Should I still be swelling 6 months post abdominal lipo? (Photo)

Question

It's been 6 months since I had my upper & lower abdomen lipo. My progress has been pretty good up until a month or so ago. I had 5 liters removed from my stomach 6 months ago. I'm now noticing my upper abdomen is round and distended on most days. It's hard to the touch as though I am pregnant

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting photos along with your question. Although it can take swelling about 6-12 months to completely resolve it typically gets better with time and not worse. I can see a difference between your 4 month photos and the ones after and do see that you seem to be more distended. You should make an appointment to re-visit your plastic surgeon so he/she can determine whether there is anything besides normal swelling going on. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck!Ankur Mehta MD

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

By six months after liposuction your surgical swelling should be resolved.  Your four month photo looks better than your six month photo.   
It's possible you have gained some weight, which appears to be intraabdominal. This means it is around your organs, not under the skin where it can be reached with liposuction.   You will know if you have gained weight. I would expect your weight to be down a bit after 5 L of liposuction.
Your description is also fitting with pregnancy, but you would know more details about this related to  yourself than I would.
I encourage you to follow up with your plastic surgeon to  have your abdomen examined to ensure there is no other reason unrelated to the liposuction that is causing the swelling.
Best of luck to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Majority of swelling should resolve by 6 months but some patients do have swelling that can take almost a year to fully resolve. Best to follow up with your plastic surgeon so you can be properly evaluated in person.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!! 
  
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.  
  
By this time, 6 months after your surgery the swelling should be gone. It is important a personal evaluation to determinate your condition. Please contact your surgeon and discuss with him all your concerns. 
 Good luck :)

Morris Ritz, MB, BCh, FRACS · Answer

Liposuction swelling does take a long time to settle down. Especially with a large volume like what you had. I would recommend you go back to your surgeon to discuss your concerns.

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