6 months post op LBL working out with swelling? (Photo)

Question

I had a lower body lift 6m ago and recently began working out again. I had abdominal muscles hidden under loose saggy skin which showed up nicely after most swelling went down. After my work outs I'm feeling like I'm swelling and retaining fluid along my front incision line. Is it normal to have swelling this far post op? Also, am I crazy in thinking that I'm seeing results faster after surgery in my legs and behind? Even my abs seem to be popping out more, aside from the lower swelling.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You have a great result that is way better than what the average patient experiences with body lift surgery. However, it is normal for swelling to occur even as far as 18 months after surgery. At 6 months, you are making better than average progress and the swelling will eventually not come back once your lymphatics have healed. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo:)

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Sxyminx, Thank you for your questions and pictures regarding swelling after exercise six months after a lower body lift.  First of all, congratulations on having undergone a lower body lift! You look great! The swelling you describe after workout is not uncommon after a body lift.  The swelling has to do with circulation of lymphatic fluid. This correct flow may take several months to reestablish.  Swelling is entirely normal and expected even six months after body lift.   In most patients, exercise induced swelling goes away 8 to 12 months after the body lift. During your exercises, I would suggest you wear a compression garment or even a tight Spanx outfit. The garments will help to reduce the swelling by not allowing lymphatic fluid to collect.   If the swelling is really bad, you may want to consider having lymphatic massage. During lymphatic massage, lymph fluid is massaged into your normal tissue, and thus the fluid and swelling is reduced.  In regards to seeing results in your legs and buttocks faster than your abdomen, this could be entirely be possible. I believe seeing your final results has to do with swelling disappearing.  I hope this answers your questions regarding swelling after exercise six months after a lower body lift. If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift or plastic surgery in general, please contact my office at 310-859-7770. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Its difficult to assess what’s causing your pain without a formal review.  If your pain is increasing and you aren't satisfied with your doctor’s assessment arrange for further investigations or a second opinion.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Yes this is normal for the first year. You may want to consider wearing a compression garment when you exercise to reduce the amount of lymphatic fluid that accumulates. You have a great result and it looks like your on the right track, Keep it up!

6 months post op LBL working out with swelling? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after body lift

Answer: Swelling after body lift

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6 months post op LBL working out with swelling? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Swelling after body lift

Answer: Swelling after body lift

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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