction above the calves. You shouldn't be taking Motrin or Advil, etc. without asking your surgeon, but if you had for pain, this might cause swelling in the legs.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes, we call this third spacing of fluids and it explains why someone often weighs more after liposuction than before. Any injury causes inflammation which makes your blood vessels leaky and cause fluid to seep into your tissues, even areas that were not operated upon.

John A. Perrotti, MD · Answer

There may be surrounding swelling do to liposuction done in a nearby area, due to gravity and/or due to the amount of wetting solution infused into the tissues at the time of surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling in other parts of the body after liposuction is common especially in areas that are more dependent like the legs and groin region.

Does Liposuction in One Area Cause Swelling in Another?

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Does Liposuction in One Area Cause Swelling in Another?

Answers (6)

Answer: Liposuction Swelling

Answer: Liposuction Swelling

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

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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.