Swollen After Lipo on Legs

Question

I had liposuction on my legs (inner thighs, outer thighs, knees, calve, ankles. My weigh before surgery, 121 lb, 5'6'. After surgery my weight 130 pounds although my hips were noticeable slimmer (my legs were the same size I had before). Now, one week after surgery, I am double my size and weigh 125. I am extremely swollen and deformed. When will I be able to see results? It seems I'll be worst than before!!

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

It is normal to swell after liposuction. There are alot of swelling changes that go on and it can take 6-8 weeks before all of that is resolved. The goal is to wear some good compression garments to help smooth everything out over time. Just be patient and you will get there.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Patients undergoing liposuction
will inevitably develop swelling following this procedure. During the procedure, the liposuction cannula
is passed through the subcutaneous tissue. This causes disruption of the lymphatic channels and cellular injury,
which causes swelling.Significant
improvement in swelling can be seen in the first three weeks following surgery,
with the majority gone in about three months.Small amounts of swelling may persist up to a year following surgery. We
generally recommend the use of compression support garments for about three
weeks following surgery.We also
recommend a low-salt diet before and after liposuction.Exercise is usually started early in the
post-operative period, and we want patients to ambulate as soon as possible
following surgery. Massage
is also helpful.It decreases swelling
by mobilizing retained fluid following liposuction.All of these steps help to minimize the
duration of swelling following surgery.In
your case, your swelling is normal and should resolve with time.Compression, massage, ambulation and low-salt
intake will hopefully help you get there sooner.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Swelling after Liposuction on LegsBruising and swelling are normal in the suctioned areas and usually increase slightly after the removal of any tape or foam. The bruising will decrease over 3-4 weeks, but may last as long as 6 weeks. The majority of the swelling will be gone within the first 3-4 weeks. However it may take 6-9 months to disappear completely. The compression garment helps reduce the swelling, and the longer it is worn, the more quickly the process will proceed. See your plastic surgeon and let them know any concerns you have.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

swelling on the legs and ankles and calves after liposuction is significant and prolonged. compression garments should be measured. Leg elevation helps periodically. the swelling you notice is temporary but make sure you follow up with your surgeon.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal after liposuction but its sounds like you may have a bit more than expected.  The key is to take it easy, dont do too much and to wear the compression garment for 6-8 weeks.  Even after then there is still some residual swelling that will resolve over the next 2-3 months.

	Good luck.

Swollen After Lipo on Legs

Answers (10)