Was swimming after lipo a bad idea?

Question

its been three and half weeks from my lipo of my outer thighs and flanks. And I just went swimming for about thirty minutes besides still feeling like I don't see results yet I'm guessing bc of swelling and maybe bc I have a little BDD in general... I am completely bruise free. I've done what I'm suppose to. Lymphatic massages, Lots of h2o, walking, resting , garment 24/7 Did I completely screw myself by swimming for a little bit ?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Swimming right after a surgery is not recommended to prevent infection especially when incisions have not fully healed. However at 3 weeks, exercise is typically recommended to minimize #adhesion between #skin and deeper tissues. Patients are usually already allowed to slowly begin swimming and do other gentle exercises. In your case, swimming for a little bit did not contribute to lack of results.It seems like you are in a good direction with your aftercare but 3 weeks is too soon to see results. It varies greatly between patients. Final #results can usually be seen 2-4 months later as the swelling continues to diminish and contours become more defined, but improvement will continue for 4–6 months as swelling and irregularities resolve. The results can even improve and become more
defined throughout the year after surgery.  If you have any concerns at all about your healing process, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon. Best of luck!#RealSelf100

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that you negatively impacted your results. I recommend following up with your Doctor about their protocol regarding exercise after liposuction. After hi definition liposuction, I recommend waiting 3-4 weeks before beginning to exercise and to stop if there is any discomfort. For liposuction after care, I recommend 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, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Swimming after liposuction is generally not a problem after the incisions have healed over completely (usually 7-10 days).  Swelling after liposuction can last several weeks depending on the amount of fat removed and person to person.  For some patients swelling is gone in a month; for others it can last several months.  However, in every case full results take 6-12 months for completion; although most people are happy with results in 2-3 months.  Best of luck.

Vinod V. Pathy, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It sounds like you have been quite compliant with your prescribed post operative care---and it's unlikely that swimming 3 weeks following liposuction will lead to an adverse cosmetic outcome.  As you've surmised, you will indeed have persistent swelling at 3 weeks post liposuction.  I typically explain to patients that it may take up to 3 months for acute swelling to resolve, and that changes in the contours of your thighs and flanks can continue to occur for up to 12 months following liposuction.  I realize how difficult it is, but you must have patience when it comes to plastic surgery!  Best of luck to you.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your liposuction, nyclife!
In general, you can already swim three weeks after liposuction as long as you’re completely healed. So I don’t think swimming contributed to the lack of results you see.
Three weeks is still too early to see the final results of lipo since there’s still swelling at this time. Swelling will subside around six months to one year, so don’t worry about it for now.
Just make sure that you go for follow-up checkups with your experienced and reputable plastic surgeon.
Best of luck!

Was swimming after lipo a bad idea?

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