Swelling after liposuction lasts months, typically 3-6 months. After about 2-4 weeks if my patients are following post-op instructions by wearing compression and exercising daily as hard as they can, if there is still swelling i consider giving patients diuretic pills to bring the swelling down. However, its a natural process that takes time to resolve after surgery. It is not uncommon to see the swelling move around, pop up in difference areas at different times, and have different things that trigger it such as salty foods, large amounts of exercise, or strange movements. My suggestion, is that after 10-14 days start exercising very hard at the gym (as long as there is no pain). If you had your abdomen done, do a lot of ab exercises, twists, and cardio -- slowly of course at first. Also wear compression as much as you can, including over night and when you are at home. Spanx during the day is helpful if you cannot wear tighter compression at work. All of this will subside and you will be happy in the long run, just give it time. Twice daily massaging the areas can help, but very lightly. Make sure to confirm with your physician this is everything he/she would want you to be doing. This is what I recommend to my patients. I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.
