Swelling weight gain after 360 body lift

Question

I am 10 days removed from 360 body lift. I had 4-5 lbs of skin removed, I was fairly lean (150 lb weight loss) and Lopo suction as well. My stomach and abdomen look awesome, however my love handles and back have become swollen and my inner thighs are swollen as well. I saw dr and he said he expected this as be did a lot of undermining and Lypo as well. I am up about 10 lbs post surgery. I assume this is all normal and will subside, but wanted to see what is typical.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

To have this kind of weight gain after your extensive surgery is completely normal. I tell my liposuction and body lifting patients to not even get on scales for several weeks because swelling is so heavy. It seems to be a mental compulsion to weigh yourself when you have been working so hard to lose weight. Resist the temptation and enjoy your new shape as the swelling [and pounds] slowly disappear. Good luck.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear CFISHER73 in Nashville,

Congratulations on your recent 360° circumferential lower body lift and the removal of 5 pounds of excess skin. It's a significant achievement, and it's natural to have questions about the recovery process, particularly regarding swelling and weight changes.

Swelling Post-Surgery:

Experiencing swelling after a 360 circumferential lower body lift is entirely normal. This is especially true if your procedure included liposuction, which often results in additional swelling.
On average, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the majority of the swelling to subside, though individual recovery times can vary.
Ways to Accelerate Swelling Reduction:

Compression Garments: Utilizing medical-grade compression garments can significantly help in reducing swelling. It's important to wear them as directed by your surgeon.
Lymphatic Massage: Many plastic surgeons recommend lymphatic massage starting around the two or three-week mark post-liposuction to facilitate the removal of excess fluid.
Weight Fluctuations:

The weight gain you're experiencing is likely due to the swelling. As the swelling decreases over the next several weeks, you should see a corresponding reduction in weight.
Recovery Expectations:

By 10 to 12 weeks post-surgery, most of the swelling should have resolved, giving you a clearer picture of the final results of your procedure.
Please ensure to follow up with your plastic surgeon for personalized advice and to address any concerns during your recovery.

I hope this information reassures you about the normalcy of your current experience and aids in your recovery journey. Wishing you a smooth and successful healing process.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

I tell my body lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction patients not to weigh themselves for many weeks after their operations.When your body undergoes a major operation, its response is to hold on to fluids.Therefore, with the edema (swelling) that is expected with major operations, your weight will definitely go up.With time, your body will rid itself of this excess fluid, and your weight will return to less than what it was pre-operatively due to the excess fat and skin that was removed during your procedure. Hang in there, and be patient!

Amy Simon, MD, FACS · Answer

Recovering from a lower body lift takes time. My Melbourne, Florida, body lift patients
have many of the same concerns; however, thankfully with time all of these things
tend to resolve on their own. Definitely
follow closely with your board-certified plastic surgeon. I hope this information is helpful to you. Best of luck!

Morris Ritz, MB, BCh, FRACS · Answer

This is very normal. You need to give it time to settle down and don't weigh yourself at this point. Concentrate on recovering and you will get there.

Swelling weight gain after 360 body lift

Answers (6)

Answer: Recovering After Lower Body Lift in Melbourne, Florida

Answer: Recovering After Lower Body Lift in Melbourne, Florida

Answer: Swelling and weight gain post surgery

Answer: Swelling and weight gain post surgery

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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

Swelling weight gain after 360 body lift

Answers (6)

Answer: Recovering After Lower Body Lift in Melbourne, Florida

Answer: Recovering After Lower Body Lift in Melbourne, Florida

Answer: Swelling and weight gain post surgery

Answer: Swelling and weight gain post surgery

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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