Is swelling of the whole body normal after lipo on back roll, lower and upper abs and flanks?

Question

I woke up and I was very swollen immediately after surgery. I looked as if I gained 15lbs or more and saw absolutely no results everything was bigger than before. 5 days later I still have some swelling in my extremities I put my feet up when I can. My surgeon used 6 bags of fluid. Is this normal?

Francis X. Fleming, MD · Answer

The amount tumescent fluid infiltrated combined with any IV fluids administered during the procedure can lead to temporary fluid overload and swelling in your whole body. The elevated cortisol levels after surgery also can cause fluid retention. Typically by post op day #3 your body will begin to get rid of the excess fluid through the kidneys.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Swelling after liposuction is universal and peaks after day 2 or 3, with gradual resolution thereafter.  We sometimes see whole body edema persisting, and which is successfully treated with medication.  Best to see your surgeon.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling is quite
common after any type of cosmetic surgery or invasive procedure. The majority
of “swelling” usually dissipates by 6 weeks. There are several ways to minimize swelling,
including limiting your exercise, wearing your compression garment effectively
and adhering to a high protein diet which benefits the healing process. In some
cases, lymphatic massage may be beneficial. Please follow up with your board-certified
plastic surgeon.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Swelling of the whole body after any surgery can happen.During surgery, you are given IV fluids that
can increase swelling.If tumescent
technique liposuction was used, large amounts of fluids are injected into
surgical areas prior to the liposuction and it is not uncommon for these fluids
to spread throughout other areas of the body.However, it is very important to follow up with your surgeon to ensure
the swelling is not related to another cause.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal after liposuction, How much swelling is too much, that is hard to say without an exam. Best to discuss with your surgeon.

Is swelling of the whole body normal after lipo on back roll, lower and upper abs and flanks?

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling of the whole body after any surgery can happen.

Answer: Swelling of the whole body after any surgery can happen.

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

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Is swelling of the whole body normal after lipo on back roll, lower and upper abs and flanks?

Answers (8)

Answer: Swelling of the whole body after any surgery can happen.

Answer: Swelling of the whole body after any surgery can happen.

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

Answer: Swelling after liposuction

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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.