How Long Does It Take for Bloating After Liposuction to Go Away?

It takes a minimum of three to six months for the swelling to resolve after liposuction in the areas liposuctioned.  It takes almost a year for all of the swelling to resolve. The swelling in your ankles is likely a natural response to surgery.  If you have pain, discomfort or more swelling in one leg versus the other, return to see your surgeon immediately to make sure that you do not have a blood clot in your leg.

The duration for bloating after liposuction to subside can vary among individuals. In general, it may take a few weeks to several months for swelling and bloating to diminish. However, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments for guidance of your recovery progress.

Thank you for your question.

The swelling is part of the healing process.  I ask my liposuction patients to wear a compression garment for 4 weeks post op surgery to help with the swelling.  The swelling can take months to subside and even longer for skin to “redrape".  At that point you will see the final results. 

Best Wishes.

Swelling, or bloating as you phrase it, is a given after liposuction. What you are seeing at your ankles and lower legs may be related to a constrictive or tight garment which is impeding the fluid outflow from these areas. You should discuss this situation with your surgeon. some modifications may be able to be made. 

It can take several weeks for much of the swelling to subside and up to one year for it to maximally resolve.

Swelling after liposuction is normal.  This usually is worst during the first week or two and then subsides over the first few months. Acitivity may make it worse.

You should call and let your surgeon know what is going on.  I always encourage my patients to get in touch with me if they have any concerns, at any time.   Every patient gets my cell phone number after surgery - it provides ease of mind for both of us.

Depending on the technique that your surgeon used, there is often a lot of fluid is used for liposuction, and as your body tries to deal with the extra fluid, some of it can end up in areas like the legs and ankles, due to gravity.  Wearing a compression garment as instructed, doing some light walking, and keeping your legs and feet elevated while resting can help reduce the swelling.

But please do call your surgeon and make sure that you are seen.  Although it's probably just normal postoperative swelling (and not fat that has transferred elsewhere), you also want your surgeon to make sure that you haven't developed blood clots deep in your legs that can be dangerous.

It is not unusual to have swelling or bloating of the lower legs and ankles in the first few days after liposuction.  In most cases this will resolve with time and elevation, and does not represent fat that has shifted or moved from other parts of the body.  However, do check with your surgeon.  If your compression garments are too tight, they can sometimes aggravate this swelling.  It may also be beneficial to limit your salt intake as this too can prolong swelling.