2 weeks post-op traditional lipo: is fluid in the abdomen normal, will it be absorbed by the body?

Question

i had traditional liposuction 2 weeks ago. After one week my doctor extract from my lower abdomen the fluid which has been build up and said is normal and i just have to keep the corset very tight and take my antibiotics and everything will be ok. But after one more week the fluid is back. my doctor said it will be absorbed by my body, but i can notice every day is more there, not less. what should i do? thank you

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, 2 weeks is too soon for pain and discomfort to go away because some swelling and bruising may persist for 6–8 weeks. It varies greatly between patients. Final #results can usually be seen 2-4 months later as the swelling continues to diminish and contours become more defined, but improvement will continue for 4–6 months as swelling and irregularities resolve. These contours can even improve throughout the year after surgery.
Be sure that you follow your surgeon's instructions as to caring for yourself during #recovery (such as wearing garments or lymphatic massage) to get better results. If you have any concerns at all about your healing process, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon. 
  
Learn more about recovery for vaser liposuction on the web reference below. Best of luck! 
  #RealSelf100

Calvin Jung, MD · Answer

Hi,
It sounds like you had a small seroma in that area that your surgeon drained via needle decompression.  Seromas can recur and require additional drainage.  If the seroma is small it can be resorbed into the blood by itself which is what it seemed like your doc was talking about.  The area will heal and your end results should not be affected.  It may take longer to get to your end point but you will get there!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, swelling 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

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

This is seroma, it will be absorbed by your body and you will pee in out. Do a manual massage to remove it through your port holes. You should be okay.

2 weeks post-op traditional lipo: is fluid in the abdomen normal, will it be absorbed by the body?

Answers (4)