My Results from Tumescent Liposuction After 3 Weeks Do Not Look a Difference from Before?

Question

I just had tumescent liposuction 3 weeks ago and a week prior, I notice better results in my abdomen, but I was still really swollen so I figured it would still subside. But this week, I look so bloated and I feel very little swelling which scares me because this looks like my final results. I have had the traditional liposuction years ago and after 2 weeks, my stomach was flat and it stayed for a couple of years until I gained weight. Did my liposuction not work this time?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s
not unusual for patients to suffer significant swelling in the post-operative
period.  When severe swelling is
present, results are often hard to see following
tumescent liposuction.  In some
cases, swelling can actually make patients look worse than they did before
surgery.  In most cases, swelling
resolves in 3 to 4 weeks following treatment, but in some cases may persist for
3 to 4 months following this procedure.

The
vast majority of patients are able to see improvement in 3 to 4 weeks.  In rare cases resolution of swelling
may require longer periods of time. 
Under these circumstances it’s important to continue the use of compression
garments.  In addition, low salt
diets, massage and resumption of physical activity can help minimize swelling
as well.

Prolonged
swelling following tumescent liposuction can obscure the results of this
procedure in the immediate post-operative period.  For this reason it’s important to be patient and maintain
good communication with your surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You are a bit early to determine long term results. If after 3 to 6 months you have not noticed a difference, find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of liposuction procedures each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Fluid sequestration in  fat for several weeks after liposuction is common particularly when tumescent fluid is used to prepare the fat for surgery. This will gradually resolve as the weeks pass.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Don't worry! Many patients do not see significant results for 4-6 weeks. However, it takes 6-12 Months to see the final result. It takes a long time for swelling to fully resolve. In the meantime maintain a stable steady weight and exercise.

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

It's very common to have swelling off and on after liposuction. IT might take a few weeks to even months before u see any results.

My Results from Tumescent Liposuction After 3 Weeks Do Not Look a Difference from Before?

Answers (5)