Normal to Gain Weight After Tumescent Lipo? (photo)

Weight gain can occur following liposuction and is attributed to swelling and fluid retention. Since you are still early on in your recovery period, you can expect to experience this type of swelling. Most of the swelling will be gone in 2-3 weeks, but some firmness can last for a couple of months. You can assess your results at about the three or four month mark. You should ask your surgeon about this, however I generally recommend patients wear their compression garment day and night for 3 weeks then another 3 weeks during the day only.Reduce salt intake and drink plenty of fluids to encourage going to the washroom regularly. This can help.

                  It’s
not unusual for patients to have significant swelling following tumescent
liposuction.  This occurs for a
variety of reasons.  Patients are
typically given significant amounts of tumescent fluid and I.V. fluids during
their surgical procedure.  In
addition, the body responds to trauma or surgery by retaining fluid as a
protective mechanism.

                  Under
these circumstances, patients can see significant weight gain from fluid
retention following tumescent liposuction.  This weight gain typically peaks 5 to 7 days following
surgery and in most cases resolves spontaneously.

                  In
your case a twelve pound weight gain would not be unanticipated
following this type of procedure. 
If you’re anxious about this phenomena discussion with your surgeon is
appropriate.  Your surgeon should
be able to reassure you and make your post-operative experience more
comfortable.

     There will be weight gain following liposuction temporarily due to retention of fluid and swelling.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA