Love handles feel more squishy. No pain after liposuction. Still there (Photo)

Question

Hi i had lipo on upper and lower abdomen and flanks. I am 12 days post op everything seems to be changing but although initially there was bruising alot of it on my love handles they look big and normal as they were before while my tummy is hard and swollen. Did he forget to do them? Also my lower abdomen has almost gone its still hard but does that mean it will go completely? Its lumpy and it hurts. However with no pain on lovehandles im worried he might not have done them why r theysoft?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is still very early in the healing stages you will be swollen for about 4-6 weeks just give it time to go down and continue to wear your garment and see your PS to discuss your concerns.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It still too early to see the results of liposuction. After Liposuction, there is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The later phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. You have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jaron McMullin, MD · Answer

You have several good questions and normal concerns. The love handles were likely suctioned given the fact you report that your love handles had a lot of bruising. The lumpy/pain/soft/hard/swollen areas can all be normal, but yet very different even though it was the same surgery (liposuction) treating each area. Continue to follow up with you PS as sometimes there can be a reason that something feels different, like a little bit of fluid under the skin, and this may benefit from removing the fluid through a needle. Firm areas often benefit from massage, but again see your PS for the timing of starting this and recommendations about how firm to rub. Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At 12 days out, your tissues are likely pretty swollen and you have to give it 4-6 months for it to settle down.

Love handles feel more squishy. No pain after liposuction. Still there (Photo)

Answers (5)