10 days post-op is it normal to still have pain and seem deformed? (photos)

Question

I had lipo done on 5/15 and since then I have had soooo much pain and have not been able to go back to work. I have been back to my doctor twice since then to have the fluid drain because they had stopped draining less than 24 hrs after the surgery. I have my lower/upper abdomen, bra rows and waist done. I know its to soon to see the full results but I'm concerned because my body looks deformed and still experiencing pain from all the swelling. Is this normal for 10 days in?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear anbus2007,
you can have swelling and some pain in this early postoperative period, but there should be no major discomfort. I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gregg Kennedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for this challenging question. You don’t say whether you had liposuction by itself or assisted by laser or ultrasound energy. In the usual case, tumescent anesthesia injected into your fatty deposits reduces operative and postoperative pain to very low levels.  It is unusual to require pain medication after most liposuction. Be sure you carefully follow up with your surgeon to get the best postoperative care.
Best to you, Gregg Kennedy, MD

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and
welcome to our forum!
Congratulations
on your recent procedure...The procedure of liposuction is an
"insult" to the soft tissues, resulting in swelling which will initially
totally obscure the operative result. The
purpose of a compression garment is to prevent bleeding and to control
swelling. We usually recommend its use for the first 4-6 weeks after the
procedure. 60-80%
of the swelling should subside within the first 6 weeks, with the remainder
slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
Postoperative discomfort levels vary widely. Some are back to normal activities at 2-3 weeks....others 3-6 weeks! It is not unusual to still experience significant discomfort  and swelling 10 days after surgery. It appears that your doctor has been draining fluid ( a seroma?) from the operative site on two separate occasions. 
It will get better soon!
Continue
followup care with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

it is important to be active and moving after your Smartlipo. You might be a bit sore after 10 days but you are definitely having much more pain than is normal. I have done over 900 Smartlipo cases and I can't recall anyone complaining this much so far out. i would also add, that you need to realize that it is a partnership. if you want to get good results, you absolutely need to decrease your total body fat, through better eating and dieting. see my web site for low carb diet and ketone supplements.remember you will continue to improve for 6 months after Smartlipo. I don't see anything in your photos that alarms me. i doubt you have a seroma. i have never seen one after Smartlipo. david berman md

Robert L. True, MD, FACOG, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

Your photos suggest that you had Vaser liposuction for it seems as though you may have some seromas together with persistent pain. The seromas need to be drained if present. You should get evaluated by your surgeon as soon as you can.

10 days post-op is it normal to still have pain and seem deformed? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: It is very unusual to have so much pain after 10 days after Smartlipo

Answer: It is very unusual to have so much pain after 10 days after Smartlipo

Answer: Fluid areas

Answer: Fluid areas

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Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

10 days post-op is it normal to still have pain and seem deformed? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: It is very unusual to have so much pain after 10 days after Smartlipo

Answer: It is very unusual to have so much pain after 10 days after Smartlipo

Answer: Fluid areas

Answer: Fluid areas

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.