I'm 6 months post liposuction and I have fluid in my lower back. When will it go away? (Photo)

Question

I had liposuction done on my love handles, stomach and lower back a little over 6 months ago. Over time, fluid has developed in my lower back making the results less dramatic. I especially notice it when I arch my back and it forms a roll of skin. My doctor keeps saying it will go away with time and I don't know what my options are or what I should look into. Thanks!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This looks more like loose skin and fibrosis, but I suggest seeing an expert for an evaluation.  Fluid after 6 months is rare.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  I can see your area of concern but would counsel you to first ensure that you are dealing with a seroma versus swelling or loose skin.  If your plastic surgeon can confirm the seroma through physical exam or ultrasound then treatment would involve drawing off this fluid and compression therapy to try and minimize the chance of recurrence.  If the fluid has been present for a long time your body may have walled it off behind an area of scar tissue that may need to be surgically removed for definite treatment.  Continue to voice your concern to your surgeon and if their answer is not what you anticipate, seek a second opinion.  Hope this helps.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

How do you know it is fluid? Has your surgeon aspirated it? Did you do an ultrasound? If it IS fluid, at six months it likely has developed a lining (bursa) around it and is not likely at all to go away and would require surgery to attempt to correct.This may well also just represent excess skin and/or fat in which case either nothing or different surgery may be indicated.First issue is to DOCUMENT whether or not it is a fluid collection.

I'm 6 months post liposuction and I have fluid in my lower back. When will it go away? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

I'm 6 months post liposuction and I have fluid in my lower back. When will it go away? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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