Should I still have swelling 4 weeks after liposuction of the saddle bags?

Question

Hi I am currently 4 weeks and 4 days post op from liposuction of my saddle bags/outer thighs/banana roll I know I am still swollen to a point. I feel like I should see some sort of results by now I still can not fit into any of my jeans. Is this normal my doctor used closed stitches with a garment I currently am not sure how much was taken.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not unusual to have swelling 4 weeks after liposuction.  It's a bell shaped curve for post liposuction swelling, as with everything else.  In my own practice, I once had an ex-special forces guy come in.  We did liposuction on him on 6 areas on Monday.  By Friday, he had no swelling at all.  I was truly amazed.   I once had a female come in and we did 4 areas of liposuction on her.  In 3 months, using every trick I knew, she still had swelling.  The swelling finally went away after 6 months.  As you can see, liposuction recovery demonstrates a bell shape curve, at least in my practice.  With reference to closing the liposuction incisions rather than leaving them open to drain, it's been my experience that the final results at 6 months are exactly the same, but it is a lot messier, more uncomfortable, and increases the risk of infection to leave the incisions open and draining.  I am sure your plastic surgeon has his or her own tricks for making swelling go down faster, and I suggest you query your plastic surgeon as to whether there are other modalities besides wearing a girdle that might decrease the swelling.That being said, in my practice, we use DMSO which is the world's best anti-inflammatory for taking down bruising and swelling, and also ultrasound (the kind physical therapists use for sore muscles).  Please don't worry.  I have been doing liposuction since 1983 and I know of no cases, mine or other plastic surgeon's , in which the swelling did not go down eventually.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

You should still be swollen, but I am not sure it's appropriate for you to be so swollen that you can't fit into clothing you wore prior to surgery. I would recommend you see your surgeon to review your recovery and see if massage and/or new compression garment might be helpful.Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling can take 3-6 months to fully resolve.  My patients get massage and velashape or venus treatments starting 3-4 weeks after surgery.  Exercise, compression, diuretics, and low dose amphetamines help swelling resolve faster.  I suggest speaking to your physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Your swelling is completely normal.  It may take several months until the final results of the operation are recognized.

Michael Marion, MD · Answer

Hi.  Yes lingering swelling is expected after liposuction.  How long can depend on the person, how much fat was removed and from what area(s).  Compression garments help mitigate the swelling and hopefully speed resolution.  Continue being patient and stay excited about your soon to be revealed results.  All the best.

Robert Graper, MD · Answer

Everyone reacts to surgery differently, but generally 75% of your swelling is gone by 4 weeks but it takes a full 12 weeks to see all the swelling resolve. When the tissue has normal sensation back, does not feel hard of stiff and has the same movement as the tissue around it when you rub it then it is as good as it is going to be. Good luck.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

As a general rule the majority of shrinkage is by 6 weeks, the residual shrinkage can continue for months.I would suggest you follow your plastic surgeons post-op instructions carefully and completely. Time is your friendStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Michael L. Workman, MD (retired) · Answer

The
majority of swelling after liposuction usually decreases over the first three months
so it is not surprising that you still have swelling.   You can also still have some minor swelling
for up to a year following a procedure.  It can be affected by how much fat was removed. In order to
aid in reducing the swelling faster, continue wearing a compression garment on
your lower half.  If you notice an increase in swelling or pain over time
be sure to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Should I still have swelling 4 weeks after liposuction of the saddle bags?

Answers (8)

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