Seroma or swelling? I am 3 weeks post abdominal lipo. My lower abs have always been the most bruised, tender and swollen (photo)

Swelling post-lipo can persist for months, so it's important to be on the right after care protocols. I recommend following up with your physician about their suggested after care protocol. I have my patients wear compression for 3 to 6 weeks straight then overnight for 3-6 months after their procedure. I suggest 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; truSculpt iD, Exilis, Forma, and Venus Legacy for additional skin tightening; and Cellutone / ZWave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance.
It will take 6 to 12 months to see the final outcome. Ultimately, if you are unhappy with your results, please speak to your physician and ensure that he/she was a full body VASER Hi-Definition liposuction physician with extensive experience in contouring and body shaping -- and not just traditional fat reduction. You can always get a revision procedure by an expert if needed. Best, Dr. Emer

Many thanks for the question and pictures.
As you state, it is very difficult to comment on just the photos and advise accurately without an in-person examination.
It is fair to say that your swelling appears minimal from the pictures and that it can take months for the swelling to settle post-lipo. I would therefore advise that you follow your Board Certified Surgeon's post-op protocols.
Should you have a seroma, then it is usual for small serums to resolve by reabsorption. Larger ones I recommend to get drained, often more than once should they recur - they quite often do.
Ultimately, I appreciate that you said your Doctor isn't local, but for the sake of your sanity and ultimately the final result of your procedure, I would advise that you make a trip to see them. Failing that you have lots of good board certified Plastic Surgeons in and around the New London area and elsewhere in Connecticut that you can go and see for advice/help.
I wish you well.
Marcus